Poland's strategic location at the heart of Europe makes it one of the continent's most important logistics hubs, and freight forwarders are central to that role. Salaries range from approximately 5,000 PLN gross for junior coordinators learning the trade to 20,000 PLN gross for experienced managers running large accounts or teams. The average compensation of around 9,000 PLN gross reflects the complexity of coordinating cross-border shipments, managing carrier relationships, and ensuring timely delivery under commercial pressure.
What does a freight forwarder do?
A freight forwarder (spedytor) acts as an intermediary between shippers and transport carriers. Core responsibilities include receiving shipment orders, selecting and booking carriers, negotiating freight rates, preparing or reviewing transport documentation (CMR, Bill of Lading, customs declarations), tracking shipments in transit, resolving delays and damage claims, and invoicing clients. In Poland, the profession is regulated by the Polish Chamber of Freight Forwarders (PISiL), and many employers value the international freight forwarder's diploma as a baseline qualification.
Salary by experience level
- Junior Forwarder: 5,000–7,000 PLN gross — handles domestic or simple international shipments, learns customs procedures and TMS systems under senior guidance.
- Senior Forwarder: 8,500–12,000 PLN gross — manages complex international lanes, negotiates rates with carriers, handles key client accounts independently.
- Logistics Manager: 14,000–20,000 PLN gross — leads a forwarding team or department, responsible for P&L of a carrier portfolio or geographic region.
Key factors affecting earnings
Language skills — particularly English combined with German — are a major differentiator in Polish logistics, where a large share of cross-border freight moves to and from DACH countries. Specialisation in high-value transport modes such as air freight, pharmaceutical cold-chain, or oversized loads attracts premium pay. Working for a global 3PL (DHL, DB Schenker, Kuehne+Nagel, DSV) generally offers higher base salaries and structured career paths compared to independent forwarders.
Outlook
Poland's logistics sector continues to grow faster than the EU average, driven by e-commerce growth, nearshoring of manufacturing, and Poland's role as a transit country between East and West. Digitalisation — electronic CMR, track-and-trace platforms, and TMS automation — is reshaping the role but creating demand for forwarders who can combine logistics expertise with data literacy. Use our salary calculator to determine the net equivalent of any gross salary in this profession.