Import-export Clerk

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £30,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

9am to 5pm

How To Become a Import-export Clerk

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
specialist courses run by professional bodies

College / University

You could do a degree before applying to join an organisation's management training scheme. Most subjects are accepted but you may have an advantage if you study:

transport and distribution management
logistics and supply chain management
business and management
foreign languages with business studies

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You could do an international freight forwarding advanced apprenticeship.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as an office 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 may prefer you to have A levels or higher qualifications.

Other Routes

You could take an introductory course, like the ones offered by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and The Institute of Export and International Trade.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
knowledge of geography
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
customer service skills
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to work well with others
administration skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

managing freight bookings using a computer system
checking order, tax and customs documents are correct
working closely with national and international suppliers and agents
arranging freight deliveries and collections between ports, airports and warehouses
handling invoices and payments
keeping clients up to date with progress
dealing with any problems or delays

Working Environment

You could work in a warehouse or in an office.

Career Path & Progression

You could become an import-export manager, a specialist in international trade law, or overseas account manager.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & 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 becoming an import-export clerk from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.