# Tasks & work activities — forwarding manager

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 43-5011.00 (Cargo and Freight Agents).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Track delivery progress of shipments.
- **[Core]** Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.
- **[Core]** Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
- **[Core]** Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
- **[Core]** Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
- **[Core]** Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
- **[Core]** Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.
- **[Core]** Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.
- **[Core]** Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.
- **[Supplemental]** Check import or export documentation to determine cargo contents and use tariff coding system to classify goods according to fee or tariff group.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.
- **[Supplemental]** Contact vendors or claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems or contact service depots to arrange for repairs.
- **[Supplemental]** Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.
- **[Supplemental]** Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.
- **[Supplemental]** Inspect and count items received and check them against invoices or other documents, recording shortages and rejecting damaged goods.
- **[Supplemental]** Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.
- **[Supplemental]** Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.
- **[Supplemental]** Arrange insurance coverage for goods.
- **[Supplemental]** Direct or participate in cargo loading to ensure completeness of load and even distribution of weight.
- **[Supplemental]** Open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.
- **[Supplemental]** Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.
- **[Supplemental]** Route received goods to first available flight or to appropriate storage areas or departments, using forklifts, hand trucks, or other equipment.
- **[Supplemental]** Maintain a supply of packing materials.
- **[Supplemental]** Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.

## Detailed work activities

- Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions.
- Arrange insurance coverage.
- Assemble wood products.
- Attach identification information to products, items or containers.
- Calculate shipping costs.
- Coordinate operational activities.
- Coordinate shipping activities with external parties.
- Enter information into databases or software programs.
- Inspect items for damage or defects.
- Inspect shipments to ensure correct order fulfillment.
- Load materials or equipment.
- Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
- Maintain operational records.
- Manage clerical or administrative activities.
- Negotiate financial arrangements.
- Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
- Package objects for shipping.
- Provide notifications to customers or patrons.
- Recommend packing or shipping methods.
- Record shipping information.
- Supervise clerical or administrative personnel.
- Track goods or materials.
- Unload materials or equipment.
- Verify shipping documentation.
