Air freight forwarder

What does an air freight forwarder do? – Tasks and work environment

An air freight forwarder is responsible for organizing and coordinating the transportation of goods and commodities via air freight, often on behalf of companies involved in import and export. Tasks include booking air shipments, handling customs and freight documents, solving logistics issues, and monitoring delivery progress. Contact with customers, airlines, and authorities is central, and the work mainly takes place in an office environment with a fast pace and demands for quick problem-solving. Flexibility is high, as the working day can be affected by time zones, international agreements, and unforeseen events in the transportation chain.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for air freight forwarders has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, increasing to 37,900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 41 100 SEK, which corresponds to a total increase of approximately 10.8% over the period. This salary development can partly be explained by increased demand for logistics services and the growing complexity of international shipments. Digitalization of the industry and requirements for specialized competence have also driven up salaries, especially for those with longer experience or further education. Despite persistent gender pay gaps, the salary increases have been evenly distributed in percentage terms between genders.

Air freight forwarder salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,900 SEK/month (female, private sector, upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 50,000 SEK/month (male, private employment, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 247 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender pay gap: Men 43 000 SEK, women 38900 SEK (women earn 90% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an air freight forwarder usually involves upper secondary education with a focus on transport, trade, or logistics, followed by post-secondary studies in logistics, international trade, or freight forwarding. Practical experience in logistics or the transport industry is highly valued, as are good knowledge of English and sometimes additional languages. Some employers prefer candidates to have completed specific courses or certifications in transport law and customs handling.

• Upper secondary education: 3 years, preferably with focus on logistics or transport
• Post-secondary education: YH (higher vocational education, 2 years) or university studies in logistics/trade
• Certifications: Courses in customs handling, transport law, or IATA freight
• Internship: Industry experience via internships or trainee programs is strongly recommended
• Language skills: English is a requirement; additional languages are an advantage

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for air freight forwarders include wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, occupational pension schemes, and sometimes bonuses linked to performance or company results. Flexible working hours and remote work are also common, especially with larger employers. Some companies offer training grants or support for further education within the industry.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an air freight forwarder is relatively stable, but the job market is strongly affected by economic cycles and global events that disrupt supply chains. Digitalization and automation demand continuous skill development, particularly within IT systems for logistics and freight. Challenges also include managing rapid changes in legislation and customs regulations, as well as the need to quickly resolve unexpected problems in international shipments. Despite some gender pay gaps, the work environment is often inclusive, but stress levels can be high when coordinating many shipments simultaneously.

Tips for those who want to become an air freight forwarder

To succeed as an air freight forwarder, it is good to have an analytical mindset and the ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. Accuracy is crucial to avoid mistakes in documentation, and good communication skills facilitate contact with customers and international partners. Flexibility and stress resistance are important when conditions change rapidly, while initiative helps solve unexpected problems. Keeping up-to-date with digital tools in the industry provides an advantage, and building an international network can open doors to new career opportunities.

Key facts about Air Freight Forwarder

• Educational level: Upper secondary or post-secondary education in logistics
• Work environment: Office-based, international aspect, fast pace
• Job openings: Approximately 550 within the profession of freight forwarders and transport brokers
• Language skills: English is mandatory, additional languages are an advantage
• Typical employment: Full-time, daytime, sometimes shifts depending on employer

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are often opportunities to advance to senior roles, such as logistics manager, team leader, or specialist in customs and international trade. Some choose to further their education in supply chain management or project management to broaden their career options. The forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service for freight forwarders and transport brokers is uncertain due to limited data, but demand for logistics services and global trade suggests continued good prospects for those who are flexible and willing to develop. The profession also offers opportunities to work abroad or transition to related roles within logistics and transportation sectors.

Frequently asked questions about Air Freight Forwarder

• What is the average salary of an Air Freight Forwarder?
  - The average salary is 41 100 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development looked?
  - It has increased from 37,100 SEK (2022) to 41 100 SEK (2024), an increase of approximately 10.8%.
• What education is required to become an air freight forwarder?
  - Upper secondary education with a focus on transport, preferably supplemented with post-secondary studies in logistics or trade.
• Are there gender pay gaps?
  - Yes, women earn on average 38900 SEK, which is 90% of men's salary (43 000 SEK).
• What are the job responsibilities?
  - Booking air freight, handling customs and freight documents, customer contact, and solving logistics issues within international logistics.
• What is the job market outlook?
  - There are about 550 job openings, but the forecast is uncertain according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What qualities are important?
  - Analytical skills, accuracy, stress resistance, and good communication skills are central qualities.