The freight forwarding industry is shifting. With advancements in technology, changes in global trade, and a growing focus on sustainability, the skills needed for success in the field are changing too. To stay competitive, businesses must ensure their teams are prepared for what's ahead.
As the industry adapts, freight forwarding careers will require a blend of traditional expertise and new skills. Digital literacy, data analytics, and supply chain management are becoming more important, and professionals must be ready to manage these changes.
This guide highlights the top five skills that will be in demand for freight forwarding jobs by 2025. We’ll explain why these skills matter, what to look for in potential candidates, and how your organisation can stay ahead in a changing industry.
1. Digital Literacy
Freight forwarding has traditionally relied on manual processes, but digital tools are now reshaping the industry. The need for real-time tracking, efficient operations, and improved communication is driving the shift towards automation, AI, and blockchain. Yet, many freight forwarders still grapple with outdated systems and a workforce not fully prepared for these changes.
A recent study revealed that 63% of logistics companies face a digital talent shortage, highlighting a significant skills gap. Companies that don't adapt risk falling behind in growth and attracting the right talent.
Why Digital Literacy Will Be More Important in 2025
As freight forwarding moves into 2025, digital literacy is set to become a vital skill for professionals across the industry. Over the past few years, there has been a steady shift towards digital tools, and this change will only increase. From tracking shipments to streamlining processes, technology is already transforming the way freight forwarders operate.
Why It Matters:
The demand for faster, more transparent services is growing. To meet this demand, companies are adopting tools like automation and data analytics. However, many are still facing challenges, including outdated systems and a workforce that needs to catch up on digital skills.
Key Digital Tools Driving Change in Freight Forwarding:
- Automation: Frees up time by handling tasks like shipment tracking and inventory management, improving accuracy and efficiency.
- Data Analytics: Helps forecast delays, improve delivery routes, and manage inventory better, giving businesses a competitive edge.
- Cloud Software: Makes it easier to share real-time data across teams, speeding up decision-making and collaboration.
- Blockchain: Enhances security and transparency, reducing fraud and errors in documentation and transactions.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Allows for real-time monitoring of shipments and assets, improving visibility and tracking throughout the supply chain.
As these digitally-focused tools continue to develop in 2025 and widely impact the industry, digital literacy stands out as a top skill your team should have.
Building Digital Literacy in Your Freight Forwarding Team
As technology continues to shape the freight forwarding industry, it's important to assess how well your team is adapting. Digital literacy is crucial, and ensuring your staff has the right skills is key to staying competitive.
Look for these key skills when evaluating your team:
- Familiarity with automation tools for tracking shipments and managing inventory
- Ability to analyse data to improve efficiency and predict delays
- Experience using cloud-based software to share information and collaborate across teams
- Flexibility in learning and using new tools as the industry progresses
To stay ahead, invest in ongoing training. Helping your team grow their skills ensures they can handle new challenges as the industry evolves.
2. Data-Driven Decision-Making
In the age of data, freight forwarding is no exception. With global data consumption set to reach 149 zettabytes by early 2025, the ability to analyse and use data effectively is now a vital skill for your team.
Being able to make data-driven decisions can transform operations. For those working in freight forwarding, this skill helps optimise routes, anticipate disruptions like port congestion or natural disasters, and improve efficiency. As the industry evolves, the demand for professionals who can leverage data to stay ahead will only increase, making this an non-negotiable skill moving into 2025.
The Growing Importance of Data-Driven Skills in Freight Forwarding
As demand for international freight forwarder jobs grows, data-driven skills are becoming crucial. Here’s how they impact key roles:
In Operations:
Import and export operations professionals rely on data for route optimisation and disruption prediction, ensuring timely deliveries and cost savings. Without data skills, air and ocean coordinator jobs risk inefficiency and delays.
- Optimise routes: Data helps logistics teams choose the most efficient delivery paths.
- Predict disruptions: Data-driven insights identify potential issues like weather delays or congestion.
- Enhance efficiency: Data analytics streamline processes, reducing operational costs.
In Sales:
Sales teams need to use data to adapt to market trends and remain competitive during the sales and bidding process
- Data allows sales teams to target the right segments for improved sales outcomes.
- Tracking performance metrics enables adjustments to sales strategies.
- Data insights ensure services match market demand.
Without data analytics skills, Business Development Managers may struggle with inefficiency, missed opportunities, and failure to meet customer expectations.
3. Risk Analysis
Risk analysis is one of the most important—and often overlooked—skills in freight forwarding jobs. As supply chains become more interconnected, managing risks is essential. From sales teams facing price shifts to operations dealing with weather disruptions, every role is affected. By 2025, those who master risk management will stand out in an unpredictable world.
The ability to manage risks can make or break a business. Whether it's handling cybersecurity threats or adjusting to sudden changes in trade regulations, the right professionals keep business on track and prevent costly disruptions.
The Growing Importance of Risk Analysis in 2025
As the global supply chain continues to evolve, risk management is more vital than ever. Here’s why:
- As the industry becomes more reliant on digital tools, the risk of cyberattacks grows
- Unpredictable weather patterns are reshaping transport routes, take the drought late 2022 into 2023 that led to the Panama Canal water levels dropping so much that they had to restrict both the number and size of ships passing through
- New trade regulations require swift adaptation
- Rising fuel and labour costs can impact budgets
In 2025, being able to predict and manage these risks will separate the best from the rest in freight forwarding jobs.
Building Risk Management Expertise in Your Team
A good risk-aware team starts with the right mindset. When hiring, look for candidates who have:
- Experience with risk management considerations like scenario planning
- Knowledge of emerging threats like cybersecurity or environmental challenges
- Problem-solving abilities for high-pressure situations
- A solid grasp of global trade regulations and political impacts
To prepare your team for 2025, encourage continuous learning and equip them with the tools to manage emerging challenges in risk management.
4. Problem-solving and Adaptability
Problem-solving and adaptability are core skills that freight forwarding teams must develop to navigate challenges effectively. The freight forwarding industry constantly faces disruptions—whether it’s unexpected customs issues, adjusting to shifting regulations, or overcoming logistical hurdles.
As the industry continues to evolve, the ability to adapt quickly and solve problems is essential for professionals across the field. These skills are important not just for handling day-to-day challenges, but also for staying ahead as the industry moves forward.
When Are These Skills Crucial in Freight Forwarding?
- Managing Unexpected Delays: Whether it’s a delayed shipment or a last-minute change, the ability to think on your feet and come up with solutions is key to ensuring things stay on track.
- Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions: When weather or port congestion causes unexpected delays, adaptability is crucial. Freight forwarders need to be able to quickly identify new routes or alternatives to minimize disruption.
- Staying Ahead of Regulatory Changes: With constantly shifting regulations around imports, exports, and customs procedures, freight forwarding teams must be quick to adjust, ensuring compliance while keeping operations smooth.
- Overcoming Tech Failures: When systems fail, it’s those with problem-solving skills who can step in and find a workaround to keep things moving—whether it’s manually tracking shipments or finding temporary alternatives.
How to Find the Right Candidates
Problem-solving and adaptability are not always easy to spot on a resume, but they are essential in freight forwarding roles. These qualities can make or break your team’s ability to stay on track in a constantly evolving industry. Here are a few key ways to identify these skills in potential hires:
Ask About Past Challenges
Ask candidates to share challenges they’ve faced and how they handled them. Look for examples where they had to think on their feet or adapt to unexpected changes. This reveals how they respond under pressure. Be sure to direct them to talk about relevant challenges within their role in imports or exports. You could offer a scenario or two to see how they’d act on the spot.
Look for Relevant Experience
Candidates with experience in high-pressure or complex logistics are likely to excel in freight forwarding. Those who've dealt with disruptions, like supply chain delays, can quickly adapt and keep things running smoothly.
Focus on Collaboration
Problem-solving often happens in teams. Look for candidates who have worked collaboratively to overcome challenges, whether with shipment delays or navigating regulations. Team-oriented problem solvers will thrive in the freight forwarding industry. If they’ve been working remotely, ask how they’ve dealt with problems while not being able to walk over and talk to their colleagues within seconds and get a sense for if they’ve seen this as an issue.
5. Industry Awareness and Continuous Learning
Staying up to date with industry changes is vital in freight forwarding. In 2025, the most important skill your team will need is the ability to keep moving with the times. Whether in sales, operations, or management, being informed about trends, risks, and innovations will set your team apart.
For Import Coordinator and Export Coordinator roles, understanding shifts in global trade, new regulations, and market trends ensures seamless operations and supports timely decision-making. This knowledge can also provide a competitive edge in freight forwarding jobs, where flexibility and adaptability are key.
In commercial roles such as Air & Ocean Sales Executive or Domestic Business Development Manager, awareness of market trends and customer demands is essential for building relationships and identifying opportunities for growth.
For managers, whether a Branch Manager or Operations Manager, staying informed on global logistics developments ensures effective leadership during periods of change and helps navigate challenges that come with global transportation.
Why it Matters
In freight forwarding, industries are changing fast. In fact, 55% of companies plan to increase investment in supply chain risk management in 2025. Staying ahead of the curve helps teams handle new challenges and seize opportunities before they’re missed.
How to Build It:
- Encourage ongoing education by supporting staff with courses, certifications, and training that cover the latest trends in global logistics and international transportation
- Stay connected to industry news by regularly reading trade publications and newsletters to keep up with market changes and regulations
- Attend industry events to gain valuable insights and network with peers at webinars and conferences
- Share knowledge by creating an environment where team members can discuss best practices and ideas on staying ahead in the industry
- Invest in team development by providing opportunities for your team to stay sharp through training or event attendance
To thrive in 2025, your team’s ability to adapt to change will be just as important as their technical skills. With the right mindset, they’ll not only keep up with the industry but help your business lead the way.
Key Takeaways for Freight Forwarding Jobs in 2025 and Beyond
Freight forwarding is changing, and so are the demands placed on its workforce. As global trade becomes more complex, the ability to adapt, embrace new technology, and think strategically will set apart those who thrive.
Whether you're hiring for freight forwarding jobs in operations, sales, or management, the skills outlined in this guide are essential for success in 2025 and beyond. Digital literacy, data-driven analysis, risk management, and industry awareness will empower your team to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
Investing in these skills ensures your organisation stays ahead in a competitive global market. As freight forwarding jobs evolve with technology, building a team capable of meeting these demands will be crucial.
Unlock the Talent You need for Freight Forwarding Success
At Freight Appointments, we work across Europe, the US, and Australia to connect you with the right people for your business. Whether you’re focused on manufacturing, retail, breakbulk, or any other sector, we simplify recruitment and know exactly where to find the talent you need. We understand the skills that will drive your business forward, and we’re ready to help you build a team that’s equipped for 2025.
Get in touch today to start securing the talent that will set your business up for long-term success.
