What You Need to Know About Freight and Cargo Inspector
Example of Freight & Cargo Inspector Job Inspect the handling, storage, and stowing of freight and cargoes.
List of Freight & Cargo Inspector Job Duties
- Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections.
- Check temperatures and humidities of shipping and storage areas to ensure that they are at appropriate levels to protect cargo.
- Post warning signs on vehicles containing explosives or flammable or radioactive materials.
- Notify workers of any special treatment required for shipments.
- Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.
- Write certificates of admeasurement that list details such as designs, lengths, depths, and breadths of vessels, and methods of propulsion.
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Freight & Cargo Inspector Needed Skills
Freight and Cargo Inspectors state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Steamboat Inspector
- Cargo Surveyor
- Maintenance Inspector
- Damaged Freight Inspector
- Cargo Inspector
Is There Job Demand for Freight and Cargo Inspectors?
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. There will be an estimated 2,900 positions for Freight & Cargo Inspector per year.

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.
Average Freight and Cargo Inspectors Salary
Freight and Cargo Inspectors make between $28,870 and $123,980 a year.

Freight and Cargo Inspectors who work in Maine, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Freight and Cargo Inspectors in different U.S. states.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Freight and Cargo Inspectors
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 to Become a Freight & Cargo Inspector
Learn what Freight and Cargo Inspector education requirements there are.

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

Who Employs Freight and Cargo Inspectors?

Below are examples of industries where Freight and Cargo Inspectors work:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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