International Freight Forwarding
Coordinate international shipping and logistics for importers and exporters
Overview
Freight forwarders generate $300,000-$10,000,000+ annually with 15-35% margins.
In 2025, complex global logistics require freight forwarding expertise.
Revenue from ocean freight margins (5-20% on freight), air freight margins (8-25% on freight), trucking and drayage services, customs brokerage and clearance, cargo insurance, and value-added logistics services.
Successful forwarders negotiate competitive carrier rates, coordinate multi-modal transportation, manage documentation and compliance, provide shipment tracking and visibility, handle issues and exceptions proactively, and build long-term shipper relationships.
Importers and exporters as clients.
Marketing through trade associations and networking, freight forwarding directories, port and logistics presence, shipper referrals, and carrier partnerships.
Required Skills
- International Logistics
- Ocean & Air Freight
- Carrier Negotiations
- Incoterms
- Documentation
- Problem Solving
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Recurring shipment revenue from active clients
- Multiple revenue streams (freight, customs, insurance, etc)
- Can build to very large scale
- Critical service for international trade
- Build valuable carrier relationships
Cons
- Lower margins on freight (5-25%)
- Significant working capital to pay carriers
- Liability for lost or damaged shipments
- Highly competitive freight market
- Economic sensitivity to trade volumes
How to Get Started
- Obtain freight forwarding licenses and insurance
- Build carrier relationships and negotiate rates
- Invest in freight software and systems
- Market to importers and exporters
- Quote and book international shipments
- Coordinate transportation and documentation
- Provide tracking and customer service
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