How to become a Freight Forwarder
Arranges collection of imported cargo from customs and bond stores, and accepts and prepares shipments of cargo for domestic or international destinations.
Main tasks
- Examines shipping documents and verifies cargo to be released
- Records customs clearance requirements and authorises collection of cargo
- Receives details of outgoing cargo, and arranges bookings of freight space and collection or delivery of goods
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in International Freight Forwarding (Operator) (TLI31321); Certificate IV in International Freight Forwarding (Senior Operator) (TLI40221); Diploma of International Freight Forwarding (TLI50119)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $88,764 a year
- About 46,500 people work in this job group now, and about 51,400 are projected by 2035. (+10.7%)
- Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
Related jobs
- Production Coordinator (Logistics)
- Logistics Officer
- Order Clerk
- Procurement Officer
- Purchasing Officer
- Stock Clerk
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Freight Forwarder?
Ways in include: Certificate III in International Freight Forwarding (Operator); Certificate IV in International Freight Forwarding (Senior Operator).
How much does a Freight Forwarder earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $88,764 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Freight Forwarder a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 46,500 to about 51,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Freight Forwarder?
Not always. 30% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in International Freight Forwarding (Operator); Certificate IV in International Freight Forwarding (Senior Operator).
Will AI change the work of a Freight Forwarder?
Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04