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Freight Forwarders Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Approved Freight Forwarders

CDL Driver

La Puente, CA · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

CDL A Driver Approved Freight Forwarders is seeking for experienced CDL Class A drivers to join our growing team in City of Industry. Applicants must be dependable and efficient who possess a great ...

OEC Group

Freight Forwarding Sales Manager

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Established in 1981, Orient Express Container (OEC) Group is one of the top freight forwarders in the transportation industry. We provide freight transportation, logistics, and information services ...

OEC Group

Freight Forwarding Sales Manager

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Established in 1981, Orient Express Container (OEC) Group is one of the top freight forwarders in the transportation industry. We provide freight transportation, logistics, and information services ...

OEC Group

Freight Forwarding Sales Manager

Cerritos, CA · On-site

Established in 1981, Orient Express Container (OEC) Group is one of the top freight forwarders in the transportation industry. We provide freight transportation, logistics, and information services ...

ILS Inc.

Import Freight Forwarder

Carson, CA · On-site

$22 - $28.75/hr

Import Freight Forwarder Department: Operations / Logistics Reports To: Operations Manager / Logistics Manager Job Summary The Import Freight Forwarder is responsible for coordinating and managing ...

OEC Group

Freight Release Coordinator

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Established in 1981, Orient Express Container (OEC) Group is one of the top freight forwarders in the transportation industry. We provide freight transportation, logistics, and information services ...

DSV A/S

Senior Freight Forwarder

Torrance, CA · On-site

... Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), may be preferred. * 3-5 years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or a related field. * Experience managing a team and working with clients is ...

Talmo & Associates, Inc

Be Seen First

International Export Operations Coordinator

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$28 - $29/hr

The ideal candidate has experience working for a freight forwarder, NVOCC, customs broker, importer/exporter, or international shipping company and understands the documentation, compliance, and ...

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Freight Forwarders information

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$14

$26

$41

How much do freight forwarders jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight forwarders in California is $26.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freight Forwarders vs Customs Brokers?

AspectFreight ForwardersCustoms Brokers
CredentialsLogistics certifications, freight handling licensesCustoms brokerage licenses, import/export certifications
Work EnvironmentLogistics companies, freight terminalsCustoms offices, import/export firms
Employer & IndustryShipping, logistics, freight companiesImport/export companies, customs agencies

Freight Forwarders coordinate the transportation of goods across borders, handling logistics and shipping arrangements. Customs Brokers specialize in clearing goods through customs, ensuring compliance with regulations. While both roles work closely in international shipping, freight forwarders focus on overall logistics, whereas customs brokers handle customs documentation and clearance.

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 incomes. Success in the field requires strong negotiation skills and knowledge of transportation regulations.

How do you become a freight forwarder?

To become a freight forwarder, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and gaining knowledge of logistics, transportation, and customs regulations is important. Many freight forwarders obtain industry certifications such as the Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) or Freight Forwarder Certification to enhance their credentials. Experience in supply chain management, strong organizational skills, and familiarity with shipping software are also valuable for entering the field.

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 company size. Salaries can increase with certifications, specialized knowledge, and years of experience in logistics and supply chain management.

Is freight forwarder a good career?

A freight forwarder is a logistics professional responsible for coordinating the shipment of goods across borders, requiring knowledge of customs regulations, transportation modes, and documentation. The career offers opportunities in international trade, with roles often involving problem-solving, negotiation, and use of logistics software. Job stability and growth depend on global trade trends and industry demand.

What are popular job titles related to Freight Forwarders jobs in California?

For Freight Forwarders jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freight Forwarders jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freight Forwarders jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freight Forwarders jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freight Forwarders job openings:

Freight Forwarders jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Forwarders job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $56,092 per year, or $27 per hour.

Operations Manager

La Puente, CA • On-site

Approved Freight Forwarders
Transportation and Warehousing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Approved Freight Forwardersexternal

$85K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary: $85,000-$88,500/ Annual
On Site, M-F, Full Time
About Us:
Founded in 1927, the DeWitt Companies is a family-owned group of transportation businesses with a strong presence in Hawaii, Guam, and California. We provide moving, storage, trucking, freight, and logistics services, helping individuals, businesses, and government customers move goods safely and efficiently. For nearly a century, our companies have built a reputation for dependable service, local expertise, and long-term relationships.
Essential Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
  • Manage all day-to-day warehouse, freight forwarding, and 3PL operations.
  • Oversee inbound, outbound, consolidation and deconsolidation services, cross-dock, transloading, pick & pack, storage, and distribution activities.
  • Ensure all customer shipments are processed accurately and shipped on time.
  • Establish daily operational priorities while balancing labor, equipment, and customer demands.
  • Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WI's) to standardize operations across departments.
  • Lead daily operational meetings and communicate performance expectations.

Freight Forwarding
  • Manage consolidation shipments via ocean, truckload (FTL), LTL, drayage, and intermodal transportation.
  • Coordinate Hawaii and island shipments while ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate.
  • Oversee shipment planning, booking, routing, cargo visibility, and exception management.
  • Build and maintain relationships with steamship lines, trucking companies
  • Monitor service failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Warehouse & 3PL Operations
  • Oversee receiving, inventory control, put-away, replenishment, order fulfillment, staging, shipping, and cycle counting.
  • Maintain inventory accuracy through routine audits and inventory reconciliation.
  • Optimize warehouse space utilization and improve operational flow.
  • Ensure proper handling of customer inventory and value-added services.
  • Support new customer implementations and operational start-ups.

Systems & Technology
  • Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), RF scanning technology, and transportation systems to maximize efficiency.
  • Ensure operational data integrity within a WMS.
  • Partner with IT and leadership to implement automation and technology improvements.
  • Develop operational dashboards and KPI reporting.

Financial & Performance Management
  • Manage labor scheduling to meet productivity goals while controlling costs.
  • Monitor departmental budgets and operational expenses.
  • Improve profitability through process improvements and waste reduction.
  • Ensure billing accuracy and timely completion of operational transactions.
  • Identify opportunities to increase revenue through operational efficiencies and value-added services.

Leadership & Employee Development
  • Lead, coach, mentor, and develop supervisors, team leads, and operations personnel.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and establish employee development plans.
  • Create accountability through measurable performance metrics.
  • Support hiring, onboarding, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
  • Foster a culture centered around teamwork, accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Customer Experience
  • Serve as the operational point of contact for key customer accounts.
  • Participate in customer business reviews and operational meetings.
  • Resolve service issues and customer escalations with urgency.
  • Partner with Sales and Business Development to support customer growth opportunities.

Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, TSA, Hazmat, and company policies.
  • Promote a proactive safety culture through regular inspections, audits, and employee training.
  • Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
  • Maintain warehouse security and inventory integrity.

Qualifications
  • 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in freight forwarding, warehouse operations, or third-party logistics (3PL).
  • Minimum of 5 years managing supervisors and multiple operational departments.
  • Strong understanding of domestic and freight forwarding.
  • Experience with ocean, air freight, drayage, intermodal, LTL, FTL, and distribution operations.
  • Working knowledge of import/export documentation and customs compliance.
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong analytical, financial, and operational planning skills.
  • Proven ability to lead change and build high-performing teams.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Hazmat shipping certification.
  • OSHA 30 certification.
  • Custom
  • Project management experience.
  • TSA certification

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to lift up to 15lbs at times
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and typing on a computer

Benefits:
  • Medical and Dental Insurance
  • Vision
  • 401(k) with Match
  • Paid Time Off
  • 11 Paid Federal Holidays
  • Monthly Team Celebrations
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Supplemental Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Yearly performance reviews

Equal Opportunity Employer: Women/Veterans/Minorities/Disabled
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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