In order to become an air freight forwarder, you will usually need to have at least a basic understanding of client relations and customer care in the air freight forwarding industry. You will need to be trained in the use of computer software systems that are used for international and domestic air logistics. In addition to these skills, some type of higher education such as a bachelor’s degree may be needed. In some instances, a sufficient amount of previous work experience in the air freight forwarding field may be accepted in place of a college degree.
To succeed in this field, you will likely need to possess certain personal qualities in addition to work experience and educational training. You may frequently need to deal with clients from many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Complaints from anxious or angry customers must also be dealt with in a professional manner. These duties will likely require you to have a certain amount of patience and the ability to maintain your composure in stressful situations. For this reason, having some form of previous customer care experience before you become an air freight forwarder is often recommended.
To become an air freight forwarder, you will likely need to have excellent computer skills in commonly used software as well as certain types of software specific to the air freight forwarding industry. In addition to data entry and customer care skills, it is often advantageous to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management prior to entering this type of business. It may also be possible for you to become an air freight forwarder by simply beginning with an entry-level position and working your way up from there. As a general rule, the air freight forwarding industry is receptive to this type of on-the-job training.
The manufacturing and retail industries often rely heavily upon air freight forwarders to ensure that shipped products are delivered to international customers safely and on time. Since the process of international shipping is often quite complicated, many manufacturers turn to an air freight forwarding company for its expertise in this field. If you become an air freight forwarder, you will need to have a good understanding of the various rules and regulations governing international transport. You must also be knowledgeable about international customs requirements as well as taxes, tariffs, and other fees.