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Forwarding Agent Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Strong working knowledge of ocean freight forwarding, carrier and agent coordination, shipment documentation, customer service, drayage, and international trade requirements appropriate to the level ...

Ocean Imports Agent

Elmhurst, IL ยท 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 ...

Import Agent III

Itasca, IL ยท On-site

$31.25 - $38.46/hr

Import Agent III Location: 100% In Office: Itasca, IL Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM ... Qualifications * 7+ years of freight forwarding, logistics, or distribution experience with a ...

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Forwarding Agent information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$64.8K

$97.9K

How much do forwarding agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 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:

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.

Import Forwarding Agent

FedEx Logistics

Elk Grove Village, IL โ€ข On-site

$22.64 - $31.70/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

To provide customers with the highest quality service by providing consistent customer service and shipment processing in order to ensure timely movement of freight/cargo. Provide and ensure a high level of customer service by developing and maintaining a strong relationship with customers' front line personnel in the various operating divisions and subsidiaries. Prepare, analyze, and/or submit documentation to the appropriate parties (agents and clients) in order to ensure they are in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to transportation. Anticipate, identify, and resolve problems which could delay the timely release or movement of freight. Maintain relationships with correspondent brokers, T&B, and other service providers to ensure that agents exceed the customers' service requirements. Resolve banking and letter of credit problems. Advise customers on payment terms. Resolve billing issues and ensure that invoicing and vendor payments are billed accurately. Complete accurate data input or corrections into computer files. Develop rates and/or provide quotes for the movement of freight. Resolve billing issues on customer's behalf. Generate special manual reports to meet customerโ€™s needs. Ensure all communication with internal and external customers is updated timely Responsible for freight forwarding functions, which consist of: coordinating customer booking requests, setting-up new shipper, assisting with restricted articles submission, etc. Complete import/export documentation in accordance with international trade regulations. Engage with clients related to billing disputes, status of shipments, developing new lanes, improving service, etc. Dispatch carriers to pick up at company locations and customer related distribution centers Track and trace functions, including entry of all milestones and exceptions. Work all iServe cases. Coordinate oversized and out of gauge shipments. Handle Hazmat shipment The incumbent(s) of this position is expected to perform all other related duties as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned. High school diploma/GED. Proficient computer skills. Strong cust svc, organizational, and communication (written/oral) skills. Knowledge of freight forwarding or logistic required. Working knowledge of air export regulations, if appropriate, related to export and Schedule B tariff classification. Banking requirements for international trade Regulations regarding dangerous goods shipping & foreign regulations. Familiarity with handling hazardous materials Knowledge of regulations for import/export related to DOT. Basic math skills for conversions to metric and currency evaluations. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in freight forwarding or logistics or work/field experience. Preferred Qualifications: Pay Transparency: This compensation range is provided as a reasonable estimate of the current starting salary range for this role across all potential locations. If this opportunity includes multiple job levels, the range is a reasonable estimate of the currentstarting salary for the lowest level to the current starting salary of the highest level. Actual starting pay would be determined by experience relative to the job, market level, pay at the location for this job and other job-related factorspermitted by law. An employee may be eligible for additional pay, premiums, or bonus potential. The Company offers eligible employees health, vision and dental insurance, retirement, and tuition reimbursement. Pay: $22.64-$31.70 USD Hourly Additional Details: Tuesday -Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm (Onsite ) Pay Transparency: The compensation listed reflects the pay range or rate of pay reasonably expected for this posted position at the posted location or locations. If this opportunity includes multiple job levels, the pay information represents the ranges for each level in that job family. Actual pay is determined by several job-related factors permitted by law and relevant to the position, including, but not limited to, experience relative to the job, tenure, market level, pay at the location for this job, performance, schedule, and work assignment. In California, the compensation listed reflects the range or rate of pay reasonably expected for this posted position upon hire. In New Jersey, any compensable Security and Walk time will be paid to non-exempt/hourly employees at the state minimum wage. For details on our comprehensive benefits, click here. FedEx Logistics provides freight forwarding, as well as import and export services that allow companies to reach markets throughout the world. They help customers of all sizes solve the intricacies of shipping goods globally by providing comprehensive international ocean and air freight forwarding, surface transportation and distribution, customs brokerage, trade and customs advisory services, and advanced e-commerce and trade facilitation solutions. Weโ€™re glad you stopped by and hope your job search experience with FedEx Logistics, Inc. will be rewarding. We look forward to hearing from you! FedEx Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer including, Vets/Disability. Know Your Rights Pay Transparency FedEx Logistics will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the FAIR Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHOO) for the City of Los Angeles (LAMC 189.00) FedEx Logistics will not rely on the wage history of a prospective employee from any current or former employer when determining the wages for such individual at any stage in the employment process, including in the negotiation or drafting of any employment contract in accordance with Philadelphia Ordinance No. 160840.