# Tasks & work activities — freight transport dispatcher

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 43-5011.01 (Freight Forwarders).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.
- **[Core]** Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.
- **[Core]** Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.
- **[Core]** Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.
- **[Core]** Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.
- **[Core]** Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.
- **[Core]** Prepare shipping documentation, such as bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.
- **[Core]** Consolidate loads with a common destination to reduce costs to individual shippers.
- **[Core]** Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.
- **[Core]** Keep records of goods dispatched or received.
- **[Core]** Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations, or other factors that could affect freight shipping.
- **[Core]** Monitor or record locations of goods in transit.
- **[Core]** Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.
- **[Core]** Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.
- **[Core]** Pay or arrange for payment of freight or insurance fees or other charges.
- **[Core]** Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.
- **[Core]** Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.
- **[Core]** Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.
- **[Core]** Arrange for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.
- **[Core]** Complete customs paperwork.
- **[Core]** Provide detailed port information to importers or exporters.
- **[Core]** Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.
- **[Core]** Arrange for transport, using a variety of modes, such as rail, short sea shipping, air, or roadways, to minimize carbon emissions or other environmental impacts.
- **[Supplemental]** Assist clients in obtaining insurance reimbursements.
- **[Supplemental]** Recommend or arrange appropriate merchandise packing methods, according to climate, terrain, weight, nature of goods, or costs.
- **[Supplemental]** Make arrangements with customs brokers to facilitate the passage of goods through customs.
- **[Supplemental]** Refer exporters to experts in areas such as trade financing, international marketing, government export requirements, international banking, or marine insurance.
- **[Supplemental]** Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.
- **[Supplemental]** Consider environmental sustainability factors when determining merchandise packing methods.
- **[Supplemental]** Recommend shipping solutions to minimize cost or environmental impacts.
- **[Supplemental]** Review the environmental records of freight carriers to inform shipping decisions.

## Detailed work activities

- Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions.
- Arrange insurance coverage.
- Assist individuals with paperwork.
- Calculate shipping costs.
- Complete documentation required by programs or regulations.
- Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.
- Coordinate shipping activities with external parties.
- Examine documents to verify adherence to requirements.
- Execute sales or other financial transactions.
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
- Maintain current knowledge related to work activities.
- Negotiate financial arrangements.
- Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
- Recommend packing or shipping methods.
- Record shipping information.
- Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
- Track goods or materials.
- Verify shipping documentation.