Working in international transport: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in international transport like?

• Goods, people, and materials are constantly moving around the world. Behind this movement is a vast transport sector: from trucks and ships to airports, logistics hubs, and public transport.
• Working in transport abroad means contributing to this international flow. Sometimes visible on the road or in the air, sometimes behind the scenes in planning and coordination.
• Transport work can be practical and physical, but also technical or organizational.
• Think of drivers, logistics planners, port workers, air freight coordinators, train crews, or distribution center employees.
• Certificates and driving licenses are not always internationally valid, safety regulations vary by country, and language can be important for cross-border work.

Responsibilities:

• Driving vehicles (trucks, buses, taxis, forklifts).
• Loading, unloading, and inspecting goods.
• Planning routes and deliveries.
• Coordinating logistics processes.
• Customs and document handling.
• Maintaining and inspecting transport vehicles.
• Customer contact for deliveries or passenger transport.

Working conditions:

• Often full-time work, sometimes shifts.
• Regular physical work.
• Salary depends on country, certification, and experience.
• Sometimes temporary or seasonal contracts.
• In international roles: working with multiple time zones.

What are the reasons for working in international transport?

• To develop independence: Many transport roles require personal responsibility and decision-making on the road.
• To become stress-resistant: Schedules, delays, and unexpected situations require you to remain calm.
• To become organisationally aware: You see how international logistics chains function and how processes are interconnected.
• To learn to work flexibly: Routes, circumstances, and schedules change regularly.
• To experience involvement in international trade and mobility: You are literally part of the global movement of people and goods.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in international transport?

• Stress-resistance: Remain calm during delays, heavy traffic, or time pressure. 
• Organisational awareness: Understanding how logistics processes are interrelated.
• Planning: Efficiently organizing routes, loads, and schedules.
• Responsibility: Taking safety and punctuality seriously.
• Flexibility: Coping with changing circumstances and working hours.

What are the best countries and locations to work in international transport?

• Countries with major logistics hubs: the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Singapore, United Arab Emirates.
• Countries with a large domestic transport sector: the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, China.
• Regions with significant port and aviation activity: Northwest Europe, Southeast Asia, the Gulf region, North America.

What are the risks of working in international transport, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working in international transport and working for transportation companies abroad, and what happens with some regularity:
  • That work is physically demanding: Lifting, sitting for long hours, or working in shifts can be stressful.
  • That traffic or occupational accidents occur: Safety is a key concern. 
  • Irregular working hours: Night shifts and long workdays can impact health.
  • Complex regulations: Customs and transport regulations vary significantly from country to country.
• Are you insured while working in international transport?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.