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Import-export clerk

Alternative titles for this job include Shipping agent, freight forwarder, import-export agent

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.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42

You could work

between 8am and 6pm on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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

More Information

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

More Information

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.

More Information

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.

Further information

You can find out more about working in logistics and transport from Generation Logistics and The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Ocean International Freight Forwarder Apprentice

  • Wage: £14,722.50 to £23,809.50 a year Annually
  • Location: 3B, LAMSON ROAD, RAINHAM

Air International Freight Forwarder Apprentice

  • Wage: £14,722.50 to £23,809.50 a year Annually
  • Location: 3B, LAMSON ROAD, RAINHAM
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Transport & Logistics

  • Provider: NORTH EAST MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY
  • Start date: 01 January 2026
  • Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Transport & Logistics

  • Provider: NORTH EAST MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY
  • Start date: 01 February 2026
  • Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Find courses near you

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