Freight forwarder: tasks and pay
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As a freight forwarder, you organise the international transport of goods by air, road, water and rail. The role is also known as charterer, forwarding agent or shipping broker. You are the link between the client and the carrier, searching for freight and transport options, advising clients on transport terms and drawing up commercial proposals. You negotiate transport conditions, manage transport files, prepare transport documents and issue invoices. In Flanders and across Belgium, freight forwarders keep international trade flowing, taking account of the client's wishes while respecting the transport rules.
Typical tasks
- Search for freight and transport options
- Advise clients on transport terms
- Draw up commercial proposals
- Negotiate transport conditions
- Organise the transport of goods and manage the file
- Prepare transport documents
- Check the delivery and issue invoices
Required skills
- Knowledge of international transport modes and rules
- Commercial and negotiation skills
- Accurate handling of transport documents
- Good command of Dutch, French or English
- Comfortable with transport and administrative software
What does a freight forwarder earn?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €2,800 to €4,000 gross per month for full-time employment. Experience, extra language skills and international specialisation can raise your pay. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
How to apply via Werkvolk?
- Download the appInstall the free Werkvolk app for iOS or Android.
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Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about applying via Werkvolk.
What does a freight forwarder do?
A freight forwarder organises the international transport of goods by air, road, water and rail. You are the link between the client and the carrier, searching for transport options, advising clients and drawing up commercial proposals. You negotiate conditions, manage transport files, prepare documents and issue invoices while respecting the transport rules.
How much does a freight forwarder earn in Belgium?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €2,800 to €4,000 gross per month for full-time employment. Experience, extra language skills and international specialisation can raise your pay. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
What is the difference between a freight forwarder and an administrative forwarding clerk?
A freight forwarder organises the whole transport chain, from searching for options and negotiating terms to managing the file and issuing invoices. An administrative forwarding clerk (administratief medewerker expeditie) focuses on the paperwork and support tasks within that process. Both work in forwarding, but the forwarder carries the commercial and coordinating responsibility.
Is there strong demand for freight forwarders in Flanders?
Belgium is a major logistics hub with busy ports and airports, so there is steady demand for freight forwarders across Flanders. Companies that ship goods internationally need people who can coordinate carriers and handle transport documents. If you combine commercial sense with organisation, this is a strong field to build a career in.
What qualifications do you need as a freight forwarder?
There is no single mandatory diploma, but a background in logistics, transport or trade and strong language skills are important assets. Knowledge of international transport rules and documents helps a lot. Many forwarders build their expertise on the job while learning the sector's software and procedures.
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