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Balam Labs
ISCO-08 3324

Trade brokers

84.0%
ADI · 97th of 433 · 95% interval 76.0–91.5

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.

ADI · partial or full84.0%

97th of 433 · interval 76.0–91.5

ADI3 · full delegation12.6%

33rd of 433 · interval 5.6–21.0

ADIs · share of time60.2%

57th of 433 · interval 55.7–64.6

Evidence103

task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 1.0 million.

Task weight by level

How the tasks rate

10%
71%
13%
L0No meaningful role · 6.3%L1Augmentation · 9.8%L2Partial delegation · 71.4%L3Full delegation · 12.6%
Barriers

What stops the agent

Physical presence21%
Accountability32%
Trust and care19%
Access to systems74%

Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.

103 task statements, heaviest first
Task statement (O*NET occupation)Sonnet · HaikuBarriers
Track delivery progress of shipments.Cargo and Freight Agents2.3%L3L3L382%22 minAccess to systems
Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.Cargo and Freight Agents2.2%L2L2L262%1.8 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.Cargo and Freight Agents2.0%L2L2L265%45 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.Cargo and Freight Agents1.9%L2L2L270%38 minAccountability, Access to systems
Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.Cargo and Freight Agents1.9%L3L3L380%18 minAccess to systems
Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.Cargo and Freight Agents1.8%L2L2L268%28 minAccess to systems
Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.Cargo and Freight Agents1.8%L2L3L278%18 minAccess 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 task1.7%L2L2L272%25 minAccountability, Access to systems
Arrange insurance coverage for goods.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.7%L2L2L268%45 minAccountability, Access to systems
Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.7%L0L0L110%38 minPhysical 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 Agents1.6%L2L2L258%8 minPhysical 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 task1.6%L2L2L270%1.1 hAccountability, 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 task1.5%L1L1L222%30 minPhysical 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 task1.4%L1L1L230%45 minPhysical 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 task1.4%L2L2L265%38 minAccess to systems
Show the other 88 tasks
Task statement (O*NET occupation)Sonnet · HaikuBarriers
Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.Freight Forwarders1.4%L2L2L255%2.5 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Prepare shipping documentation, such as bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.Freight Forwarders1.3%L2L2L275%45 minAccountability, 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 task1.3%L0L0L05%32 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.Freight Forwarders1.3%L2L2L268%25 minAccess to systems
Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.Freight Forwarders1.3%L3L3L385%20 min–
Arrange for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.Freight Forwarders1.3%L2L2L268%1.3 hAccountability, Access to systems
Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.Freight Forwarders1.3%L2L2L268%1.8 hAccess to systems
Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.Freight Forwarders1.3%L2L2L272%45 minAccess to systems
Complete customs paperwork.Freight Forwarders1.3%L2L2L270%1.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.Freight Forwarders1.3%L2L2L265%1.3 hAccess to systems
Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.Freight Forwarders1.3%L2L2L272%45 minAccess to systems
Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.Freight Forwarders1.3%L2L2L265%38 minAccess to systems
Monitor or record locations of goods in transit.Freight Forwarders1.2%L3L3L382%25 minAccess 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 task1.2%L2L2L262%30 minTrust 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 task1.2%L2L2L265%45 minAccess to systems
Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.Cargo and Freight Agents1.2%L2L2L252%52 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Keep records of goods dispatched or received.Freight Forwarders1.2%L3L3L382%22 minAccess to systems
Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.2%L1L1L238%3.0 hPhysical presence, Trust and care
Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.Freight Forwarders1.2%L2L2L258%2.3 hAccountability, 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 Forwarders1.2%L2L2L262%2.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Review the environmental records of freight carriers to inform shipping decisions.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task1.2%L2L2L270%1.3 hAccess to systems
Pay or arrange for payment of freight or insurance fees or other charges.Freight Forwarders1.2%L2L2L268%30 minAccountability, Access to systems
Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task1.2%L2L2L375%2.5 hAccess to systems
Make arrangements with customs brokers to facilitate the passage of goods through customs.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task1.2%L2L2L265%38 minAccess to systems
Recommend shipping solutions to minimize cost or environmental impacts.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task1.2%L2L2L372%1.8 hAccess to systems
Consolidate loads with a common destination to reduce costs to individual shippers.Freight Forwarders1.1%L2L2L262%2.3 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.1%L0L0L02%32 minPhysical presence
Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.Freight Forwarders1.1%L3L3L385%20 minAccess to systems
Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.Freight Forwarders1.1%L2L2L265%45 minAccountability, Access to systems
Direct or participate in cargo loading to ensure completeness of load and even distribution of weight.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.1%L1L1L230%1.3 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Consider environmental sustainability factors when determining merchandise packing methods.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task1.1%L2L2L260%52 minAccess to systems
Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.1%L0L0L112%2.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability
Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.Freight Forwarders1.1%L1L1L240%38 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.1%L0L0L04%18 minPhysical presence
Provide detailed port information to importers or exporters.Freight Forwarders1.1%L3L3L382%38 minAccess to systems
Maintain a supply of packing materials.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.0%L2L2L255%45 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.Freight Forwarders1.0%L2L2L275%45 minAccountability, Access to systems
Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.0%L1L1L230%8 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations, or other factors that could affect freight shipping.Freight Forwarders1.0%L2L3L278%2.0 hAccess to systems
Monitor markets or positions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents1.0%L2L3L278%45 minAccess to systems
Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.9%L2L2L260%15 minAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Agree on buying or selling prices at optimal levels for clients.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.9%L2L2L250%30 minAccountability, 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 Agents0.8%L2L2L262%18 minAccountability, Access to systems
Assist clients in obtaining insurance reimbursements.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task0.8%L2L2L265%3.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Report all positions or trading results.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.8%L2L2L380%52 minAccountability, Access to systems
Identify opportunities or develop channels for purchase or sale of securities or commodities.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.7%L2L2L255%3.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Keep accurate records of transactions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.7%L2L3L275%25 minAccountability, 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 Agents0.7%L2L3L278%1.8 hAccess to systems
Devise trading, option, or hedge strategies.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.7%L2L2L260%2.5 hAccountability, Access to systems
Complete sales order tickets and submit for processing of client-requested transactions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.7%L2L2L262%10 minAccountability, Access to systems
Inform other traders, managers, or customers of market conditions, including volume, price, competition, or dynamics.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.7%L2L2L262%38 minAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Supervise support staff and ensure proper execution of contracts.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task0.7%L2L2L242%1.5 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Discuss financial options with clients and keep them informed about transactions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.6%L2L2L252%38 minAccountability, 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 Agents0.6%L2L2L258%2.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Monitor sales staff performance to ensure that goals are met.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers0.6%L2L2L258%1.5 hTrust 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 Agents0.6%L2L2L270%52 minAccountability, 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 Workers0.6%L2L2L235%2.5 hPhysical 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 Agents0.6%L3L3L385%22 minAccess to systems
Interview clients to determine clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, or financial objectives.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.6%L2L2L255%1.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Provide staff with assistance in performing difficult or complicated duties.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers0.6%L1L1L235%45 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Offer advice on the purchase or sale of particular securities.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.5%L2L2L260%45 minAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Develop financial plans, based on analysis of clients' financial status.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.5%L2L2L262%2.5 hAccountability, 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 task0.5%L2L3L278%8 minAccountability, Access to systems
Formulate pricing policies on merchandise according to profitability requirements.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task0.5%L2L2L260%4.0 hAccess to systems
Negotiate prices or contracts for securities or commodities sales or purchases.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task0.5%L2L2L248%52 minAccountability, 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 task0.5%L3L3L382%2.0 hAccess to systems
Price securities or commodities based on market conditions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task0.5%L2L2L262%38 minAccountability, Access to systems
Purchase or sell financial derivatives for customers.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task0.5%L2L2L258%30 minAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Calculate costs for billings or commissions.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.5%L3L3L385%25 minAccess to systems
Contact prospective customers to present information and explain available services.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.5%L2L2L258%25 minAccountability, Trust and care
Listen to and resolve customer complaints regarding services, products, or personnel.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers0.5%L2L2L250%30 minTrust 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 task0.5%L1L1L228%45 minPhysical 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 task0.5%L2L2L255%3.0 hPhysical presence, Trust and care
Visit retailers and sales representatives to promote products and gather information.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task0.5%L1L1L118%2.8 hPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Keep records pertaining to purchases, sales, and requisitions.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers0.5%L3L3L385%52 minAccess to systems
Explain stock market terms or trading practices to clients.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.5%L3L3L382%18 minTrust and care
Plan and prepare work schedules, and assign employees to specific duties.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers0.5%L2L2L370%2.3 hAccess to systems
Examine products purchased for resale or received for storage to determine product condition.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task0.5%L1L1L118%30 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Evaluate costs and revenue of agreements to determine continued profitability.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task0.4%L2L2L268%1.8 hAccess to systems
Inventory stock and reorder when inventories drop to specified levels.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task0.4%L2L2L370%55 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Prepare financial reports to monitor client or corporate finances.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents0.4%L2L2L272%1.8 hAccountability, Access to systems
Prepare sales and inventory reports for management and budget departments.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers · supplemental task0.4%L2L3L278%2.0 hAccess to systems
Attend company meetings to exchange product information and coordinate work activities with other departments.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers0.4%L1L1L238%1.0 hTrust 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 Workers0.4%L2L2L245%1.8 hTrust 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 task0.4%L2L2L265%4.0 hAccess to systems
Sell services or equipment, such as trusts, investments, or check processing services.Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L245%3.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Hire, train, and evaluate personnel.First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers0.3%L2L2L248%3.5 hAccountability, 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 task0.3%L2L2L375%1.3 hAccountability, 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.

Against other measures

Exposure is not delegation

MeasureValuePercentilePct
ADI (this index)84.0%78
Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β0.53483
Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure1.37498
Webb (2020), AI patent exposure70.4965
Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure0.45485
Anthropic Economic Index, observed use0.11274

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.

Same sub-major group (33)

Neighbouring occupations

Dashed line: trade brokers (84.0%).

Cite this record
Text

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

BibTeX
@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)}
}
Machine-readable

The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/3324.json.