As a Forwarding Manager, you will need to master following:

• analyse shipping rates
• analyse supply chain trends
• assess carriers
• book cargo
• communicate with shipment forwarders
• coordinate export transportation activities
• coordinate import transportation activities
• develop efficiency plans for logistics operations
• exert a goal-oriented leadership role towards colleagues
• foster relationships with various types of carrier
• inspect carrier documents
• make bids in forward auctions
• manage carriers
• manage freight payment methods
• non vessel operating common carrier regulations
• oversee cargo storage requirements
• plan transport operations
• prepare bills of lading
• prepare documentation for international shipping

More generally, a forwarding manager is also versed in:

• cost metrics
• implement short term objectives
• manage medium term objectives
• oversee shipment routing
• plan medium to long term objectives
• supply chain management

It also helps to know the following:

• apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulations
• control trade commercial documentation
• ensure legal accreditation for forwarding agent operations
• handle shipment paperwork
• implement cost-effective cargo handling strategies on ships
• keep up-to-date to current customs regulations
• liaise with transportation services
• negotiate logistics services
• principles of cargo stowage
• provide advice to clients in terms of export restrictions
• provide advice to clients in terms of import restrictions
• set import export strategies
• work in a logistics team
• adapt to changing situations
• administer multi-modal logistics
• analyse work-related written reports
• communicate commercial and technical issues in foreign languages
• create a work atmosphere of continuous improvement
• create import-export commercial documentation
• freight transport methods
• manage contracts
• negotiate price
• negotiate service with providers
• use different communication channels