What You Need to Know About Cargo or Freight Agent
Job 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.
Daily Life Of a Cargo or Freight Agent
- Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.
- Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.
- Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.
- Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.
- Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.
- Contact vendors or claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems or contact service depots to arrange for repairs.
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Qualities of a Cargo or Freight Agent
Cargo and Freight Agents state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Shipping Coordinator
- Freight Representative
- International Coordinator
- Operations Manager/Coordinator
- Cargo Router
Is There Job Demand for Cargo and Freight Agents?
There were about 89,800 jobs for Cargo or Freight Agent in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 8,600 job openings in this field each year.
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.
Cargo or Freight Agent Salary
The typical yearly salary for Cargo and Freight Agents is somewhere between $25,970 and $66,920.
Cargo and Freight Agents who work in New Jersey, South Dakota, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
How much do Cargo and Freight Agents make in each U.S. state?
| 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 |
What Tools do Cargo and Freight Agents Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Cargo and Freight Agents may use on a daily basis:
- 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
How do I Become a Cargo or Freight Agent?
Education needed to be a Cargo or Freight Agent:
What work experience do I need to become a Cargo or Freight Agent?
Where do Cargo and Freight Agents Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Cargo and Freight Agents employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Cargo or Freight Agent might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Cargo or Freight Agent in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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