Forwarder CV – How to Stand Out in Logistics?
Recruitment Advisor
2026-02-17 · 8 min read

Being a forwarder is a constant game against time, a logistics puzzle. Your CV must prove you can deliver cargo at optimal cost and deadline. Specific routes, transport exchange knowledge, and negotiation skills matter – they directly impact margins.
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- Why a good forwarder CV matters
- Forwarder CV structure
- Professional Summary – how to stand out?
- Experience: How to describe duties?
- Key skills in logistics
- Most common mistakes
- Cover letter template
- Summary
- FAQ
Why a good forwarder CV matters
In transportation, hard facts count. Your CV must be specific, factual, and results-oriented – exactly like freight negotiations.
A good forwarder CV:
✅ confirms proficiency in transport exchanges,
✅ defines your specialization (FTL, LTL, sea, air),
✅ demonstrates foreign language knowledge in operations.
Forwarder CV structure
🚚 Dynamics • Negotiations • Results
1. Contact information
- 📌 Full name
- 📌 Phone and professional email
- 📌 LinkedIn link (essential for contact base building)
2. Professional Summary
3-4 sentences showing your operational markets and margin achievements.
📌 Example:
"International forwarder with 6 years of road transport experience on European routes. Manage steady carrier base and regularly achieve above-market margins. Fluent in German for daily carrier negotiations."
3. Work experience
Describe duties using benefit-focused language and numbers.
- 📌 Sourcing new carriers and building relationships
- 📌 Planning and monitoring transport operations
- 📌 Active sales of forwarding services
- 📌 Transport documentation control and timeliness
Key skills in logistics
A forwarder is a salesperson-analyst combination. Your skills must reflect both aspects.
| Category | Examples | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Transport exchanges, TMS systems, MS Office (Excel). | Foundation of work – enables quick order closing. |
| Substantive | CMR Convention, Incoterms, driver work hours. | Ensures legal and financial security. |
| Soft Skills | Negotiations, stress tolerance, time pressure. | Essential in daily margin competition. |
Most common mistakes
❌️No language mention: In forwarding, it's a work tool. Missing a level (A1-C2) is a major minus.
❌️Overly generic: Avoid "transport organization." Specify the country and vehicle types.
❌️Skipping systems: If you know niche TMS programs, mention them.
❌️Outdated data: In forwarding, it's about contacts. Wrong phone number destroys your chances.
Cover letter template
Here's a template highlighting your logistics effectiveness:
Your Full Name
Email
Phone
City, Date
[Manager/HR]
[Transportation Company Name]
[Address]
Re: International Forwarder Position
Dear Hiring Team,
I am applying for the Forwarder position with great interest. Observing your fleet expansion into Western markets, I am confident my carrier relationship experience and cost optimization skills will contribute to your continued success.
In my previous work, I handled complete forwarding services on major European routes. Through skilled navigation of transport exchanges and local carrier knowledge, I reduced empty runs by 15%. My priority is always cargo security and margin maintenance.
I am stress-tolerant and able to make quick decisions in emergencies. I am fluent in [Language], enabling smooth communication with international partners.
I would appreciate meeting to discuss my work methods and contact base.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
📝 Create your forwarder CV now
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Create Now →Summary
- Key numbers: number of carriers, routes, and margins.
- Your summary must show market specialization immediately.
- Don't forget tools: transport exchanges are essential.
FAQ
1. What skills matter most for inexperienced forwarders?
Focus on languages and geographical orientation. Recruiters value determination, communication, and quick calculation.
2. Is Professional Competency Certificate (CPC) worth listing?
Absolutely. It demonstrates deep professional knowledge and commitment.
3. Does forwarder work require 24/7 availability?
In many companies yes. Your CV should highlight readiness for dynamic work and flexibility.
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