Overview
Freight forwarding is the business of moving goods across borders. It combines logistics, customs compliance, documentation, and client management into a role that is part problem solving and part administration. Since Brexit, the demand for people who understand customs declarations, commodity codes, and Incoterms has grown significantly, and freight companies are actively recruiting graduates who can handle the paperwork that keeps goods moving through ports and airports.
This resume belongs to Amira Hassan, a Logistics and Supply Chain Management graduate from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). She completed a summer internship at a freight forwarding company in Bristol, processed over 200 import and export shipments, and holds a BIFA (British International Freight Association) Foundation Certificate. Her resume works because it combines academic knowledge with real documentation experience.
What Makes This Resume Work
Customs documentation experience is detailed and quantified. Amira processed 200+ shipments during her internship, preparing bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs entry declarations. She also classified goods using HS commodity codes for 85 import entries, which is the specific skill that customs compliance teams need. Naming each document type shows she knows the full paperwork chain.
The BIFA Foundation Certificate adds industry credibility. BIFA is the UK trade association for freight forwarders, and their Foundation Certificate covers customs procedures, transport modes, documentation, and Incoterms 2020. For a graduate with limited experience, this certificate tells employers she has invested in industry specific training beyond her degree.
Incoterms knowledge is demonstrated through application. Rather than listing "knowledge of Incoterms" as a skill, Amira describes how she advised clients on the difference between DDP and DAP terms for European road freight shipments, helping 3 clients avoid unexpected duty charges. This shows she can apply the theory in a client facing context.
Transport modes are covered. Her internship involved road freight across Europe, sea freight from the Far East, and air freight for urgent shipments. Each mode has different documentation requirements, and showing experience across all three makes her a more versatile hire.
Key Takeaways
Name every document type you have prepared or processed. Bills of lading, airway bills, CMR notes, customs entries, certificates of origin. Each one represents a specific competence in freight forwarding.
Show your understanding of HS commodity codes and customs declarations. Post Brexit, this is the highest demand skill in UK freight forwarding. If you have classified goods or prepared customs entries, quantify how many.
Get the BIFA Foundation Certificate if you can. It is relatively inexpensive, widely recognised, and demonstrates commitment to freight forwarding as a career rather than just a first job.
