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Freight Forwarding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Import Freight Forwarder

Carson, CA

$22 - $28.75/hr

Experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or international shipping * Knowledge of air freight and ocean import procedures * Understanding of import documentation and customs processes * Strong ...

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Freight Forwarding information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$49.3K

$65.6K

How much do freight forwarding jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for freight forwarding in California is $49,317.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $55,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a freight forwarder?

To become a freight forwarder, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of logistics, transportation, and customs regulations. Relevant skills include organization, communication, and proficiency with freight management software. Certifications such as the Certified International Freight Forwarder (CIFF) can enhance job prospects.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in freight forwarding, and how can they be managed?

Freight forwarding professionals often navigate challenges such as coordinating shipments across multiple countries, managing tight deadlines, and resolving unexpected delays due to customs or weather. Staying organized, maintaining clear communication with carriers and clients, and having a strong understanding of international regulations can help address these issues. Many freight forwarders rely on technology and established logistics networks to proactively manage disruptions and ensure goods reach their destinations efficiently.

Is freight forwarder a good career?

A freight forwarding career involves coordinating the shipment of goods internationally, requiring skills in logistics, communication, and documentation. It can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement, especially with industry certifications and experience in supply chain management.

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. Salaries can increase with certifications, specialized knowledge, and managerial responsibilities.

What does a freight forwarder do?

A freight forwarder coordinates the shipment of goods on behalf of clients, managing tasks such as booking cargo space, preparing documentation, and arranging transportation across different carriers. They ensure shipments comply with regulations and often use logistics software to track and optimize delivery processes.

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 a solid understanding of logistics, international shipping regulations, and supply chain management, often supported by relevant certifications or experience in transportation or logistics. Familiarity with freight management systems, customs documentation software, and global trade compliance tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help manage complex shipments and coordinate with clients and partners. These competencies are crucial for ensuring timely, compliant, and cost-effective movement of goods across borders.

What is freight forwarding?

Freight forwarding is a service used by businesses and individuals to arrange the shipment of goods from one location to another, often internationally. Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers and transportation services, handling logistics such as booking cargo space, preparing shipping and customs documents, and negotiating freight charges. They coordinate the movement of goods by various modes of transport, including air, sea, road, or rail, and often provide additional services like warehousing, insurance, and tracking. Their goal is to ensure goods are shipped efficiently, securely, and cost-effectively.

What is the difference between Freight Forwarding vs Customs Broker?

AspectFreight ForwardingCustoms Broker
CredentialsLogistics certifications, freight forwarding licensesCustoms broker licenses, import/export certifications
Work EnvironmentGlobal logistics, shipping companiesCustoms agencies, import/export firms
Industry UsagePlanning and coordinating shipmentsClearing goods through customs

Freight forwarding involves organizing the transportation of goods across borders, while customs brokers focus on clearing shipments through customs. Both roles require knowledge of international shipping regulations and certifications, but they serve different functions in the supply chain.

What are the most commonly searched types of Freight Forwarding jobs in California? The most popular types of Freight Forwarding jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Freight Forwarding jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Forwarding jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freight Forwarding jobs? Cities in California with the most Freight Forwarding job openings:
Sales Executive - Freight Forwarding

Sales Executive - Freight Forwarding

FreightTAS LLC

Compton, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Sales Executive โ€“ Freight Forwarding Purpose of Role

Drive profitable new business through consultative, solutions-based selling across a full suite of global logistics and supply chain services. Maintain integrity, accuracy, and transparency in all revenue reporting and client discussions.

Why This Is a Great Place to Work

โ€ข Privately held, financially strong, and growing nationwide
โ€ข Highly respected reputation for ethics, service quality, and operational reliability
โ€ข True entrepreneurial culture โ€” sales reps are empowered, not micromanaged
โ€ข Fast decision-making from leadership (no bureaucracy)
โ€ข Best-in-class operations teams that make it easier to onboard and retain accounts
โ€ข Industry-leading technology: real-time tracking, API/EDI integrations, advanced WMS
โ€ข Strong support from regional EVP-level sales leaders
โ€ข Competitive compensation structure tied to performance
โ€ข Long-term career stability with national and international expansion plans

What You Will Sell Core Freight Forwarding Services

โ€ข International & domestic air freight
โ€ข International & domestic ocean freight
โ€ข FTL, LTL, cross-dock, distribution
โ€ข Import/export with customs brokerage and compliance guidance

Warehousing & Fulfillment

โ€ข Bonded and FTZ services
โ€ข Storage, inventory management
โ€ข Pick/pack/ship, kitting, labeling
โ€ข E-commerce fulfillment with advanced WMS (Extensiv)
โ€ข Amazon FBA/FBM support

Specialized Services

โ€ข Expedited/time-definite (NFO, charter, critical shipments)
โ€ข White-glove and high-value handling
โ€ข Project cargo: heavy-lift, OOG, crating, rigging
โ€ข Temperature-controlled and sensitive cargo

High-Value Verticals (Preferred Experience)

โ€ข Automotive
โ€ข AI / High-tech
โ€ข Pharmaceutical
โ€ข Aerospace
โ€ข Government / DOD
โ€ข Medical devices
โ€ข Retail / cosmetics
โ€ข High-value commodities

Digital & Technology Solutions

โ€ข Shipment management platform with real-time visibility
โ€ข Full API/EDI integration for automation
โ€ข Client-specific workflow customization

Preferred Markets (Not Required)

โ€ข Atlanta
โ€ข Dallas
โ€ข Houston
โ€ข Chicago
โ€ข Los Angeles
โ€ข San Diego
โ€ข San Francisco
โ€ข San Jose

Requirements

Core RequirementsRemote Sales Requirements

โ€ข Remote roles require $2M+ annual GP

Professional Standards

โ€ข Demonstrates integrity, commitment, and passion
โ€ข Must be currently employed in a logistics sales role
โ€ข No non-compete preferred
โ€ข Strong verbal and written communication skills
โ€ข Proficient with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

Sales CapabilitiesConsultative Selling

โ€ข Ability to diagnose customer needs and design customized logistics solutions
โ€ข Comfortable discussing automation, EDI/API integration, and operational efficiencies
โ€ข Skilled in value-based presentations and solution framing

Client Relationship Management

โ€ข Proven history of building loyal, portable client relationships
โ€ข Can articulate monthly revenue, GP, margins, and industry mix without embellishment
โ€ข Able to discuss book performance without naming clients

Prospecting & Sales Tools

โ€ข Clear prospecting strategy (cold calling, cadence, vertical targeting)
โ€ข Skilled in CRM execution and organized follow-up
โ€ข Strong discipline in pipeline management and forecasting

Experience Requirements

โ€ข Minimum 5+ years of successful freight forwarding sales experience
โ€ข Ability to demonstrate true account portability and retention
โ€ข Must be accurate โ€” no inflated performance claims

Benefits

โ€ข Medical, dental, and vision insurance

โ€ข 401(k) with company match

โ€ข Life, short-term, and long-term disability coverage

โ€ข Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

โ€ข Flexible/remote options for high-performing sales reps

โ€ข Competitive base salary + strong commission structure

โ€ข Annual performance bonuses

โ€ข Company laptop and mobile reimbursement

โ€ข Ongoing sales, compliance, and technology training

โ€ข Supportive, fast-moving culture with strong operations backing