Freight Broker Job Description

Freight Broker Duties and Responsibilities

Freight Broker job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

• Maintaining communication and control through all phases of the journey, including the production of management reports and statistical and unit cost analysis;
• Arranging courier and specialist hand-carry services;
• Working closely with customers, colleagues and third parties to ensure smooth operations to deadlines;
• Utilising e-commerce, internet technology and satellite systems to enable real-time tracking of goods;
• Arranging charters for large volume, out-of-gauge or project movements by air and sea;
• Acting as broker in customs negotiations worldwide to guide the freight efficiently through complex procedures;
• Dealing with special arrangements for transporting delicate cargoes, such as livestock, food and medical supplies;
• Obtaining, checking and preparing documentation to meet customs and insurance requirements, packing specifications, and compliance with overseas countries’ regulations and fiscal regimes;
• Offering consolidation services by sea, ensuring cost-effective and secure solutions to small shippers who have insufficient cargo to require their own dedicated units;
• Liaising with third parties to move goods (by road, rail, air or sea) in accordance with customer requirements;
• Investigating and planning the most appropriate route for a shipment, taking account of the perishable or hazardous nature of the goods, cost, transit time and security;
• Arranging appropriate packing, taking account of climate, terrain, weight, nature of goods and cost, and the Delivery and warehousing of goods at their final destination;
• Negotiating contracts, transportation and handling costs;
• Arranging insurance and assisting the client in the event of a claim;
• Offering tailored IT solutions and electronic data interchange (EDI) connections;
• Arranging payment of freight and other charges or collection of payment on behalf of the client;
• Arranging air transport for urgent and high-value freight and managing the risk door to door;
• Acting as a consultant in customs matters;
• Maintaining current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations and other factors that could affect the movement of freight.

Freight Broker Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Freight Broker job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

• High School Diploma, GED, or suitable equivalent.
• x years work experience in similar role.
• Established book of business preferred.
• Outstanding people skills.
• Proficient negotiating skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet sales targets.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suites.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Freight Broker starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Freight Broker job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Freight Broker may also reference it in preparation for the interview.