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Forwarding Agent Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Ocean Imports Agent

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Ocean Imports Agent White Collar Elmhurst, IL. 60126 1st Shift. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $50,000 ... Candidates with 1-2 years of experience in the freight forwarding and logistics industry., or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Forwarding Agent information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$64.8K

$97.9K

How much do forwarding agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for forwarding agent in Illinois is $64,840.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,600.00 and $72,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forwarding agent?

Forwarding agents, also known as freight forwarders, are professionals or companies that organize shipments for individuals or businesses to get goods from the manufacturer or producer to a market, customer, or final point of distribution. They arrange the transportation of goods, handle necessary documentation, and coordinate with carriers like shipping lines, airlines, and trucking companies. Forwarding agents help simplify the complex process of international shipping by managing customs clearance, freight charges, insurance, and logistics on behalf of their clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forwarding agent?

To thrive as a Forwarding Agent, you need strong organizational skills, knowledge of logistics and international shipping regulations, and typically a background in supply chain management or a related field. Familiarity with freight management software, customs documentation systems, and sometimes certifications like IATA or FIATA is common. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills help build relationships with clients and carriers and resolve shipment issues efficiently. These skills are crucial to ensure smooth, compliant, and cost-effective movement of goods across borders.

What are some typical challenges a forwarding agent faces when coordinating international shipments?

Forwarding Agents often encounter challenges such as navigating complex customs regulations, managing documentation for different countries, and handling unexpected delays due to weather or port congestion. They must ensure all paperwork is accurate and submitted on time to avoid costly holdups. Effective communication with clients, carriers, and customs officials is essential, making strong organizational and problem-solving skills vital for success in this role.

What is the difference between Forwarding Agent vs Customs Broker?

AspectForwarding AgentCustoms Broker
CredentialsTypically requires logistics or freight forwarding certificationsRequires customs brokerage license and specific certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks with shipping companies, warehouses, and transport providersWorks closely with customs authorities and import/export documentation
Employer & IndustryFreight forwarding companies, shipping linesCustoms agencies, import/export firms

While both roles facilitate international shipments, a Forwarding Agent manages the overall logistics and transportation, whereas a Customs Broker specializes in clearing goods through customs. Understanding these differences helps businesses choose the right professional for their shipping needs.

How do you become a forwarding agent?

To become a forwarding agent, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require knowledge of logistics, shipping procedures, and customs regulations. Gaining experience in freight handling or supply chain management can be beneficial, and some employers prefer candidates with certifications such as the Certified International Freight Forwarder (CIFF). Strong organizational skills and familiarity with shipping software are also important for success in this role.

Is a forwarding agent a good career?

A forwarding agent is a logistics professional responsible for coordinating the shipment of goods between locations, often requiring knowledge of customs regulations and transportation methods. The career can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement in the supply chain industry, especially for those with organizational skills and attention to detail.

What are popular job titles related to Forwarding Agent jobs in Illinois?

For Forwarding Agent jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forwarding Agent jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Forwarding Agent jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Forwarding Agent job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,840 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Global Forwarding Agent (Ocean Export)

C. H. Robinson

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$23.08 - $36.44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


C.H. Robinson rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

We're C.H. Robinson, one of the world's largest logistics platforms and we're looking for our next Global Forwarding Agent (Ocean Export). Is that you? Are you detail-oriented, service-savvy and a problem-solver? If so, this might be the perfect role for you. As a Global Forwarding Agent, you will be your customers' primary contact responsible for managing and operating the shipment lifecycle of their global freight.

A successful Global Forwarding Agent thrives in a lightning-fast environment, finding swift resolutions to transportation and documentation problems. You'll be very hands-on with your customers, working closely with them from the start of the shipment process. We offer a dynamic, industry-leading training program that jumpstarts your knowledge of C.H. Robinson and our systems and processes. You will come out of this experience ready to be part of a high-performing team. Our successful Global Forwarding Agents go on to expand their careers with C.H. Robinson in Operations, Sales, or Account Management.

If this all sounds good, let's talk more about what you'll be working on.

At C.H. Robinson, we're firm believers in the power of in-person collaboration to fuel innovation and support training. In this role, you will engage with peers on-site 5 days a week, igniting creativity and driving impactful results. Upon successful completion of your training, you will then switch to 3 days a week in the office, working the rest of the time from home. This role strikes the perfect balance between teamwork and autonomy.

Responsibilities:

Maintain Operational Excellence:

  • Understand the processes, documentation, and terminology involved in international shipping from time of purchase order issuance through the delivery of the cargo.
  • Apply industry knowledge and critical thinking to adapt processes and to create solutions in response to challenges both internally and externally.
  • Coordinate tasks on the shipments to meet all customer SOP requirements: booking approvals, processing pre-alerts, governmental filings, executing delivery, ensuring proper invoicing, etc.

Facilitate Relationships:

  • Collaborate with our international team members and third-party agents to ensure efficiency, excellent customer service and creative problem resolution.
  • Build great relationships with customers, responding timely and following up on issue resolution
  • Provide reporting and documentation support to internal and external customers.
  • Participate in customer business reviews.
  • Apply industry knowledge and critical thinking to adapt processes and to create solutions in response to challenges both internally and externally.
Required Qualifications:
  • High school degree or GED equivalent
  • Minimum of 1 year of Global Forwarding experience
PreferredQualifications:
  • Values a diverse and inclusive work environment
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of programs
  • Excellent communication, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills
  • Proven track record of strong customer service skills, interacting with customers and being client focused
  • Excellent follow up with customers and the network
  • Critical-thinking, flexibility, and problem-solving skills to adapt to ever-changing tasks and customer needs
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment
  • Bachelor's degree

If this sounds like the job for you, let's talk! We can't wait to hear from you!

We will review applications for this role on an ongoing basis and encourage all interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience.

Compensation Range

$23.08 - $36.44

The base pay range displayed on the job posting reflects the minimum and maximum base pay for this specific location. Your individual base pay within this range is determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base pay only and do not include additional variable compensation.

Questioning if you meet the mark? Studies have shown that some individuals may be less likely to apply unless they match the job description exactly. Here at C.H. Robinson, we're building an inclusive workplace where all employees feel they belong. If this position excites you, we welcome you to apply whether you check all the preferred qualifications or just a few. You may just be our next great fit!

Equal Opportunity

C.H. Robinson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a workplace and performance culture that reflects the strengths of our worldwide marketplace. We value unique experiences and diverse backgrounds of our people within our company, our business relationships, and our communities. We're committed to providing an inclusive environment, free from harassment and discrimination, where all employees feel welcomed, valued and respected.

EOE\Disabled\Veteran

Benefits

Your Health, Wealth and Self

Your total wellbeing is the foundation of our business, and our benefits support your financial, family and personal goals. We provide the top-tier benefits that matter to you most, including:

  • Three medical plans which include

    • Prescription drug coverage

    • Enhanced Fertility benefits

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Health Savings Account (including employer contribution)

  • Dental and Vision

  • Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

  • Paid observed holidays

  • 2 paid floating holidays for U.S. hourly employees

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) offered to U.S. salaried employees - no accruals and no caps. Paid Time Off (PTO) offered to all other employees in the U.S. and Canada

  • Paid parental leave

  • Paid time off to volunteer in your community

  • Charitable Giving Match Program

  • 401(k) with 6% company matching

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • Plus a broad range of career development, networking, and team-building opportunities

Learn more about our benefit offerings on ourBENEFITS & WELLBEINGpage


What C.H. Robinson employees say

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