Industry OverviewFreight Forwarders manage the movement of goods on behalf of individuals or companies and can assist organisations to navigate the complexities involved in importing goods into Australia. They are responsible for arranging cargo to be delivered by rail, road, air or sea in the most timely and cost efficient manner possible. Some companies specialise in domestic freight whilst others focus on international freight. In some cases they act solely as an agent whereas other forwarders have a transport component attached to their business. In WA, the majority of operations are based in the metropolitan area out of the major transport hubs: Fremantle Port, Perth Airport, Cockburn, Kewdale and Welshpool. Although WA only accounts for 9.4 per cent of business locations nationwide, it is Australia’s largest merchandise exporter accounting for 46 per cent of total earnings ($113 billion). With regard to imports, the third largest import for WA after gold and petroleum is industrial equipment and machinery valued at over $3 billion for the mining industry. Annual growth is expected to rise by four per cent from 2012 to 2017. Machinery, transport equipment and parts account for 40 per cent of the total market share. With the growth figures indicated, there will be a need for additional personnel to offset the workloads.
Customs Agents or Customs Brokers look after the processing of goods coming in and out of the country’s ports and airports. Third party services are offered to importers, wholesalers and retailers who are subject to compliance with customs and quarantine requirements. The bulk of the services provided in this field are segmented into 85 per cent for imports and 15 per cent for export clearance. When combined this service offering is worth an estimated $3.2 billion. |
Licensing RequirementsAll products, goods and merchandise imported into Australia must be cleared through the border. The Customs Act 1901 (Customs Act) provides that only the owner of goods or a customs broker licensed by the Comptroller-General of Customs for the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) can submit an import declaration to enter goods for home consumption in connection with the importation of those goods. Further details regarding licensing types and requirements for customs brokers can be found at the Australian Border Force.
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Occupations / Skills in DemandOver the next four years the following occupations have been identified as being in demand for this sector:
Download the Careers Pathway Booklet for further details on these occupations and how you can begin a career in this sector. If you have queries regarding specific occupations or if you feel an occupation in your industry in not on the State Priority Occupation List (SPOL) please contact us. Training Councils are the first point of contact for feedback regarding this list. |
Freight Forwarding Industry Profile
The LDSC also provides strategic advice to industry, government and other key stakeholders on workforce development issues such as occupational priorities or shortages per industry area, training or upskilling requirements and other industry intelligence of factors influencing skilling needs within Western Australia. To access these, please click on the links below:
Industry Profile
Industry Infographic
For historic information contact us
Freight Forwarding Training PackageAustralian Industry Standards (AIS) is the Skills Service Organisations (SSO) with responsibility for the Transport and Logistics Training Package. In addition, you can also follow the links on their website to find more information regarding their Rail Industry Outlook and Rail Industry Forecasts released annually or to find out how you can be involved in the Transport and Logistics Industry Reference Committee (IRC).
To ensure feedback from WA stakeholders has been included, the LDSC regularly provides advice and recommendations to the AIS on the development of Training Package materials as well as the development of the Industry Outlooks and Industry Forecasts. Please contact the LDSC via email (info@ldsc.asn.au) if you would like to provide feedback or be involved in these consultations. |
How Can I Begin a Career in Freight Forwarding?Download our Careers Pathway Booklet which details Case Studies and career pathway information for how you can enter this industry or visit the State Priority Occupation List (SPOL) information on our website.
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