Cargo and Freight Agents

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Office & Administrative
• O*NET-SOC code: 43-5011
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
• Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
• Track delivery progress of shipments.
• Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
• Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
• Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.
• Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.
• Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.
• Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.
• Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.
• Arrange insurance coverage for goods.
• Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Brokerage software, Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Crow bars, Database software, Desktop computers, Electrical power unit

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Freight Forwarders
• Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
• Customs Brokers
• Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
• Postal Service Clerks
• Postal Service Mail Carriers
• Light Truck Drivers
• Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Cargo and Freight Agents — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.