Air Freight Forwarders Education and Training

Learn what training is required to become an air cargo forwarder
By Lisa Maloney An air cargo forwarder is responsible for routing shipments out of the US and into the appropriate hands. Employees at all levels of air freight forwarding companies work to ensure that the transaction is smooth and the products in question are protected, both physically and as a financial asset.
 

The typical air freight forwarding job listing is a desk position. You can expect to work intensively on a computer, using both general and specialized software. Some positions will also include customer care duties. When considering potential air freight forwarders, education and training that companies typically look for in job candidates may include:

1. A basic education in customer care or vendor and client relations in the air freight forwarding industry.
2. Training in navigating domestic and international air logistics software systems.
3. Higher education for executive or management jobs.
   

Learn customer care skills applicable in an air freight forwarding company

As an air cargo or air freight forwarder agent, you may be called upon to deal with people from diverse cultural backgrounds or customers under a lot of stress. You might also have to field complaints. Having the composure to run this emotional gamut is something you can learn with the proper training. Having customer care certifications on your resume will also boost your chances of getting hired.
Try: The Customer Care Coach program through JoAnna Brandi & Company offers lessons on customer-focused leadership and how to manage your energy. Learn about the main topics in and benefits of a self-study customer care course specific to air cargo personnel, offered through the International Air Transport Association.

Get training to enter the digital age as an air freight forwarder

Both domestic and international air freight companies are well into the computer age by now. Facility with common software like Microsoft's product suite, plus keyboarding and data entry skills, are valuable abilities that might tip the decision in your favor with any level position. You'll drastically up your chances of being hired if you're familiar with widely used contact management software or specialized freight forwarding software suites.
Try: Get free training for a leading contact management program with ACT! by Sage. Learn about Star Tec Software's Hercules freight forwarding software with a full suite of training videos. Assess your general typing and data entry abilities with TestedOK Software's online keyboarding skills test. Having an objective measure of these skills is a great boost to your air freight forwarding resume.

Advance your career in freight forwarding companies with a higher education degree

It's no secret that a college degree is needed for executive or management level work. It also gives you an edge with entry level positions in air freight forwarding. An MBA is often a vital requirement for higher level jobs, and a bachelor's degree is listed as a requirement for lower positions at least 50% of the time.
Try: An MBA is a major asset for acquiring a freight forwarding job, but you still have to compete with all the other job candidates with master's level degrees. Learn to sell your credentials effectively with tips from the MBA Association. Learn about the benefits of an MBA and how to plan a course of study through Willamette University.

• Even if you don't have a college degree, you can still become an air forwarder by joining at the entry level and working your way up. The industry is relatively friendly to experience as a substitute for or in addition to formal education.