What Does it Take to Be a Freight and Cargo Inspector?
Job Description & Duties Inspect the handling, storage, and stowing of freight and cargoes.
What Do Freight and Cargo Inspectors Do On a Daily Basis?
- 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.
- Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
- Write certificates of admeasurement that list details such as designs, lengths, depths, and breadths of vessels, and methods of propulsion.
- Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections.
- Determine cargo transportation capabilities by reading documents that set forth cargo loading and securing procedures, capacities, and stability factors.
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Qualities of a Freight & Cargo Inspector
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.
Related Job Titles
- Marine Cargo Inspector
- Marine Cargo Surveyor
- Surveyor
- Marine Cargo Specialist
- Cargo Inspector
Freight & Cargo Inspector Job Outlook
There were about 28,200 jobs for Freight and Cargo Inspector in 2016 (in the United States). 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
The typical yearly salary for Freight and Cargo Inspectors is somewhere between $28,870 and $123,980.

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 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 |
What Tools do Freight and Cargo Inspectors Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Freight and Cargo Inspectors may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Becoming a Freight & Cargo Inspector
What kind of Freight and Cargo Inspector requirements are there?

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

Where do Freight and Cargo Inspectors Work?

Freight and Cargo Inspectors work in the following industries:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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