What Does it Take to Be a Cargo or Freight Agent?
Occupation Description Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals, and shipping docks. Take orders from customers and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to loading platform. Prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.
Life As a Cargo or Freight Agent: What Do They Do?
- Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.
- Arrange insurance coverage for goods.
- Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
- Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.
- Contact vendors or claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems or contact service depots to arrange for repairs.
- Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.
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What Every Cargo or Freight Agent Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Cargo and Freight Agents say are important on the job.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Other Cargo or Freight Agent Job Titles
- Export Coordinator
- Freight Receiver
- Shipping Processor
- Interstate Planner
- Import Customs Clearing Agent
Is There Job Demand for Cargo and Freight Agents?
In the United States, there were 89,800 jobs for Cargo or Freight Agent in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9,300 new jobs for Cargo or Freight Agent by 2026. The BLS estimates 8,600 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Cargo or Freight Agent are Utah, Georgia, and New Jersey. Watch out if you plan on working in Ohio, Tennessee, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Cargo or Freight Agent Make?
Cargo and Freight Agents make between $25,970 and $66,920 a year.
Cargo and Freight Agents who work in New Jersey, South Dakota, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Cargo and Freight Agents in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $51,330 |
| Alaska | $39,620 |
| Arizona | $43,420 |
| Arkansas | $53,310 |
| California | $45,830 |
| Colorado | $47,350 |
| Delaware | $42,790 |
| Florida | $40,810 |
| Georgia | $44,560 |
| Hawaii | $39,920 |
| Idaho | $49,710 |
| Illinois | $44,760 |
| Indiana | $43,210 |
| Iowa | $42,470 |
| Kansas | $45,880 |
| Kentucky | $42,390 |
| Louisiana | $42,950 |
| Maine | $49,190 |
| Maryland | $42,820 |
| Massachusetts | $44,840 |
| Michigan | $45,460 |
| Minnesota | $50,120 |
| Mississippi | $43,340 |
| Missouri | $47,000 |
| Montana | $46,230 |
| Nebraska | $52,610 |
| Nevada | $41,400 |
| New Hampshire | $50,220 |
| New Jersey | $56,470 |
| New Mexico | $49,740 |
| New York | $45,310 |
| North Carolina | $45,060 |
| North Dakota | $41,100 |
| Ohio | $43,890 |
| Oklahoma | $46,040 |
| Oregon | $53,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,150 |
| South Carolina | $44,170 |
| South Dakota | $52,230 |
| Tennessee | $43,530 |
| Texas | $45,890 |
| Utah | $42,470 |
| Vermont | $38,040 |
| Virginia | $48,660 |
| Washington | $54,600 |
| West Virginia | $37,750 |
| Wisconsin | $39,710 |
| Wyoming | $44,340 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Cargo and Freight Agents
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Cargo and Freight Agents:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Transportation management software
Becoming a Cargo or Freight Agent
Education needed to be a Cargo or Freight Agent:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Cargo and Freight Agents?
Below are examples of industries where Cargo and Freight Agents work:
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Cargo or Freight Agent might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Cargo or Freight Agent sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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