The world of freight forwarding is a dynamic web of logistics, regulations, and global economics. At the heart of this industry, skilled freight forwarding professionals are key to meeting its changing demands. This listicle is an aide-memoire for freight forwarding firms. It covers the essential skills new and existing staff need to succeed in international cargo movement. Whether navigating complex customs procedures or handling delicate cargo with the care it deserves, these skills are the building blocks which result in commercial success.

Freight Forwarding Skills

1. Understanding Incoterms: An in-depth knowledge of Incoterms and how they govern the transfer of risk and responsibility from seller to buyer.
2. Modal selection: Each mode of transport comes with its complexities; be it road, rail, air or sea. Understanding the intricacies of each, and how to combine them for efficiency, is key.
3. Negotiation Skills: In the world of freight, nothing is set in stone. Having the ability to negotiate can mean the difference between a profitable route and a logistical headache.
4. Processes & Procedures: Master the processes and the common special procedures, IP/OP and RGR, including applying the correct procedure codes (CPC) for the most common regimes to avoid delays and penalties.
5. Documentation: Determine and identify all the common documents that may be needed in forwarding depending on their customs regime
6. Charges & liabilities: Understand how to complete Duty and VAT calculations, the options to pay HMRC and how a deferment account operates.
7. Dangerous & Hazardous Goods: Understand the classification criteria used to identify hazardous materials; learn the protocols for safe transportation and handling of hazardous materials; have the skills to handle emergency situations effectively, including notifying the proper authorities and taking necessary safety measures.
8. Customer Service Skills: Don’t forget the clients! Keep them coming back with customer-facing skills such as problem-solving, anticipating potential issues and effective communication. Learn how to operate with a customer-service mindset. Strengthen your professional relationships through proactive service and offering tailored solutions.
9. Business Relationship Techniques Beyond the cargo, it’s human relationships that drive the freight industry. Interpersonal skills that help build and grow successful freight forwarders include networking, cultural sensitivity, along with sales techniques.

In this list, we’ve outlined some of the critical skills for freight forwarding success. Now, imagine the combined advantage of acquiring all these skills in one comprehensive package.

Skills Bootcamp in International Freight Forwarding

Look no further than our exciting new Skills Bootcamp in International Freight Forwarding, delivered in collaboration with the British International Freight Association. We are offering this course in the West Midlands and Cheshire & Warrington. This 60-hour program covers every skill you’ve read about and more, all delivered by industry professionals who understand the daily challenges of freight forwarding.

And here’s the clincher: the Skills Bootcamp is not just invaluable, it’s unbelievably affordable. Thanks to partnerships with two regional authorities, the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, your staff who live or work in these areas can undertake this training at a greatly reduced rate. The cost of this 60-hour virtual learning programme starts at just £200 plus VAT – a no-brainer investment!

But remember, these training spaces won’t last and they’re going fast. We’re already enrolling candidates for our courses in April and May.

Reach out to us to secure places for your staff. Complete the form on our contact page, email info@trstraining.net or call 01744 809 010.