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Freight Forwarding Resume Samples and Templates for 2026

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Freight Forwarding Resume Examples and Templates: A Complete Guide

If you’re pursuing a career in freight forwarding, presenting a professional resume that aligns with your qualifications, certifications, and logistics experience is critical. Whether you’re a seasoned freight forwarder handling JNPT container movements or someone transitioning into the logistics field, this guide will help you write a job-winning resume that impresses recruiters at DHL, Maersk, Blue Dart, and other leading freight companies in India.

Understanding the Freight Forwarding Role in India

Freight forwarders in India play a crucial role in the country’s rapidly growing logistics sector, valued at over ₹15 lakh crore. From managing containerised cargo through major ports like JNPT, Chennai, and Mundra to coordinating air freight through Delhi and Mumbai airports, freight forwarding professionals ensure seamless movement of goods across domestic and international markets.

Key responsibilities include:

Coordinating multimodal shipments (sea, air, road, rail)
Managing customs clearance documentation and DGFT compliance
Liaising with shipping lines, airlines, and transport operators
Handling import-export documentation (Bill of Lading, AWB, Certificate of Origin)
Ensuring GST and customs duty compliance
Tracking shipments and managing client communications
Negotiating freight rates with carriers and consolidators

India’s position as a manufacturing and export hub means freight forwarders are essential for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and textiles to automobiles and electronics.

Preparing to Write Your Freight Forwarder Resume

Before drafting your resume, gather all relevant information:

Professional details to compile:

Complete employment history with freight forwarding companies
Specific routes, ports, and trade lanes handled
Volume of shipments managed (TEUs, tonnes, consignments)
Software proficiency (Cargowise, SAP TM, Oracle SCM)
Certifications and training completed
Languages known (crucial for international trade)
Notable achievements (cost savings, process improvements)

Research your target employers:

Review job descriptions from Maersk, DHL, Kuehne+Nagel, and Allcargo
Identify common requirements and preferred qualifications
Note industry-specific terminology and compliance requirements

Choosing the Best Resume Format

Select a resume format that best presents your freight forwarding experience:

Chronological Format

Best for experienced freight forwarders with consistent career progression. Highlights your work history at companies like GATI, TCI, or Safexpress in reverse chronological order.

Functional Format

Suitable for career changers from related fields (customs brokerage, shipping line operations, or warehouse management) who want to emphasise transferable skills.

Combination Format

Ideal for mid-career professionals balancing diverse experience across sea freight, air freight, and multimodal operations.

Format recommendations by experience: | Experience Level | Recommended Format | Resume Length | |-----------------|-------------------|---------------| | Entry-level (0-2 years) | Chronological | 1 page | | Mid-level (3-7 years) | Combination | 1-2 pages | | Senior (8+ years) | Chronological | 2 pages |

Professional Summary Examples

Your professional summary should immediately communicate your freight forwarding expertise:

Entry-Level Freight Forwarder

Logistics graduate from NITIE with hands-on internship experience at Maersk India. Trained in sea freight documentation, customs clearance procedures, and shipment tracking systems. Proficient in Cargowise One and MS Office. Eager to contribute to freight operations while developing expertise in multimodal logistics.

Experienced Freight Forwarder

Results-driven freight forwarding professional with 6+ years of experience managing import-export operations for automotive and pharmaceutical clients. Successfully handled 500+ TEUs monthly through JNPT and Chennai ports. Expertise in customs documentation, DGFT compliance, and carrier negotiations. Reduced freight costs by 18% through strategic rate negotiations with shipping lines.

Senior Freight Forwarding Manager

Strategic logistics leader with 12+ years of experience in freight forwarding operations across India, Middle East, and Southeast Asia trade lanes. Led a team of 15 at DHL Global Forwarding, managing ₹50 crore annual revenue. Expertise in multimodal logistics, customs brokerage, and supply chain optimisation. IATA/FIATA certified with proven record of building long-term carrier partnerships.

Air Freight Specialist

Air freight operations specialist with 5 years of experience handling time-critical shipments for pharmaceutical and e-commerce clients. Managed daily cargo operations at Delhi IGI Airport with airlines including Emirates SkyCargo, Lufthansa Cargo, and Air India Cargo. IATA DGR certified with expertise in perishables, pharmaceuticals, and dangerous goods handling.

Showcasing Your Work Experience

Present your freight forwarding experience with specific achievements and metrics:

Senior Freight Forwarder

Kuehne+Nagel India Pvt Ltd | Mumbai April 2019 – Present

Manage import-export operations for 25+ key accounts including Tata Motors, Sun Pharma, and Reliance Industries
Handle 800+ TEUs monthly through JNPT, achieving 98% on-time delivery rate
Coordinate with 15+ shipping lines including Maersk, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd for competitive rate negotiations
Reduced average transit time by 3 days through strategic carrier selection and route optimisation
Process customs documentation ensuring 100% compliance with DGFT and customs regulations
Mentor team of 5 junior freight coordinators on documentation and client management

Freight Coordinator

Allcargo Logistics Ltd | Chennai June 2016 – March 2019

Coordinated FCL and LCL shipments for textile and automotive spare parts exporters
Managed documentation including Bill of Lading, commercial invoices, and packing lists
Liaised with customs house agents for timely clearance at Chennai and Tuticorin ports
Tracked shipments using Cargowise One, providing real-time updates to clients
Achieved 95% customer satisfaction rating through proactive communication
Processed 150+ shipments monthly with zero documentation errors

Logistics Trainee

Blue Dart Express Ltd | Bangalore January 2015 – May 2016

Assisted in domestic and international air freight operations
Learned customs clearance procedures and documentation requirements
Coordinated with airlines for cargo space booking and flight schedules
Maintained shipment tracking records and client communication logs
Completed IATA Cargo Introductory Course during training period

Essential Skills for Freight Forwarders

Technical Skills

Freight management systems (Cargowise, SAP TM, Oracle SCM)
Customs documentation (Bill of Lading, AWB, Certificate of Origin)
ICEGATE and customs e-filing procedures
Incoterms 2020 knowledge
HS code classification
GST and customs duty calculations
Shipping line booking portals
Warehouse management systems
MS Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables)
Track and trace systems

Operational Skills

Sea freight operations (FCL, LCL, breakbulk)
Air freight coordination (general cargo, perishables, DG)
Multimodal transport planning
Customs clearance procedures
DGFT compliance and licensing
Carrier rate negotiations
Route and transit time optimisation
Insurance and claims management
Project cargo handling
Cross-trade operations

Soft Skills

Client relationship management
Negotiation and persuasion
Problem-solving under pressure
Time management and prioritisation
Cross-cultural communication
Attention to detail
Team coordination
Vendor management
Conflict resolution
Adaptability to changing regulations

Certifications for Freight Forwarding Professionals

Industry-Recognised Certifications

Certification	Issuing Body	Relevance
FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding	FIATA/FFFAI	Gold standard for freight forwarders
IATA/FIATA Diploma	IATA	Air cargo and multimodal expertise
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)	IATA	Mandatory for DG shipments
Customs Broker License	CBIC	Essential for customs brokerage
IATA Cargo Introductory Course	IATA	Entry-level air cargo certification
SCM Professional Certification	APICS/CSCMP	Supply chain management expertise

Indian Certifications

FFFAI (Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India) membership
Custom House Agent (CHA) License from CBIC
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification knowledge
GST Practitioner certification
DGFT EXIM certification courses

Software Certifications

Cargowise One Certified Professional
SAP Transportation Management
Oracle SCM Cloud certification
Microsoft Excel Advanced certification

Tips by Experience Level

Entry-Level Freight Forwarders (0-2 years)

Highlight logistics or commerce degree from institutions like NITIE, IIM, or Symbiosis
Include internships at freight companies or customs brokerage firms
Emphasise software proficiency and willingness to learn
Mention language skills (English, Hindi, regional languages)
Include any IATA or logistics certification courses completed

Target companies: Entry roles at DHL, FedEx, Blue Dart, DTDC, or regional freight forwarders

Mid-Level Freight Forwarders (3-7 years)

Quantify shipment volumes handled (TEUs, tonnes, consignments)
Highlight specific trade lanes and port expertise
Showcase cost savings and efficiency improvements achieved
Demonstrate client relationship management success
Include team coordination or mentoring experience

Target positions: Senior Freight Coordinator, Operations Executive, Key Account Manager

Senior Freight Forwarders (8+ years)

Emphasise leadership and team management experience
Highlight revenue responsibility and business development achievements
Showcase strategic partnerships with carriers and agents
Demonstrate P&L management and operational excellence
Include industry recognition and professional network involvement

Target positions: Operations Manager, Branch Manager, Regional Head, Director of Freight Operations

ATS Optimisation for Freight Forwarding Resumes

Optimise your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems used by major freight companies:

Essential keywords to include:

Freight forwarding, freight forwarder, logistics operations
Import-export, customs clearance, DGFT compliance
Sea freight, air freight, multimodal transport
Bill of Lading, AWB, documentation
Cargowise, SAP TM, shipping software
JNPT, Chennai Port, Mundra, major ports
Incoterms, HS codes, customs duties
Carrier management, rate negotiations
FCL, LCL, containerised cargo
Supply chain, logistics management

ATS-friendly formatting:

Use standard section headings (Summary, Experience, Skills, Education)
Avoid tables, graphics, and complex formatting
Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
Save as PDF or Word document as specified
Include contact information in text format, not headers

Conclusion

A well-crafted freight forwarding resume is your gateway to opportunities at leading logistics companies in India. Whether you’re targeting roles at multinational freight forwarders like DHL and Kuehne+Nagel or established Indian players like Allcargo and TCI, your resume must demonstrate your expertise in managing shipments, ensuring compliance, and delivering cost-effective logistics solutions.

Focus on quantifying your achievements—TEUs handled, cost savings achieved, and on-time delivery rates. Highlight your certifications, software proficiency, and knowledge of Indian ports and customs procedures. With India’s logistics sector projected to grow significantly, skilled freight forwarding professionals are in high demand.

Use our resume builder to create an ATS-optimised freight forwarding resume, or explore our professional templates designed specifically for logistics professionals in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sections should a strong freight forwarding resume include?

At minimum, include contact information, a professional summary, work experience, key skills, and education. Depending on your experience level, you may also add certifications, achievements, projects, or industry-specific sections that highlight your expertise.

How do I write a professional summary for a freight forwarding role?

Keep it concise — two to three sentences highlighting your experience level, core competencies, and a key achievement or strength that shows why you're right for the job. Tailor it to match the specific role you're applying for.

What skills are most important to list on a freight forwarding resume?

Include a mix of technical skills specific to freight forwarding roles and soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Research job postings in your target companies to identify the most commonly requested skills.

How detailed should my work experience be?

Use bullet points to describe your roles, focusing on specific results, tools used, and the impact you made. Quantify achievements where possible — numbers and percentages help recruiters quickly understand your contributions.

Do I need certifications on my freight forwarding resume?

Certifications aren't always required, but they can strengthen your application — especially if they demonstrate advanced training or specialised expertise. List the certification name, issuing organisation, and year obtained.

What's the best resume format for a freight forwarding?

Most freight forwarding professionals benefit from a reverse-chronological format that lists your most recent experience first. If you're changing careers or have gaps, a functional or combination format might work better.

How long should my freight forwarding resume be?

Aim for one page if you're early in your career. Experienced professionals with extensive achievements can use two pages — just ensure every section adds value and remains relevant to the role.

Should I tailor my resume for each job application?

Yes. Customising your resume with keywords and responsibilities from the job posting improves your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and resonating with recruiters. Focus on relevant experience and skills for each role.

Freight Forwarding Text-Only Resume Templates and Samples

Arvind Rawat

Phone: 09876548765

Email: arvind@abc.com

Address: Alpha1 greater noida, Beta 2 greater noida, Noida

About Me

Freight Forwarding

Motivated and enthusiastic freight forwarding coordinator with XX years of experience in air transport for urgent and high-value freight. Adept in arranging appropriate packing, taking into account the climate, terrain, weight, cost, and nature of goods and also the delivery and warehousing of goods at their final destination. Possesses strong networking and customer relationship management skills and is looking forward to showcasing my skills at your company.Deft in arranging appropriate packing, taking into account the climate, terrain, weight, cost, and nature of goods and also the delivery and warehousing of goods at their final destination; arranging insurance and assisting the client in the event of a claim
Adept in obtaining, checking, and preparing documentation to meet customs and insurance requirements, packing specifications, and compliance with other countries' regulations and fiscal regimes; arranging payment of freight and other charges or collection of payment on behalf of the client
Involved in offering consolidation services by air, sea, and road, ensuring cost-effective and secure solutions to small shippers who have insufficient cargo to require their dedicated units; utilizing e-commerce, internet technology, and satellite systems to enable real-time tracking of goods
Skilled in arranging air transport for urgent and high-value freight and managing the risk door-to-door; acting as a broker in customs negotiations worldwide to guide the freight efficiently through complex procedures; arranging courier and specialist hand-carry services
Professional skills to coordinate functions and lead team members; strong negotiating power and management capabilities; effective networking and customer relationship management skills; business policy and strategic handling of matters; expertise in shipping and logistics management services

Education

Economics and Business Administration, Bachelor of Business Administration, Completed, August 2014

Hindu College

Delhi University

Delhi,

Certifications

Certified Freight Forwarder, Completed , January 2018

Work Experience

Period: May 2014 - Current

Freight Forwarding

SM/AM - Logistics

Noida, UP

Provided accurate and timely reporting of information to customers including sending quotations, pricing, costing, shipping details, and supply chain-related documentation.
Worked with the Operations team and suppliers to ensure customers’ expectations are met and exceeded.
Took a lead operational role for different clients; arranged shipments for new or one-off clients.
Used freight forwarding IT systems to process job files, manage customers’ shipments and ensure margin objectives per activity are met; ensure compliance with all policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
Built and maintained effective relationships with customers, suppliers, and team members.
Arranged for picking up of goods and materials from the client's location.
Counted, and labeled boxes to be shipped and entered details into the computer system.
Perform minor repairs on the hand-held scanner, forklift, and other equipment.

Period: July 2005 - February 2013

Consolidator

Sundaraanesh Freights Pvt.

Noida, UP

Carried out troubleshooting and finding solutions; produced rates and processed bookings on to computer system.
Co-operated with other teams to ensure cost/revenue are processed accurately and on time.
Established effective communications with clients and overseas offices.
Created new files for shipments prior to arrival; participated in periodic operational reviews with the client.
Noted down customer entries and invoices; liaised with Shipping lines.
Updating custom entries; ensuring strong communications with clients.
Executed multi-modal freight management services (sea/air/road) for imports and exports.
Maximized revenue, contain cost; maintained internal service level.