The freight update
More Than Experience
Recruiters look beyond resumes, focusing on communication, work ethic, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Preparation, a positive attitude, and strong problem-solving skills can make all the difference in today’s freight forwarding market.
When candidates apply for a freight forwarding position, many assume recruiters are only looking at one thing.
Experience.
Of course, experience matters. But it isn’t the only thing that gets someone’s attention.
In reality, recruiters are trying to answer one simple question.
“Would this person be a good fit for the business?”
The answer usually comes down to far more than a resume.
A Strong Work Ethic Still Goes a Long Way
Freight forwarding isn’t a typical nine-to-five industry.
Deadlines shift. Shipments get delayed. Customers need answers quickly, and no two days are ever the same.
Recruiters know that technical skills can be developed over time. What they’re really looking for is someone who can stay organized, communicate well under pressure, and take ownership when challenges arise.
Those qualities are often what separate a good candidate from a great one.
Communication Is Everything
Freight forwarding is built on communication.
Every day, logistics professionals are speaking with customers, carriers, warehouses, customs teams, and coworkers across different locations and time zones. A missed email or unclear update can quickly become an expensive problem.
That’s why recruiters pay close attention to how candidates communicate throughout the hiring process. If someone is responsive, professional, and communicates clearly during interviews, it’s usually a good indication of how they’ll perform in the position.
Problem Solvers Stand Out
No shipment goes exactly as planned.
Weather causes delays.
Ports become congested.
Shipping documents go missing.
Capacity changes overnight.
The best freight forwarding professionals don’t panic when problems appear. They focus on finding solutions.
Recruiters are always interested in candidates who can talk about situations they’ve resolved, rather than simply listing their day-to-day responsibilities.
Technology Is Becoming More Important
Freight forwarding has become far more digital over the last few years.
Transportation management systems (TMS), shipment visibility platforms, automation, and AI are now part of everyday operations. Candidates don’t need to know every system on the market, but they do need to show they’re comfortable learning new technology.
The industry is changing quickly.
The people willing to adapt will always have an advantage.
Attitude Often Beats Experience
This surprises a lot of people.
Two candidates can have almost identical experience on paper, but the person with the better attitude often gets the job.
Recruiters notice enthusiasm.
They notice preparation.
They notice curiosity about the business and the position.
Technical skills help someone get shortlisted. A positive attitude is often what gets them hired.
Stability Still Matters
Recruiters understand that careers change.
Moving for career progression or accepting a better opportunity is perfectly normal.
What raises questions is a long history of short-term positions without a clear explanation.
Candidates don’t need a perfect resume, but they should be prepared to explain the decisions they’ve made throughout their career. Honest conversations almost always create a better impression than trying to avoid the subject.
Preparation Makes a Difference
It’s surprising how many candidates arrive at an interview knowing very little about the business.
A few minutes of research can completely change the conversation.
Understanding what the company does, the industries it serves, and why the position is available shows genuine interest. It also helps candidates ask better questions, turning the interview into a conversation rather than simply answering questions.
Preparation shows professionalism before the job has even started.
Final Thought
The strongest freight forwarding candidates aren’t always the ones with the longest resume or the most years of experience. They’re the people who communicate well, solve problems, embrace change, and show a genuine interest in building a long-term career.
At THOMAS FREIGHT, we look beyond job titles and qualifications. We take the time to understand each candidate’s strengths, career goals, and long-term potential, helping our clients hire logistics professionals who are the right fit for both the position and the business.