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Import-export clerk
Shipping agent, freight forwarder, import-export agent
Import-export clerks ship goods to and from the UK by road, rail, air and sea.
Average salary (a year)
£18000
Starter
£30000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
9am to 5pm
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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 an organisation's management training scheme.
Employers accept most subjects but you might have an advantage if you study
transport and distribution management, logistics and supply chain management, business and management, foreign languages with business studies
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship
You could do an international freight forwarding advanced apprenticeship.
It will take a year and 6 months to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could start as an admin assistant 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 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 higher education qualifications.
Other Routes
You could do an introductory course in logistics, transport or international trade.
More Information
Career Tips
You'll find it useful to speak a foreign language if the company operates internationally.
Further Information
You can find out more about working in logistics and transport from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and Generation Logistics.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
    Knowledge of geography
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    Customer service skills
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    The ability to work well with others
    Administration skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you could
manage freight bookings using a computer system, check that tax and customs documents are correct, work with national and international suppliers and agents, arrange freight deliveries and collections between ports, airports and warehouses, handle invoices and payments, keep clients up to date and deal with problems or delays
Working environment
You could work in a warehouse or in an office.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience you could become an import-export manager, a specialist in international trade law or an overseas account manager.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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