Import-export clerk

Import-export clerks ship goods to and from the UK by road, rail, air and sea.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • manage freight bookings using a computer system
  • check that tax and customs documents are correct
  • work with national and international suppliers and agents
  • arrange freight deliveries and collections between ports, airports and warehouses
  • handle invoices and payments
  • keep clients up to date and deal with problems or delays

Working environment

You could work in a warehouse or in an office.

Career path and progression

With experience you could become an import-export manager, a specialist in international trade law or an overseas account manager.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • knowledge of geography
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • administration skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Most relevant

  • Geography - Import-export clerks need to understand global trade routes, the locations of ports and airports, and how geography affects shipping times and costs. Knowledge of different countries, regions, and transport networks helps them plan the most efficient way to move goods around the world.
  • Mathematics - Import-export clerks work with invoices, payments, customs duties, and freight costs on a daily basis. They need to calculate shipping charges, convert currencies, and check that financial documents are accurate before goods can be cleared.
  • Business - Import-export clerks work within supply chains and need to understand how international trade operates, including logistics, supplier relationships, and customer service. Knowledge of how businesses manage operations, costs, and contracts is central to the role.
  • Modern Foreign Languages - Import-export clerks regularly communicate with international suppliers, agents, and customs officials in other countries. Speaking a foreign language is a real advantage when coordinating shipments and resolving problems across borders.
  • English Language - Import-export clerks write and check detailed customs documents, invoices, and shipping instructions where accuracy is essential. They also need strong communication skills to keep clients updated, deal with delays, and coordinate with agents and suppliers.

Also relevant

  • Economics - Import-export clerks benefit from understanding how international trade works, including tariffs, exchange rates, and trade agreements. This helps them make sense of the customs regulations and costs that affect every shipment they handle.
  • Law - Import-export clerks must ensure that all tax and customs documentation complies with UK and international regulations. Understanding legal frameworks around trade, customs law, and import restrictions helps them avoid costly errors and delays.
  • Accounting - Import-export clerks handle invoices, payments, and financial records as part of their daily work. Understanding bookkeeping principles and how to track costs accurately helps them manage the financial side of shipping and freight operations.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

You could do a degree before applying to join an organisation's management training scheme.

Employers accept most subjects but you might have an advantage if you study:

  • transport and distribution management
  • logistics and supply chain management
  • business and management
  • foreign languages with business studies

Choosing a degree with an industry placement or a summer internship could help you to get relevant skills and might be useful when you apply for jobs.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

You could do an international freight forwarding advanced apprenticeship.

It will take a year and 6 months to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

You could start as an admin assistant in a freight forwarding or logistics department and work your way up through training and promotion.

You'll find it useful to have office experience and computer skills.

You're likely to need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. Some employers might want you to have A levels or higher education qualifications.

You could do an introductory course in logistics, transport or international trade.

You can find courses offered by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Institute of Export and International Trade.

Career tips

You'll find it useful to speak a foreign language if the company operates internationally.

Further information

You can find out more about working in logistics and transport from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and Generation Logistics.

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