Export freight forwarder

What does an Export Forwarder do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Export Forwarder is responsible for organizing and coordinating the transportation of goods abroad. The work includes booking transports, handling customs and freight documents, solving logistical problems, and communicating with customers and transport companies. The Export Forwarder often acts as a link between companies, carriers, and authorities to ensure deliveries are efficient and comply with international regulations. The profession is mainly practiced in an office setting, but there are also elements of fieldwork such as visits to terminals, warehouses, or ports. The pace is often high, and the work environment is characterized by rapid changes and demands for flexibility.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for Export Forwarders has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 kronor per month, which increased to 37,900 kronor in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a significant salary increase, with the average rising to 41 100 kronor per month – an increase of over 8% in one year. This salary development can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified freight forwarders in the export sector, where globalization and complex supply chains have raised skill requirements. The overall trend indicates that the job market for export forwarders is stable but influenced by changes in the global economy and international trade. At the same time, digitalization and automation have led to a greater need for specialized logistics knowledge, which also drives up salary levels.

Export Forwarder Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 41 100 kr/month
• Lowest salary: 37,900 kr/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 50,000 kr/month (male, private employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage (average): 247 kr
• Average salary for men: 43 000 kr
• Average salary for women: 38900 kr
• Women earn: 90% of what men do

Education and Qualifications

The path to becoming an Export Forwarder usually involves high school or post-secondary education in logistics, transport, or economics. Many employers also require practical experience from the transportation industry and good language skills, especially in English. Certifications in customs handling and international trade can be advantageous and increase employment or advancement opportunities.

• High school education: Transport or trade program, 3 years
• Post-secondary education: YH (vocational) training in logistics/freight forwarding, 2–3 years
• Certifications: Courses in customs handling, international transport, and Incoterms
• Internship/Trainee: Internship during education or as a trainee at a transport company
• Language skills: English is mandatory, additional languages are advantageous

Common Benefits and Compensation

Export Forwarders are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, pension schemes, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. Other common compensations can include bonuses upon achieving goals, educational support, and subsidized meals. In some cases, collective agreements provide additional benefits such as extra vacation days and insurance.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as an Export Forwarder is relatively high, especially in metropolitan regions where many large logistics companies operate. Digitalization and automation are rapidly transforming the profession, requiring continuous retraining and adaptability. Global uncertainties, such as changing trade agreements or disruptions in supply chains, can also impact workload and job complexity. The ability to solve problems quickly and handle unexpected situations is crucial for success. Additionally, the role involves a high level of responsibility, as mistakes can have significant financial consequences for the company.

Tips for Aspiring Export Forwarders

To succeed as an Export Forwarder, it is beneficial to develop strong organizational skills and be meticulous in handling documents and agreements. Analytical thinking facilitates solving complex logistics problems and making quick decisions. Being communicative and service-oriented is an advantage, as the role involves many contacts both nationally and internationally. Flexibility and stress resilience are important, as working days are often unpredictable and fast-paced. A willingness to continuously learn and stay updated on industry changes is essential, as are good language skills. Finally, initiative is highly valued, as it often requires independently finding solutions and improving workflows.

Key Facts about Export Forwarders

• Educational level: High school or post-secondary education in logistics or economics
• Work environment: Office-based with elements of fieldwork and international contacts
• Demand: 550 job openings in Sweden within the profession
• Language skills: English mandatory, additional languages advantageous
• Salary differences: Women earn 90% of what men do in the profession

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, many Export Forwarders move into more specialized roles, such as team leader, logistics manager, or specialist in customs and trade regulations. There are also opportunities to advance to management positions within logistics or international sales. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that, due to limited data, no specific assessment exists for the Export Forwarder profession, but the overall group has about 550 job openings, suggesting stable demand. Digitalization and globalization increase the need for qualified logistics personnel, especially those who speak multiple languages and have international trade experience. However, future prospects are also influenced by the global economy and changes in international supply chains.

Common Questions about Export Forwarders

• What does an Export Forwarder earn?
  - An Export Forwarder has an average salary of 41 100 kronor per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer.
• What education is required to become an Export Forwarder?
  - Typically, a high school or post-secondary education in logistics, transport, or economics.
• What is the work environment like for an Export Forwarder?
  - The work environment is often office-based with a fast pace and many international contacts.
• Are there regional salary differences for Export Forwarders?
  - Salary levels can vary depending on the region, but generally, salaries are higher in metropolitan areas.
• What personal qualities are important for an Export Forwarder?
  - Organizational skills, flexibility, stress resilience, and good communication skills are key qualities.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - There is no precise forecast, but currently, the profession has 550 job openings in Sweden.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for an Export Forwarder?
  - The highest salary is 50,000 kr/month and the lowest is 37,900 kr/month, depending on education, gender, and sector.