Apprentice Ocean Freight Forwarder

EXPEDITORS INTERNATIONAL (UK) LIMITED

Derby (DE74 2US)

Closes in 9 days (Thursday 1 October 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 21 September 2026

Summary

As an apprentice, you’ll work for the company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff and great progression opportunities.

Wage

£18,000 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)

Hours

9.00am - 5.30pm, with 1 hour lunch.
38 hours a week

Start date

Monday 5 October 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Major Duties and Responsibilities of Ocean Freight forwarder

• Ensure smooth and timely freight process flow
• Track and Trace Files and reporting
• Use both export and import dashboards timely
• Ensure accurate and timely billing
• Contribute to maintain good relationships and good customer service, with customers and suppliers
• Meet compliance at all times to regulations internal and external in accordance with government regulations
• Understand department process flow, and look for best practices to improve operational efficiency and productivity
• Timely responses to emails and requests (internal and external)
• Escalation of problems to Management when necessary
• Prepare customs entries in Customsware or other customs software
• Understand the elements of the Import & Export customs SOP
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into operating systems
• Ensure timely customs clearance of shipments
• Monitor customs clearances and communicate with Customers

Where you'll work

Sills Road
Willow Farm Business Park, Castle Donington
Derby
DE74 2US

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SEETEC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED

Training course

International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery times and modes.
• Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.
• Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.
• Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.
• Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.
• Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.
• Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.
• Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.
• Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.
• Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and escalate within company policy.
• Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.
• Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.
• Air. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the air freight industry.
• Air. Select and use documentation appropriate to the air freight industry.
• Ocean. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the ocean freight industry.
• Ocean. Select and use documentation appropriate to the ocean freight industry.
• Road. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the road freight industry.
• Road. Select and use documentation appropriate to the road freight industry.
• Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery times and modes.
• Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.
• Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.
• Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.
• Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.
• Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.
• Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.
• Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.
• Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.
• Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and escalate within company policy.
• Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.
• Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.