Freight Forwarder Resume Example and Template
Freight forwarders prove expertise through volume moved, countries served, and regulatory compliance. Highlight shipments coordinated, regions served, documentation mastered, and your track record with customs clearance and on-time international delivery.
Freight companies hiring forwarders want regulatory competence and international experience. Lead with shipment volume, countries you've worked with, customs expertise, and your ability to navigate complex international trade.
A complete, realistic Freight Forwarder resume, laid out in an ATS-tested template. The candidate is illustrative: the name, employers and figures were written for this example and identify no real person, so you can copy its structure and wording freely.
Updated September 2026
Also searched as
International Freight Forwarder, Freight Coordinator
Andrew Foster: Freight Forwarder
Los Angeles, California, United States
Summary
Experienced freight forwarder with 8 years of international shipping and customs expertise. Coordinated 300+ ocean and air shipments monthly across 45+ countries. Specialized in compliance, tariff classification, and documentation for complex international transactions. Managed relationships with shipping lines, brokers, and clients valued at 12 million dollars annually.
Work Experience
International Freight Forwarder, Global Trade Logistics
Feb 2018 – Present. Full-service freight forwarder, 60+ employees, 2 million annual shipments
- Coordinated 300+ ocean and air freight shipments monthly across 45+ countries in Americas, Europe, and Asia
- Managed customs documentation and compliance for complex international shipments including hazmat, agricultural, and equipment
- Maintained relationships with shipping lines and brokers managing annual volume of 12 million dollars
- Reduced average international shipment lead time by 4 days through route optimization and carrier partnerships
Freight Coordinator, Pacific International Shipping
Jun 2016 – Jan 2018. Import-export freight services, serving Southern California region
- Processed customs documentation for 150+ monthly shipments, maintaining 100 percent compliance with CBP requirements
- Communicated with clients, brokers, and carriers to track shipments and resolve delivery exceptions
- Entered tariff classifications and managed manifests for exports to Mexico and Central America
Education
California State University Long Beach
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration. Sep 2012 – May 2016
Skills
International shipping, Customs documentation, Tariff classification, Ocean freight, Air freight, Carrier management, Compliance, Hazmat documentation
Languages
English, Spanish
Certificates and Awards
- U.S. Customs Broker License Exam, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 2020
Why this look works
Freight forwarding is global and regulated. A professional, international-looking template conveys expertise and compliance orientation. Navy or deep blue with clean lines reflects the seriousness of customs and regulatory work.
Resume tips for this job
- Lead with countries served and shipment volume. '300+ shipments across 45 countries' immediately establishes your international scope.
- Highlight compliance and documentation expertise. Customs knowledge is your core credential. Mention CBP compliance, tariff classification, or hazmat certification.
- Show carrier and client relationships. Freight forwarding is relationship-based. Mention annual volumes managed and shipper count to show your book of business.
Common questions
Should I mention specific countries or trade lanes?
Yes, it's valuable. Say things like 'shipments to 45+ countries including Mexico, Canada, and Asia' or 'specialized in China-to-US trade.' Geographic expertise is marketable.
Is a customs broker license required?
Not for a forwarder role, but it's a strong credential. If you've passed the exam or hold a license, mention it prominently. Many forwarders pursue broker licensing for career advancement.