Import-export clerk

Import-export clerks co-ordinate the movement of goods in and out of the UK, and make sure that shipments meet legal and customs regulations.

Also known as: Shipping agent, freight forwarder, import-export agent

• Starter salary£25,000 a year
• Experienced£40,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 42 a week

What you'll do

As an import-export clerk, you could:

• manage freight bookings using a computer system
• check that all shipment documentation meets tax and customs rules
• work with national and international suppliers and agents
• arrange freight deliveries and collections between ports, airports and warehouses
• prepare paperwork like invoices, payment records and certificates of origin
• update clients with shipment progress and deal with problems or delays

Working environment

You could work in an office or in a warehouse.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of geography
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• administration skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a import-export clerk

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You could do a degree before applying to join a freight company's management training scheme.

Employers accept most subjects but you may have an advantage if you study:

• transport and distribution management
• logistics and supply chain management
• business and management
• business studies with a foreign language

Choosing a degree with an industry placement or a summer internship could help you to get relevant skills and might be useful when you apply for jobs.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an International Freight Forwarding Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 2 years to complete and combines on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an administrator in a freight forwarding or logistics department and work your way up through training and promotion.

You'll find it useful to have office experience and good computer skills.

You're likely to need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. Some employers might want you to have A levels or a higher education qualification.

Other routes

You could do a training course through an industry body, such as The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade .

Courses start from introductory level onwards, so you can choose what to do based on your knowledge and experience.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become an import-export supervisor or manager, a specialist in international trade law or an overseas account manager.

You might also move into senior positions dealing with regulations compliance, customs controls and sanctions.

Career tips

You may have an advantage in some jobs, if you can speak a second language, especially if you want to work for a company that operates internationally.

Guides for this industry

• Administration: pay, interviews and getting started →

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