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Freight Trading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freight Analyst

Rockford, IL ยท On-site

$24.50 - $30.02/hr

Position Summary The Freight Analyst is responsible for optimizing Waldom's domestic and ... Knowledge of FTZ operations and trade compliance. * Continuous improvement or Lean background. Note:

Freight Analyst

Rockford, IL ยท On-site

$24.50 - $30.02/hr

Position Summary The Freight Analyst is responsible for optimizing Waldom's domestic and ... Knowledge of FTZ operations and trade compliance. * Continuous improvement or Lean background. Note:

Position Summary The Freight Analyst is responsible for optimizing Waldoms domestic and ... Knowledge of FTZ operations and trade compliance. * Continuous improvement or Lean background. Note:

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Freight Trading information

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$25.5K

$66.7K

$117K

How much do freight trading jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for freight trading in the United States is $66,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freight trader do?

A freight trader buys and sells transportation capacity, such as shipping space or freight services, to optimize costs and profits for their company or clients. They analyze market trends, negotiate contracts, and use logistics tools to manage freight transactions efficiently.

What is the difference between Freight Trading vs Freight Brokerage?

AspectFreight TradingFreight Brokerage
CredentialsIndustry certifications, logistics knowledgeSimilar certifications, licensing often required
Work EnvironmentTrading floors, offices, online platformsOffice-based, client meetings, carrier interactions
Industry UsageFinancial trading of freight contractsConnecting shippers with carriers
Primary FocusBuying and selling freight capacity for profitFacilitating freight movement between shippers and carriers

Freight trading involves buying and selling freight capacity as a financial activity, focusing on market speculation and profit. In contrast, freight brokerage acts as an intermediary, connecting shippers with carriers to facilitate transportation. Both roles require industry knowledge and certifications but differ in their core functions and work environments.

What is freight trading?

Freight trading involves buying and selling contracts for the transportation of cargo, typically by sea, in order to manage or profit from fluctuations in shipping rates. Professionals in this field trade freight derivatives, such as Forward Freight Agreements (FFAs), to hedge risk or speculate on the future price movements of shipping costs. The job requires an understanding of global trade, shipping markets, and financial instruments. Freight traders often work for shipping companies, trading firms, or financial institutions.

What are some common challenges freight traders face when managing volatile market conditions?

Freight traders frequently encounter challenges such as rapidly changing shipping rates, fluctuating fuel costs, and unpredictable global events that impact supply and demand. Navigating these market volatilities requires quick decision-making, strong analytical skills, and proactive risk management strategies. Collaborating closely with analysts, brokers, and operations teams is essential to stay ahead of trends and minimize potential losses. Developing a deep understanding of market indicators and building a reliable professional network can help freight traders effectively manage these challenges and identify new opportunities.

What is a freight trader's salary?

A freight trader's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and performance. Many freight traders earn commissions or bonuses based on trading success, which can significantly increase total compensation.

How to get work as a freight broker?

To work as a freight broker, you need to obtain a freight broker license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which involves passing a background check and posting a surety bond or trust. Building industry knowledge, establishing relationships with carriers and shippers, and gaining experience in logistics or transportation can improve your chances. Many brokers also pursue training or certification programs to develop necessary skills and understanding of regulations.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

In freight trading, high-level brokers or traders can earn around $3,000 daily through commissions and profit margins, especially when handling large shipments or complex logistics. Success in this field often requires strong negotiation skills, industry knowledge, and experience with freight management tools. Such earnings are typically associated with senior roles or those operating independently in a competitive market.

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

To thrive as a Freight Trader, you need strong analytical skills, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of shipping markets, often backed by a degree in business, economics, or logistics. Proficiency with trading platforms, freight management systems, and market data analysis tools is typically required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and decision-making abilities help build relationships and respond swiftly to market changes. These skills are crucial for optimizing trades, managing risks, and achieving profitability in a competitive global market.
More about Freight Trading jobs
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What states have the most Freight Trading jobs? States with the most job openings for Freight Trading jobs include:

Lumber Trader Trainee

Southern Mississippi Trading, LLC.

Waynesboro, MS โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

About the job
Southern Mississippi Trading is a premier commodity trading company and significant player in the wood products industry. We offer lifelong careers for talented and motivated individuals through the buying and selling of wood products and are looking for a self-driven, highly competitive individual to join our team! Starting out, you will actively participate in our trader trainee development program to gain a comprehensive understanding of our industry, while also becoming equipped with the tools that lead to success on the commodities trading floor.
What's life like as a trader? Challenging, always changing, and fun. At SMT, we are the definition of a work hard - play hard team, who gives motivated people a pathway to become extremely successful. The culture of work/life balance is reflected in the tenure of our traders, averaging around 15 years. We are a company with a thriving social environment, filled with good friends & lots of company events!
Responsibilities in the Trader Trainee role:
  • Work within the logistics department to help grow our transportation network and negotiate freight rates with carriers
  • Communicate and collaborate with SMT Traders to resolve challenges or issues that arise in logistics
  • Work closely and network with SMT Traders to learn about our companyโ€™s business model
  • Monitor and analyze market trends within the forest product trading industry
  • Start to develop a customer relationships by prospecting, cold calling and networking

Compensation:
Paid training program. Followed by unlimited/limitless earning potential + bonus opportunities and employer stock options. Upward mobility within the first 2 -3 years, with the expectation to make high six figures.
Things we look for:
  • High energy with an entrepreneur spirit
  • Excellent problem solving, analytical and mathematical skills
  • Ability to create and embrace long term relationships
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate and interact with all levels of an organization
  • Ability to multitask to an exceptional degree
  • A strong desire to manage your own business and excel beyond ordinary
  • Must be comfortable with Excel, Word, Google Docs---etc

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