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Balam Labs
ISCO-08 3331

Clearing and forwarding agents

77.5%
ADI · 121st of 433 · 95% interval 65.3–89.6

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.

ADI · partial or full77.5%

121st of 433 · interval 65.3–89.6

ADI3 · full delegation17.6%

21st of 433 · interval 7.5–28.5

ADIs · share of time59.1%

62nd of 433 · interval 52.2–65.3

Evidence66

task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 1.5 million.

Task weight by level

How the tasks rate

9%
14%
60%
18%
L0No meaningful role · 8.9%L1Augmentation · 13.6%L2Partial delegation · 59.9%L3Full delegation · 17.6%
Barriers

What stops the agent

Physical presence31%
Accountability18%
Trust and care6%
Access to systems70%

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

66 task statements, heaviest first
Task statement (O*NET occupation)Sonnet · HaikuBarriers
Examine shipment contents and compare with records, such as manifests, invoices, or orders, to verify accuracy.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks3.5%L1L1L242%28 minPhysical 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 Clerks3.4%L1L1L112%8 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Prepare documents, such as work orders, bills of lading, or shipping orders, to route materials.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks3.3%L2L3L280%18 minAccountability, Access to systems
Deliver or route materials to departments using handtruck, conveyor, or sorting bins.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks3.2%L0L0L112%30 minPhysical 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 Clerks3.1%L2L2L265%20 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Requisition and store shipping materials and supplies to maintain inventory of stock.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks3.0%L2L2L252%1.0 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Determine shipping methods, routes, or rates for materials to be shipped.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks2.9%L3L3L382%25 minAccess to systems
Compute amounts, such as space available, shipping, storage, or demurrage charges, using computer or price list.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks2.9%L3L3L385%12 minAccess to systems
Compare shipping routes or methods to determine which have the least environmental impact.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks · supplemental task2.7%L3L3L380%1.3 h–
Confer or correspond with establishment representatives to rectify problems, such as damages, shortages, or nonconformance to specifications.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks2.7%L2L2L265%38 minAccess to systems
Contact carrier representatives to make arrangements or to issue instructions for shipping and delivery of materials.Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks2.6%L2L2L265%20 minAccess to systems
Track delivery progress of shipments.Cargo and Freight Agents2.0%L3L3L382%22 minAccess to systems
Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.Cargo and Freight Agents2.0%L2L2L262%1.8 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.Cargo and Freight Agents1.9%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 Agents1.8%L2L2L270%38 minAccountability, Access to systems
Show the other 51 tasks
Task statement (O*NET occupation)Sonnet · HaikuBarriers
Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.Cargo and Freight Agents1.7%L3L3L380%18 minAccess to systems
Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.Cargo and Freight Agents1.6%L2L2L268%28 minAccess to systems
Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.Cargo and Freight Agents1.6%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 task1.6%L2L2L272%25 minAccountability, Access to systems
Arrange insurance coverage for goods.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.5%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 task1.5%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 Agents1.4%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 task1.4%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 task1.4%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 task1.3%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 task1.3%L2L2L265%38 minAccess to systems
Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.Freight Forwarders1.2%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 Forwarders1.2%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 task1.2%L0L0L05%32 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.Freight Forwarders1.2%L2L2L268%25 minAccess to systems
Calculate weight, volume, or cost of goods to be moved.Freight Forwarders1.2%L3L3L385%20 min–
Arrange for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.Freight Forwarders1.2%L2L2L268%1.3 hAccountability, Access to systems
Determine efficient and cost-effective methods of moving goods from one location to another.Freight Forwarders1.2%L2L2L268%1.8 hAccess to systems
Select shipment routes, based on nature of goods shipped, transit times, or security needs.Freight Forwarders1.2%L2L2L272%45 minAccess to systems
Complete customs paperwork.Freight Forwarders1.1%L2L2L270%1.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Arrange delivery or storage of goods at destinations.Freight Forwarders1.1%L2L2L265%1.3 hAccess to systems
Prepare invoices or cost quotations for freight transportation.Freight Forwarders1.1%L2L2L272%45 minAccess to systems
Reserve necessary space on ships, aircraft, trains, or trucks.Freight Forwarders1.1%L2L2L265%38 minAccess to systems
Monitor or record locations of goods in transit.Freight Forwarders1.1%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 task1.1%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 task1.1%L2L2L265%45 minAccess to systems
Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.Cargo and Freight Agents1.1%L2L2L252%52 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Keep records of goods dispatched or received.Freight Forwarders1.1%L3L3L382%22 minAccess to systems
Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.1%L1L1L238%3.0 hPhysical presence, Trust and care
Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.Freight Forwarders1.1%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 Forwarders1.1%L2L2L262%2.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Review the environmental records of freight carriers to inform shipping decisions.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task1.1%L2L2L270%1.3 hAccess to systems
Pay or arrange for payment of freight or insurance fees or other charges.Freight Forwarders1.1%L2L2L268%30 minAccountability, Access to systems
Analyze shipping routes to determine how to minimize environmental impact.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task1.1%L2L2L375%2.5 hAccess to systems
Make arrangements with customs brokers to facilitate the passage of goods through customs.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task1.1%L2L2L265%38 minAccess to systems
Recommend shipping solutions to minimize cost or environmental impacts.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task1.1%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 task1.0%L0L0L02%32 minPhysical presence
Provide shipment status notification to exporters, consignees, or insurers.Freight Forwarders1.0%L3L3L385%20 minAccess to systems
Obtain or arrange cargo insurance.Freight Forwarders1.0%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 task1.0%L1L1L230%1.3 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Consider environmental sustainability factors when determining merchandise packing methods.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task1.0%L2L2L260%52 minAccess to systems
Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task1.0%L0L0L112%2.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability
Verify proper packaging and labeling of exported goods.Freight Forwarders1.0%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 task1.0%L0L0L04%18 minPhysical presence
Provide detailed port information to importers or exporters.Freight Forwarders1.0%L3L3L382%38 minAccess to systems
Maintain a supply of packing materials.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task0.9%L2L2L255%45 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Verify adherence of documentation to customs, insurance, or regulatory requirements.Freight Forwarders0.9%L2L2L275%45 minAccountability, Access to systems
Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.Cargo and Freight Agents · supplemental task0.9%L1L1L230%8 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations, or other factors that could affect freight shipping.Freight Forwarders0.9%L2L3L278%2.0 hAccess to systems
Assist clients in obtaining insurance reimbursements.Freight Forwarders · supplemental task0.7%L2L2L265%3.0 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)77.5%72
Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β0.51179
Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure0.68868
Webb (2020), AI patent exposure7769
Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure0.46385
Anthropic Economic Index, observed use0.01143

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: clearing and forwarding agents (77.5%).

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: Clearing and forwarding agents (ISCO-08 3331), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/3331

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: Clearing and forwarding agents (ISCO-08 3331)}
}
Machine-readable

The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/3331.json.