Essentials of Freight Forwarding and Supply Chain Logistics
Global supply chain and logistics specialists play a crucial role in ensuring that companies comply with all applicable U.S. import and export laws and global regulations. Their work involves staying up to date with U.S. customs and import/export regulations, facilitating shipments, coordinating with various logistics and regulatory organizations, and handling documentation requirements for the efficient movement of goods across borders. Freight forwarders, logistics companies, and businesses...
Ocean Forwarder Liability & Relationships With Carriers
Basics of Air Cargo Transport
Types of Air Cargo Carriers & Shipment Costs
Customs Brokers and Import Agencies
Customs Broker and Importer Relationships
Basics of U.S. Imports
Customs Broker's Relationships
Geography for Logistics
Instructors & Support
This is not an instructor-facilitated course. Although there is no direct interaction with an instructor, students can seek help from an industry expert by submitting questions via email.
Requirements
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites to complete this online course.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.
Software Requirements:
PC: Windows 10 or later.
Mac: macOS 12 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
FAQ
A freight forwarder is a logistics professional who uses their knowledge of transportation tactics and organizational skills to coordinate the movement of goods from manufacturers to retail locations, company storage facilities, or directly to customers.
Salary.com reports that the average freight forwarder salary in the U.S. is $94,624 as of June 2025, with a typical salary range of $86,519 to $103,246.
After completing this course, you are qualified to pursue jobs in the global supply chain and logistics industry. Specific types of jobs for which this course is valuable:
Freight forwarding operations agent/administrator
Export or import specialist/administrator/coordinator
Ocean freight coordinator/administrator
Air freight specialist/administrator/coordinator
Customs coordinator/administrator
Customs entry writer
Freight forwarding field sales, territory sales, business development, inside sales agent
Shipping clerk
International trade coordinator/administrator
Forwarding/supply chain operations customer service agent/coordinator/administrator
Supply chain specialists working for manufacturers with global supply chains are responsible for ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and timely flow of materials, components, and finished goods across international borders. Their work is crucial for maintaining production schedules, meeting customer demand, and minimizing costs and disruptions.
Starting base pay in the global supply chain and logistics industry varies by role, company, and location. Generally, the starting base pay for operational roles in the United States is approximately $50,000 per year. The average salary for experienced operational personnel ranges from $85,000 to $105,000. Entry-level sales roles can pay more than operational roles, with total compensation approaching and possibly exceeding $100,000 per year.
The long-term career potential of the global supply chain and logistics industry is exceptionally strong, driven by rapid technological innovation, ongoing globalization, and the critical role supply chains play in business continuity and competitiveness.
No.
After you register, you will receive 6 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.
Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.
ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.
ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.
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