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Freight Forwarder Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Freight Forwarder, Ocean Import Time Type: Full Time The primary duty of a Freight Forwarder is to review and process shipment transactions, including all related activities, for one or more major ...

Freight Forwarder, Air Export

Itasca, IL ยท On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Freight Forwarder, Air Export Time Type: Full Time Summary A Freight Forwarder is responsible for managing and coordinating the exportation of goods by air, including all necessary documentation ...

Freight Forwarder, Ocean Import

Itasca, IL ยท On-site

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

Freight Forwarder, Ocean Import Time Type: Full Time The primary duty of a Freight Forwarder is to review and process shipment transactions, including all related activities, for one or more major ...

Freight Forwarder, Ocean Import

Itasca, IL ยท On-site

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

Freight Forwarder, Ocean Import Time Type: Full Time The primary duty of a Freight Forwarder is to review and process shipment transactions, including all related activities, for one or more major ...

Freight Forwarder, Air Import

Itasca, IL ยท On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Freight Forwarder, Air Import Time Type: Full Time Summary Freight Forwarder Air Import is responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient importation of goods by air, including customs clearance ...

Freight Forwarder, Ocean Import

Itasca, IL ยท On-site

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

Freight Forwarder, Ocean Import Time Type: Full Time The primary duty of a Freight Forwarder is to review and process shipment transactions, including all related activities, for one or more major ...

Freight Forwarder, Air Import

Itasca, IL ยท On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Freight Forwarder, Air Import Time Type: Full Time Summary Freight Forwarder Air Import is responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient importation of goods by air, including customs clearance ...

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Freight Forwarder information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$32.1K

$49.4K

$65.7K

How much do freight forwarder jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for freight forwarder in Elgin, IL is $49,398.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $55,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freight forwarder?

A Freight Forwarder is a company or individual that organizes the shipment of goods from one place to another on behalf of shippers. They act as intermediaries between the shipper and transportation services, arranging the best route and mode of transport, handling documentation, customs clearance, and sometimes warehousing. Freight Forwarders help ensure that cargo is transported efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with international regulations. They play a crucial role in global trade by simplifying the logistics process for businesses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freight forwarder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freight Forwarder, you need strong organizational skills, logistics knowledge, and an understanding of international shipping regulations, often supported by a relevant degree or experience in supply chain management. Familiarity with freight management software, customs documentation systems, and tracking tools is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for coordinating shipments and managing client relationships. These competencies ensure that goods are transported efficiently and compliantly, minimizing delays and optimizing customer satisfaction.

How does a freight forwarder typically collaborate with customs brokers and shipping carriers to ensure timely delivery of goods?

Freight Forwarders work closely with customs brokers to ensure all import and export documentation is accurate and compliant with regulations, minimizing delays at borders. They also coordinate with various shipping carriers to select optimal routes, negotiate rates, and track shipments, troubleshooting any issues that may arise. Effective communication and organization are key, as Freight Forwarders must balance the requirements of clients, customs authorities, and carriers to guarantee smooth and timely deliveries.

What is the difference between Freight Forwarder vs Customs Broker?

AspectFreight ForwarderCustoms Broker
CredentialsLogistics certifications, freight forwarding licensesCustoms brokerage licenses, import/export certifications
Work EnvironmentGlobal logistics, shipping companies, freight carriersCustoms agencies, import/export firms, shipping ports
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, freight forwarding firmsCustoms agencies, import/export companies

While both roles involve international shipping, a Freight Forwarder manages the overall logistics and transportation of goods, coordinating shipments across carriers. A Customs Broker specializes in clearing goods through customs, ensuring compliance with import/export regulations. Understanding these differences helps businesses choose the right professional for their shipping needs.

Do freight forwarders make money?

Freight forwarders earn income through service fees, commissions, and profit margins on shipments they coordinate. Their earnings depend on factors such as volume, efficiency, and the complexity of logistics, with experienced professionals often earning higher salaries or commissions. Success in the field requires knowledge of shipping regulations, negotiation skills, and industry tools like transportation management systems.

How much do freight forwarders make?

Freight forwarders typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in logistics hubs or with specialized skills.

Is a freight forwarder a good career?

A freight forwarder is a logistics professional responsible for coordinating the shipment of goods internationally or domestically, often requiring knowledge of customs regulations and transportation methods. The career offers opportunities for advancement, requires strong organizational skills, and may involve working in a fast-paced environment with regular schedules. Job stability and growth depend on global trade trends and industry demand.

What do you do as a freight forwarder?

A freight forwarder coordinates the shipment of goods on behalf of clients by organizing transportation, handling documentation, and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. They select carriers, negotiate rates, and track shipments to ensure timely delivery. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of logistics software are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Freight Forwarder jobs in Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Freight Forwarder jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Freight Forwarder jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Freight Forwarder jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freight Forwarder jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Freight Forwarder jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Freight Forwarder jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Freight Forwarder job openings:

Infographic showing various Freight Forwarder job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,398 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Freight Forwarder, Ocean Import

DSV A/S

Itasca, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

DSV - Global Transport and Logistics
At DSV, our purpose is to keep customers' supply chains flowing and enable the business of our customers by ensuring reliable and efficient transport and logistics services through storage and transport of goods by air, sea and road. Our vision is to create long-term, sustainable growth and value for our customers, employees, shareholders and society.
Close to 150,000 employees in over 90 countries work diligently to deliver great customer experiences and high-quality services.
As a global leader, our commitment to sustainable business practices is a central element of our overall business strategy.
Visit dsv.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Location: USA - Itasca, N Arlington Heights Rd
Division: Air & Sea
Job Posting Title: Freight Forwarder, Ocean Import
Time Type: Full Time
The primary duty of a Freight Forwarder is to review and process shipment transactions, including all related activities, for one or more major accounts, and to provide excellent, proactive and timely customer service. Serves as the primary contact for all parties concerning assigned account contracts. Performs all duties correctly, cost-efficiently, and according to Company standards using the regular exercise of discretion and independent judgment.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Promote positive relationships by ensuring excellent, timely, and proactive customer service at all times and in conjunction with other departments and third parties while monitoring the quality of service produced by the team. Establish detailed profiles and procedures that properly represent import and export processes.
  • Receive, review, and process high-volume and/or complex import and export transactions for clients, including booking, billing, classifications, processing data through the Company's system, and obtaining consular releases as well as other government agency releases as appropriate
  • Check shipments in the warehouse as needed to ensure that the shipping documents correspond to the actual shipments.
  • Process bills of lading and provide clear instructions to the team for handling each shipment.
  • Ensure shipments of hazardous materials are checked and processed in accordance with all applicable regulations under the applicable government agencies, Code of Federal Regulations.
  • Create quotations for individual shipments, including estimating prices for the shipper, selecting transportation companies to use, and setting profit margins for individual shipments.
  • Review and monitor all Shipper Export Declaration rejections, requests for information from clients and any government agency as well as other correspondence.
  • Adhere to all domestic and international shipping regulations, communicating changes in domestic and foreign regulation procedures to clients, co-workers, and third parties in a clear, concise, and timely manner.
  • Identify transactions and tasks that require special handling, recommend improved processes to management, and implement resolutions within the assigned scope of responsibility.
  • Identify, investigate, and resolve all areas of client concern in a timely and proactive manner by monitoring team performance against Company and client standards. Alert clients to special areas of concern or potential problems in the shipping process.

Educational background / Work experience
  • Three years of experience in a role involving extensive client contact required.
  • Familiarity with domestic and international geography including countries and major cities.
  • Extreme attention to detail, including the ability to predict and circumvent issues before they occur and take the proper corrective action.
  • Ability to be highly productive while keeping cool under pressure.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Skills & Competencies
Mathematical Skills
  • Excellent math skills, along with the ability to calculate freight measurements, and weight and convert them to international units.

Other Skills
  • Familiarity with domestic and international geography including countries and major cities.
  • Extreme attention to detail, including the ability to predict and circumvent issues before they occur and taking the proper corrective action.
  • Ability to be highly productive while keeping cool under pressure.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Function / Market & Industry Knowledge / Business Acumen / Processes
Preferred Qualifications
  • Freight Forwarding experience preferred.
  • Prior use of CargoWise One is a definite plus.

Language skills
  • English (reading, writing, and verbal)

Computer Literacy
  • Computer skills, including frequent prior use of MS Outlook, Excel, and Word

Physical and/or Mental Requirements / Working Conditions
While performing the duties of this job, the employee uses his/her hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk or hear. The employee uses computer and telephone equipment. The vision requirements of this job include close vision and distance vision.
At Will Employment
DSV Air & Sea Inc. employees are hired for an undefined period of time as "at will" employees. This means that an employee may be terminated for any reason, or no reason at all, at any time, provided the discharge does not violate any law*. Additionally, each employee has the right to terminate his/her employment at any time. *Except if employed in Montana, where termination requires just cause.
For this position, the expected base pay range is $22.50 - $26.50 / Hourly. Actual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location, in accordance with applicable laws and company policy.
Information regarding DSV's benefits offerings, including eligibility, coverage options, and plan details, is available through the DSV Benefits Showcase. Benefits, programs, and eligibility may vary by location and division in accordance with applicable state and local laws.
DSV is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment with DSV, please contact Human Resources at hr@us.dsv.com. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. DSV reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.
DSV - Global transport and logistics
Working at DSV means playing in a different league.
As a global leader in transport and logistics, we have been on an extraordinary journey of growth. Let's grow together as we continue to innovate, digitalise and build on our achievements.
With close to 150,000 colleagues in over 90 countries, we work every day to offer solid services and meet our customers' needs and help them achieve their goals. We know that the best way to achieve this is by bringing in new talent, fresh perspectives and ambitious individuals like you.
At DSV, performance is in our DNA. We don't just work - we aim to shape the future of logistics. This ambition fuels a dynamic environment built on collaboration with world-class team players, accountability and action. We value inclusivity, embrace different cultures and respect the dignity and rights of every individual. If you want to make an impact, be trusted by customers and grow your career in a forward-thinking company - this is the place to be.
Start here. Go anywhere
Visit dsv.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
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Freight Forwarder, Ocean Import
Itasca