Trade brokers
An AI agent can at least partly carry out 84.0% of the task time of trade brokers, and finish 12.6% alone. The barrier that holds most of the rest back is access to the systems the work runs on.
97th of 433 · interval 76.0–91.5
33rd of 433 · interval 5.6–21.0
57th of 433 · interval 55.7–64.6
task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 1.0 million.
How the tasks rate
What stops the agent
Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Track delivery progress of shipments.Cargo and Freight Agents | 2.3% | L3 | L3L3 | 82% | 22 min | Access to systems |
| Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.Cargo and Freight Agents | 2.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 1.8 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.Cargo and Freight Agents | 2.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 45 min | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.Cargo and Freight Agents | 1.9% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 38 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.Cargo and Freight Agents | 1.9% | L3 | L3L3 | 80% | 18 min | Access to systems |
| Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.Cargo and Freight Agents | 1.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 28 min | Access to systems |
| Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.Cargo and Freight Agents | 1.8% | L2 | L3L2 | 78% | 18 min | Access to systems |
| Check import or export documentation to determine cargo contents and use tariff coding system to classify goods according to fee or tariff group.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 72% | 25 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Arrange insurance coverage for goods.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 45 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.7% | L0 | L0L1 | 10% | 38 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.Cargo and Freight Agents | 1.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 8 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 1.1 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Route received goods to first available flight or to appropriate storage areas or departments, using forklifts, hand trucks, or other equipment.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 30 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Inspect and count items received and check them against invoices or other documents, recording shortages and rejecting damaged goods.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 45 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Contact vendors or claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems or contact service depots to arrange for repairs.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 38 min | Access to systems |
Show the other 88 tasks
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.Freight Forwarders | 1.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 2.5 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Prepare shipping documentation, such as bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.Freight Forwarders | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 75% | 45 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.3% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 32 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.Freight Forwarders | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 25 min | Access to systems |
| Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.Freight Forwarders | 1.3% | L3 | L3L3 | 85% | 20 min | – |
| Arrange for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.Freight Forwarders | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 1.3 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.Freight Forwarders | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 1.8 h | Access to systems |
| Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.Freight Forwarders | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 72% | 45 min | Access to systems |
| Complete customs paperwork.Freight Forwarders | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 1.0 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.Freight Forwarders | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 1.3 h | Access to systems |
| Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.Freight Forwarders | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 72% | 45 min | Access to systems |
| Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.Freight Forwarders | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Monitor or record locations of goods in transit.Freight Forwarders | 1.2% | L3 | L3L3 | 82% | 25 min | Access to systems |
| Refer exporters to experts in areas such as trade financing, international marketing, government export requirements, international banking, or marine insurance.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 30 min | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Recommend or arrange appropriate merchandise packing methods, according to climate, terrain, weight, nature of goods, or costs.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 45 min | Access to systems |
| Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.Cargo and Freight Agents | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 52 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Keep records of goods dispatched or received.Freight Forwarders | 1.2% | L3 | L3L3 | 82% | 22 min | Access to systems |
| Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 38% | 3.0 h | Physical presence, Trust and care |
| Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.Freight Forwarders | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 2.3 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Arrange for transport, using a variety of modes, such as rail, short sea shipping, air, or roadways, to minimize carbon emissions or other environmental impacts.Freight Forwarders | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 2.0 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Review the environmental records of freight carriers to inform shipping decisions.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 1.3 h | Access to systems |
| Pay or arrange for payment of freight or insurance fees or other charges.Freight Forwarders | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 30 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task | 1.2% | L2 | L2L3 | 75% | 2.5 h | Access to systems |
| Make arrangements with customs brokers to facilitate the passage of goods through customs.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Recommend shipping solutions to minimize cost or environmental impacts.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task | 1.2% | L2 | L2L3 | 72% | 1.8 h | Access to systems |
| Consolidate loads with a common destination to reduce costs to individual shippers.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 2.3 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 32 min | Physical presence |
| Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | L3 | L3L3 | 85% | 20 min | Access to systems |
| Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 45 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Direct or participate in cargo loading to ensure completeness of load and even distribution of weight.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Consider environmental sustainability factors when determining merchandise packing methods.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 52 min | Access to systems |
| Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.1% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 2.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 40% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 18 min | Physical presence |
| Provide detailed port information to importers or exporters.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | L3 | L3L3 | 82% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Maintain a supply of packing materials.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 45 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.Freight Forwarders | 1.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 75% | 45 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.0% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 8 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations, or other factors that could affect freight shipping.Freight Forwarders | 1.0% | L2 | L3L2 | 78% | 2.0 h | Access to systems |
| Monitor markets or positions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 1.0% | L2 | L3L2 | 78% | 45 min | Access to systems |
| Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.9% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 15 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Agree on buying or selling prices at optimal levels for clients.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.9% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 30 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Buy or sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies, or other securities on behalf of investment dealers.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 18 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Assist clients in obtaining insurance reimbursements.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task | 0.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 3.0 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Report all positions or trading results.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.8% | L2 | L2L3 | 80% | 52 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Identify opportunities or develop channels for purchase or sale of securities or commodities.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 3.0 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Keep accurate records of transactions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.7% | L2 | L3L2 | 75% | 25 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Track and analyze factors that affect price movement, such as trade policies, weather conditions, political developments, or supply and demand changes.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.7% | L2 | L3L2 | 78% | 1.8 h | Access to systems |
| Devise trading, option, or hedge strategies.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 2.5 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Complete sales order tickets and submit for processing of client-requested transactions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 10 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inform other traders, managers, or customers of market conditions, including volume, price, competition, or dynamics.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 38 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Supervise support staff and ensure proper execution of contracts.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 1.5 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Discuss financial options with clients and keep them informed about transactions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 38 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Determine customers' financial services needs and prepare proposals to sell services that address these needs.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 2.0 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Monitor sales staff performance to ensure that goals are met.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 1.5 h | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Review all securities transactions to ensure accuracy of information and conformance to governing agency regulations.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 52 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Direct and supervise employees engaged in sales, inventory-taking, reconciling cash receipts, or performing specific services.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 35% | 2.5 h | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Supply the latest price quotes on any security, as well as information on the activities or financial positions of the corporations issuing these securities.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.6% | L3 | L3L3 | 85% | 22 min | Access to systems |
| Interview clients to determine clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, or financial objectives.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 1.0 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Provide staff with assistance in performing difficult or complicated duties.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | 0.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 35% | 45 min | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Offer advice on the purchase or sale of particular securities.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 45 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Develop financial plans, based on analysis of clients' financial status.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 2.5 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Relay buy or sell orders to securities exchanges or to firm trading departments.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task | 0.5% | L2 | L3L2 | 78% | 8 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Formulate pricing policies on merchandise according to profitability requirements.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 4.0 h | Access to systems |
| Negotiate prices or contracts for securities or commodities sales or purchases.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 52 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Prepare and send requests for price quotations to all companies in a particular market.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task | 0.5% | L3 | L3L3 | 82% | 2.0 h | Access to systems |
| Price securities or commodities based on market conditions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 38 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Purchase or sell financial derivatives for customers.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 30 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Calculate costs for billings or commissions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.5% | L3 | L3L3 | 85% | 25 min | Access to systems |
| Contact prospective customers to present information and explain available services.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 25 min | Accountability, Trust and care |
| Listen to and resolve customer complaints regarding services, products, or personnel.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 30 min | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Examine merchandise to ensure correct pricing and display, and that it functions as advertised.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task | 0.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 45 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Coordinate sales promotion activities, such as preparing merchandise displays and advertising copy.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 3.0 h | Physical presence, Trust and care |
| Visit retailers and sales representatives to promote products and gather information.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task | 0.5% | L1 | L1L1 | 18% | 2.8 h | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Keep records pertaining to purchases, sales, and requisitions.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | 0.5% | L3 | L3L3 | 85% | 52 min | Access to systems |
| Explain stock market terms or trading practices to clients.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.5% | L3 | L3L3 | 82% | 18 min | Trust and care |
| Plan and prepare work schedules, and assign employees to specific duties.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | 0.5% | L2 | L2L3 | 70% | 2.3 h | Access to systems |
| Examine products purchased for resale or received for storage to determine product condition.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task | 0.5% | L1 | L1L1 | 18% | 30 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Evaluate costs and revenue of agreements to determine continued profitability.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 1.8 h | Access to systems |
| Inventory stock and reorder when inventories drop to specified levels.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task | 0.4% | L2 | L2L3 | 70% | 55 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Prepare financial reports to monitor client or corporate finances.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 72% | 1.8 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Prepare sales and inventory reports for management and budget departments.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task | 0.4% | L2 | L3L2 | 78% | 2.0 h | Access to systems |
| Attend company meetings to exchange product information and coordinate work activities with other departments.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | 0.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 38% | 1.0 h | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Confer with company officials to develop methods and procedures to increase sales, expand markets, and promote business.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 1.8 h | Trust and care |
| Analyze details of sales territories to assess their growth potential and to set quotas.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 4.0 h | Access to systems |
| Sell services or equipment, such as trusts, investments, or check processing services.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 3.0 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Hire, train, and evaluate personnel.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 3.5 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Prepare rental or lease agreements, specifying charges and payment procedures for use of machinery, tools, or other items.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task | 0.3% | L2 | L2L3 | 75% | 1.3 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.
Exposure is not delegation
| Measure | Value | Percentile | Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADI (this index) | 84.0% | 78 | |
| Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β | 0.534 | 83 | |
| Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure | 1.374 | 98 | |
| Webb (2020), AI patent exposure | 70.49 | 65 | |
| Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure | 0.454 | 85 | |
| Anthropic Economic Index, observed use | 0.112 | 74 |
Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.
Neighbouring occupations
| Occupation | ADI | % |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting associate professionals 3313 | 100.0 | |
| Credit and loans officers 3312 | 98.2 | |
| Statistical, mathematical and related associate professionals 3314 | 97.5 | |
| Insurance representatives 3321 | 97.0 | |
| Medical secretaries 3344 | 96.4 | |
| Office supervisors 3341 | 92.5 | |
| Commercial sales representatives 3322 | 91.8 | |
| Government tax and excise officials 3352 | 91.7 | |
| Business services agents not elsewhere classified 3339 | 91.6 | |
| Securities and finance dealers and brokers 3311 | 91.1 | |
| Legal secretaries 3342 | 90.5 | |
| Buyers 3323 | 89.0 |
Dashed line: trade brokers (84.0%).
Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Trade brokers (ISCO-08 3324), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/3324
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
title = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
author = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Zenodo},
version = {v2026.1},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
note = {Record: Trade brokers (ISCO-08 3324)}
}The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/3324.json.