Freight Forwarder

As a Freight Forwarder you organise and manage the international movement of goods on behalf of importers and exporters, coordinating air, sea, road, and rail shipments to ensure cargo arrives on time and in compliance with all relevant regulations. You prepare and process critical documentation such as bills of lading, customs declarations, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin, liaising closely with shipping lines, airlines, road hauliers, and customs authorities. Your day-to-day work involves tracking shipments, resolving transit delays, calculating freight costs, and advising clients on the most efficient and cost-effective transport routes and packaging requirements. You work alongside customs brokers, warehouse operators, port officials, and international counterparts to keep supply chains moving smoothly.

A Leaving Certificate with subjects such as Business, Geography, Mathematics, and a modern language is a strong foundation for entering this field. The most common Irish route is a QQI Level 6 award in Freight Forwarding and Customs, offered by the Irish International Freight Association (IIFA) and various further education providers. Some entrants complete a Level 7 or Level 8 degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at institutions such as TU Dublin, ATU, or TUS, which can accelerate progression into supervisory roles. PLC courses in Business or International Trade at QQI Level 5 or 6 can also provide a stepping stone into the industry. No statutory registration body governs freight forwarders in Ireland, but IIFA certification is widely recognised by employers and demonstrates professional competence. Continuing professional development is important given the ongoing changes to customs procedures introduced by Brexit and evolving international trade regulations.