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What does a Freight Forwarding Manager do? – Tasks and work environment

A Freight Forwarding Manager leads and coordinates the work of planning, booking, and optimizing freight transport, often within shipping, rail, or road traffic. The main task is to ensure that shipments are carried out in a cost-effective, safe, and sustainable manner, while meeting customer demands for delivery precision and quality. The role involves daily contact with shipping companies, carriers, customers, and authorities, focusing on negotiation, logistics planning, and problem-solving. The work is primarily office-based but may include travel and inspections of loading and unloading sites.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Freight Forwarding Manager has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, increasing to 37,900 SEK in 2023, representing an increase of about 2.2%. Between 2023 and 2024, there was an even stronger increase up to 41 100 SEK, corresponding to a salary increase of just over 8.4%. This development reflects a growing demand for qualified logistics expertise, especially considering global disruptions and the increased need for efficient supply chains. Digitalization and sustainability requirements have also contributed to raising skill requirements and salary levels for the profession.

Freight Forwarding Manager salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,900 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 50,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 247 SEK
• Women: 38900 SEK (90% of men's salary)
• Men: 43 000 SEK
• Regional differences: No specific statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Freight Forwarding Manager, a post-secondary education in logistics, transport economics, or a similar field is usually required, often supplemented with work experience in forwarding, transportation, or leadership. Many employers also value international experience and good communication skills, as well as certifications in quality and safety.

• Formal education: Post-secondary education (2–4 years) in logistics, economics, or shipping
• Certifications: Courses in transport law, environment, and quality assurance
• Internship/trainee: Common to have internships or trainee programs within logistics companies
• Prerequisites: Prior experience in transportation or forwarding is often required
• Tips for choosing: Language skills and digital competence increase employability

Common benefits and compensations

A Freight Forwarding Manager is often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, bonus opportunities, and sometimes company cars. Other common compensations may include insurance, training grants, and the possibility of remote work. Working hours are generally office-based but can vary depending on business needs and international collaborations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Freight Forwarding Manager is moderate but can vary depending on region and economic climate. Digitalization and automation are rapidly changing industry requirements, making continuous skills development necessary. A challenge is managing a high pace, many parallel processes, and rapid changes in the market situation. The industry is also affected by changing trade patterns, environmental regulations, and global disruptions, requiring both strategic and operational skills. Therefore, experience and broad competence, especially in international logistics, are highly valued.

Tips for aspiring Freight Forwarding Managers

To succeed as a Freight Forwarding Manager, it is helpful to combine analytical skills with a structured work approach. Developing strong leadership qualities and good communication skills facilitates collaboration with both internal and external partners. Flexibility and stress resilience are crucial as unexpected situations can arise quickly within logistics and transportation. It is also wise to gain practical experience early on, for example through internships or trainee programs, to build industry-specific networks. Staying updated on digital tools and sustainability issues increases competitiveness. Additionally, meticulousness and negotiation skills are important for balancing costs and customer satisfaction. A genuine interest in logistics' role in business contributes to long-term motivation and success in the profession.

Key facts about a Freight Forwarding Manager

• Education level: Post-secondary education (2–4 years) recommended
• Work environment: Office-based, sometimes travel and site visits
• Job group: Freight forwarders and transport brokers
• Demand: 550 job openings reported
• Gender difference: Women earn 90% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a Freight Forwarding Manager, there are opportunities to advance to senior logistics manager, transportation manager, or business developer within larger logistics companies. Other career paths can lead to specialist roles in supply chain management or international business development. Projections from the Employment Service indicate that the future outlook for freight forwarders and transport brokers is difficult to assess due to limited data, but there is a steady demand with about 550 reported job openings. Digitalization, sustainability, and increased requirements for logistics optimization point to continued good development opportunities for those willing to take responsibility and drive change within the transport sector.

Frequently asked questions about a Freight Forwarding Manager

• What does a Freight Forwarding Manager earn?
  - The average salary for a Freight Forwarding Manager is 41 100 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a Freight Forwarding Manager?
  - Post-secondary education in logistics, economics, or transportation is recommended, often combined with work experience.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 38900 SEK while men earn 43 000 SEK, which means women earn approximately 90% of men's salaries.
• What does the job market look like for Freight Forwarding Managers?
  - There are about 550 job openings within the profession of freight forwarders and transport brokers.
• What benefits are common for Freight Forwarding Managers?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, bonus opportunities, and sometimes company cars.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 50,000 SEK (male, private sector employee), and the lowest is 37,900 SEK (female, private sector).
• What are the job responsibilities of a Freight Forwarding Manager?
  - The tasks include planning, booking, and optimizing transports, as well as leadership and negotiation.