Clearing and forwarding agents
An AI agent can at least partly carry out 77.5% of the task time of clearing and forwarding agents, and finish 17.6% alone. The barrier that holds most of the rest back is access to the systems the work runs on.
121st of 433 · interval 65.3–89.6
21st of 433 · interval 7.5–28.5
62nd of 433 · interval 52.2–65.3
task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 1.5 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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examine shipment contents and compare with records, such as manifests, invoices, or orders, to verify accuracy.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | 3.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 42% | 28 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Pack, seal, label, or affix postage to prepare materials for shipping, using hand tools, power tools, or postage meter.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | 3.4% | L1 | L1L1 | 12% | 8 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Prepare documents, such as work orders, bills of lading, or shipping orders, to route materials.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | 3.3% | L2 | L3L2 | 80% | 18 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Deliver or route materials to departments using handtruck, conveyor, or sorting bins.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | 3.2% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 30 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Record shipment data, such as weight, charges, space availability, damages, or discrepancies, for reporting, accounting, or recordkeeping purposes.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | 3.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 20 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Requisition and store shipping materials and supplies to maintain inventory of stock.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | 3.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Determine shipping methods, routes, or rates for materials to be shipped.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | 2.9% | L3 | L3L3 | 82% | 25 min | Access to systems |
| Compute amounts, such as space available, shipping, storage, or demurrage charges, using computer or price list.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | 2.9% | L3 | L3L3 | 85% | 12 min | Access to systems |
| Compare shipping routes or methods to determine which have the least environmental impact.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks · supplemental task | 2.7% | L3 | L3L3 | 80% | 1.3 h | – |
| Confer or correspond with establishment representatives to rectify problems, such as damages, shortages, or nonconformance to specifications.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | 2.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Contact carrier representatives to make arrangements or to issue instructions for shipping and delivery of materials.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | 2.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 20 min | Access to systems |
| Track delivery progress of shipments.Cargo and Freight Agents | 2.0% | L3 | L3L3 | 82% | 22 min | Access to systems |
| Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.Cargo and Freight Agents | 2.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 1.8 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.Cargo and Freight Agents | 1.9% | 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 | 1.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 38 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
Show the other 51 tasks
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.Cargo and Freight Agents | 1.7% | L3 | L3L3 | 80% | 18 min | Access to systems |
| Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.Cargo and Freight Agents | 1.6% | 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 | 1.6% | 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 | 1.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 72% | 25 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Arrange insurance coverage for goods.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 1.5% | 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 | 1.5% | 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 | 1.4% | 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 | 1.4% | 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 | 1.4% | 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 | 1.3% | 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 | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.Freight Forwarders | 1.2% | 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 | 1.2% | 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 | 1.2% | 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 | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 25 min | Access to systems |
| Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.Freight Forwarders | 1.2% | L3 | L3L3 | 85% | 20 min | – |
| Arrange for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.Freight Forwarders | 1.2% | 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 | 1.2% | 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 | 1.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 72% | 45 min | Access to systems |
| Complete customs paperwork.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 1.0 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 1.3 h | Access to systems |
| Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 72% | 45 min | Access to systems |
| Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Monitor or record locations of goods in transit.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | 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 | 1.1% | 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 | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 45 min | Access to systems |
| Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.Cargo and Freight Agents | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 52 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Keep records of goods dispatched or received.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | 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 | 1.1% | 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 | 1.1% | 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 | 1.1% | 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 | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 1.3 h | Access to systems |
| Pay or arrange for payment of freight or insurance fees or other charges.Freight Forwarders | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 30 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task | 1.1% | 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 | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Recommend shipping solutions to minimize cost or environmental impacts.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task | 1.1% | 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 | 1.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 32 min | Physical presence |
| Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.Freight Forwarders | 1.0% | L3 | L3L3 | 85% | 20 min | Access to systems |
| Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.Freight Forwarders | 1.0% | 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 | 1.0% | 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 | 1.0% | 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 | 1.0% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 2.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.Freight Forwarders | 1.0% | 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 | 1.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 18 min | Physical presence |
| Provide detailed port information to importers or exporters.Freight Forwarders | 1.0% | L3 | L3L3 | 82% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Maintain a supply of packing materials.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task | 0.9% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 45 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.Freight Forwarders | 0.9% | 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 | 0.9% | 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 | 0.9% | L2 | L3L2 | 78% | 2.0 h | Access to systems |
| Assist clients in obtaining insurance reimbursements.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 3.0 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) | 77.5% | 72 | |
| Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β | 0.511 | 79 | |
| Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure | 0.688 | 68 | |
| Webb (2020), AI patent exposure | 77 | 69 | |
| Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure | 0.463 | 85 | |
| Anthropic Economic Index, observed use | 0.011 | 43 |
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: clearing and forwarding agents (77.5%).
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: Clearing and forwarding agents (ISCO-08 3331), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/3331
@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: Clearing and forwarding agents (ISCO-08 3331)}
}The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/3331.json.