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Forwarder Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Rock City Logistics

Be Seen First

Air & Ocean Export Operator

Southfield, MI · On-site

$48K - $58K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Air & Ocean Export Operator (Freight Forwarding) Location: Southfield, MI (On-site) Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Air & Ocean Export Operator to manage our export ...

Danzas Corporation

Ocean Import Specialist

Detroit, MI

$20 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Be part of DHL Group, the world's leading logistics provider, operating in 220+ countries . DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is a global leader in air and ocean freight, with 30,000+ employees ensuring ...

PrideStaff

Warehouse Operator

Belleville, MI · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Works with the supervisor, warehouse manager and freight forwarding teams to identify areas to improve/enhance overall service to the client * Unloads inbound shipments safely and move products to ...

New

Nippon Express USA

Supervisor - Ocean Import

Romulus, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... forwarding and logistics network, including specialized handling of: air, land, sea and express ... Supervises and directs Ocean Import staff in performing work according to operating procedures

Nippon Express USA

Supervisor - Ocean Import

Romulus, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... forwarding and logistics network, including specialized handling of: air, land, sea and express ... Supervises and directs Ocean Import staff in performing work according to operating procedures

Nippon Express USA

Supervisor - Ocean Import

Romulus, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... forwarding and logistics network, including specialized handling of: air, land, sea and express ... Supervises and directs Ocean Import staff in performing work according to operating procedures

CU* Answers

Member Services Rep

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$15/hr

... and forwarding requests efficiently via trackers or email. * Educate members on account details ... Comfortable operating standard office equipment (phone systems, fax/printers, PC workstation)

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Forwarder Operator information

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How much do forwarder operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for forwarder operator in Michigan is $21.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forwarder operator?

A Forwarder Operator is responsible for operating a forwarder, a type of forestry machine used to transport logs from the harvesting site to roadside landings for further processing or transport. Their duties include maneuvering the machine through rough terrain, loading and unloading logs using a hydraulic crane, and ensuring efficient and safe operations. They must have strong machine-handling skills, knowledge of forestry practices, and an understanding of safety regulations. This role is essential in the logging industry to ensure the efficient movement of timber while minimizing environmental impact.

What does a forwarder operator do?

A typical day for a Forwarder Operator involves maneuvering specialized machinery to transport felled logs from the cutting site to roadside landing areas, conducting pre-operation safety checks, and maintaining equipment. Forwarder Operators often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and collaborate closely with timber harvesters, site supervisors, and truck drivers to ensure efficient, safe, and organized log removal. Regular communication and coordination with other team members are essential for meeting daily production goals while maintaining safety standards. This role is central to the overall logging process, often requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills to address on-site challenges. Many Forwarder Operators have opportunities to advance to supervisory roles or diversify their skill sets by operating additional types of heavy forestry equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the forwarder operator position?

To thrive as a Forwarder Operator, you should have experience operating forestry machinery, strong mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to workplace safety, typically gained through vocational training or relevant on-the-job experience. Familiarity with GPS systems, logging software, and specific heavy equipment certifications (such as those for forestry or logging machines) is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are critical soft skills for safe and efficient operations. These capabilities ensure operational productivity, safety, and coordination within forestry and timber management work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Forwarder Operator jobs in Michigan?

For Forwarder Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forwarder Operator jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Forwarder Operator jobs in Michigan are:

Forwarder Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forwarder Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,337 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Air & Ocean Export Operator

Rock City Logistics

Southfield, MI • On-site

$48K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

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Job description

Job Title: Air & Ocean Export Operator (Freight Forwarding)

Location: Southfield, MI (On-site)

Job Summary:


We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Air & Ocean Export Operator to manage our export operations from a true logistics standpoint. In this role, you will own the entire lifecycle of air and ocean export shipments from "A to Z," specializing in moving cargo door-to-door. The ideal candidate possesses deep freight forwarding expertise, a strong understanding of international compliance, and the ability to proactively manage relationships with carriers, truckers, and overseas agents to ensure seamless global transit.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Full Lifecycle Management: Manage international export shipments from initial booking to final destination delivery (door-to-door), ensuring optimal transit times and cost efficiency.
  • Carrier & Vendor Procurement: Secure allocations and book cargo space directly with airlines, steamship lines (NVOCC/VOCC), domestic truckers, and warehouses.
  • Documentation Master: Prepare, review, and issue all critical export documentation accurately, including:
    • House and Master Air Waybills (HAWB / MAWB)
    • House and Master Bills of Lading (HBL / MBL)
    • Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, and Certificates of Origin
    • Automated Export System (AES/EEI) filings.
  • Milestone Tracking: Actively track and trace shipments, proactively identifying potential supply chain disruptions and providing real-time, transparent updates to customers.

Compliance & Risk Management:

  • Regulatory Compliance: Maintain absolute compliance with federal and international regulations, including TSA (Known Shipper regulations), FMC, and US Customs.
  • Problem Resolution: Act as the primary point of contact to troubleshoot delays, customs holds, rolling of cargo, or warehouse discrepancies, implementing quick and efficient solutions.

Financial & Partner Management:

  • Network Coordination: Partner closely with overseas agents to ensure smooth destination customs clearance and final-mile delivery.
  • Financial Accountability: Handle full file costing, generate timely customer invoicing, audit vendor invoices, and maximize file profitability.

Requirements:

  • Experience: 3+ years of hands-on export operations experience strictly within a freight forwarding environment handling both air and ocean modes.
  • Logistics Acumen: Strong, practical knowledge of international supply chain logistics, Incoterms (2020), and door-to-door routing strategies.
  • Compliance Expertise: Thorough understanding of TSA regulations, FMC regulations, and AES/EEI filing requirements.
  • Industry Network: Proven experience negotiating and working directly with carriers, steamship lines, drayage providers, and international agent networks.
  • Soft Skills: Exceptional multitasking capabilities, sharp attention to detail, and a calm, customer-centric approach to problem-solving under pressure.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in major freight forwarding software (e.g., CargoWise, Magaya, or similar enterprise logistics systems) alongside Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook).

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Opportunities for career advancement within a growing global logistics network.

Rock City Logistics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, high-energy environment for all employees. All employment decisions—including hiring, promotion, discipline, or termination—are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state (including the Michigan Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act), or local laws.

A Note to Third-Party Recruitment Agencies: > Rock City Logistics manages all talent acquisition internally. We do not accept unsolicited resumes, headhunter leads, or agency profiles from search firms or staffing agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our job board, internal team members, or company email addresses will be deemed the sole property of Rock City Logistics, and no fee or placement compensation will be paid under any circumstances. We kindly ask that agencies do not contact our hiring managers or executive team directly.