Everything you need to know about the profession of Kaufmann/Kauffrau für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung (Freight Forwarding and Logistics Services Clerk)

Author name: Admin Publication date: 2025-07-07 Article category: vocational training / apprenticeship

What is a “Kaufmann/Kauffrau für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung”?

A Kaufmann/Kauffrau für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung is a specialist who organises and coordinates the transport of goods at national and international level – by road, sea or air. They make sure that shipments arrive safely and on time, while taking into account costs, legal requirements and customer needs.


How is the training structured?

  • Dual vocational training (Ausbildung) lasting 3 years

  • Combination of practical experience in freight forwarding and logistics companies and theoretical lessons at a vocational school (Berufsschule)

  • Final official examination recognised by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)


Typical day-to-day tasks

Organising shipments

  • Planning the best routes and means of transport

  • Booking containers, trucks or cargo space on ships and aircraft

Preparing documents and certificates

  • Preparing customs documents, bills of lading and permits

  • Handling contracts and invoices

Monitoring shipments

  • Tracking the movement of goods at all stages

  • Solving problems such as delays or damage

Advising customers

  • Preparing quotations and logistics plans

  • Advising on packaging, storage and transport options

Warehouse and logistics management

  • Organising warehouses and internal distribution

  • Improving internal processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency


Where can they work?

  • National and international freight forwarding companies

  • Multi-modal logistics service providers

  • E-commerce companies and supply chain organisations

  • Ports and airports

  • Industrial companies with warehouses or large distribution networks


Key skills required

  • Strong organisational and planning skills

  • Economic thinking and cost awareness

  • Excellent communication skills and customer service attitude

  • Foreign language skills, especially English

  • High accuracy in handling documents and customs procedures


Career development opportunities

  • Promotion to supervisor or head of logistics or transport departments

  • Further qualification as Fachwirt/in für Güterverkehr und Logistik (specialist in freight transport and logistics)

  • Academic studies in supply chain management or business administration

  • Specialisation in international logistics planning or large-scale warehouse management


Difference between Kaufmann für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung and Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik

Aspect Kaufmann/Kauffrau für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik
Focus Transport and logistics organisation, planning, customers Practical warehousing, stock control, loading
Tasks Booking, coordination, consulting, shipping documents Arranging goods, checking, picking, packing
Field Logistics planning and management Hands-on warehouse work

Summary

The profession Kaufmann/Kauffrau für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung is perfect for those who are interested in global trade, enjoy planning and coordination, and like working with people in a challenging international environment.

  • Offers strong employment opportunities worldwide

  • Combines office work with practical exposure to logistics operations

  • Provides rich career paths up to senior management


* The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on extensive research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may be incomplete or not fully verified. Please treat the information in this article as an initial reference and always contact the competent authorities for binding information.

You may also like

Discover more blog posts and articles you might enjoy.