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Freight and Cargo Inspector

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What You Need to Know About Freight and Cargo Inspector

Career Description Inspect the handling, storage, and stowing of freight and cargoes.

Life As a Freight & Cargo Inspector

  • Calculate gross and net tonnage, hold capacities, volumes of stored fuel and water, cargo weights, and ship stability factors, using mathematical formulas.
  • Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
  • Post warning signs on vehicles containing explosives or flammable or radioactive materials.
  • Check temperatures and humidities of shipping and storage areas to ensure that they are at appropriate levels to protect cargo.
  • Time rolls of ships, using stopwatches.
  • Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.

Freight & Cargo Inspector Skills

These are the skills Freight and Cargo Inspectors say are the most useful in their careers:

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Operations Inspector
  • Shipping Inspector
  • Perishable Fruit Inspector
  • Safety Engineer
  • Packing Inspector

Freight & Cargo Inspector Job Outlook

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 28,200 jobs in the United States for Freight and Cargo Inspector. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,600 new jobs for Freight and Cargo Inspector by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Freight & Cargo Inspector are Alabama, Rhode Island, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Minnesota, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Freight & Cargo Inspector Average Salary

The typical yearly salary for Freight and Cargo Inspectors is somewhere between $28,870 and $123,980.

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Freight and Cargo Inspectors who work in Maine, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.

How much do Freight and Cargo Inspectors make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alaska $105,850
Arizona $61,380
Arkansas $70,790
California $76,290
Colorado $77,660
Connecticut $82,870
District of Columbia $100,630
Florida $85,340
Georgia $70,850
Hawaii $79,490
Idaho $73,870
Illinois $84,420
Indiana $78,520
Iowa $77,250
Kansas $86,500
Kentucky $71,930
Louisiana $69,970
Maine $101,310
Maryland $65,710
Massachusetts $71,840
Michigan $79,170
Minnesota $83,180
Mississippi $85,700
Missouri $73,160
Montana $77,390
Nebraska $86,130
New Hampshire $72,500
New Jersey $74,010
New Mexico $58,510
North Carolina $79,680
North Dakota $87,030
Ohio $58,740
Oklahoma $76,600
Oregon $76,510
Pennsylvania $65,710
Rhode Island $53,090
South Carolina $72,160
South Dakota $57,780
Tennessee $78,120
Texas $84,250
Utah $55,360
Virginia $77,920
Washington $73,480
Wisconsin $86,990
Wyoming $70,470

What Tools do Freight and Cargo Inspectors Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Freight and Cargo Inspectors:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Web browser software
  • Data entry software
  • Email software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat

How do I Become a Freight & Cargo Inspector?

What education or degrees do I need to become a Freight and Cargo Inspector?

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What work experience do I need to become a Freight & Cargo Inspector?

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Where Freight and Cargo Inspectors Are Employed

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Freight and Cargo Inspectors work in the following industries:

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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