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What Does it Take to Be a Cargo or Freight Agent?
Cargo or Freight Agent Example 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.
Life As a Cargo or Freight Agent
- Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.
- Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
- Inspect and count items received and check them against invoices or other documents, recording shortages and rejecting damaged goods.
- Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.
- Track delivery progress of shipments.
- Open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.
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What a Cargo or Freight Agent Should Know
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.
Other Cargo or Freight Agent Job Titles
- Ramp Service Man
- Freight Clerk
- Drop Shipment Clerk
- Freight Router
- Freight Representative
Cargo or Freight Agent Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 89,800 jobs for Cargo or Freight Agent in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 8,600 positions for Cargo or Freight Agent per 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 average yearly salary of a Cargo or Freight Agent ranges 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 different U.S. states?
| 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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Cargo and Freight Agents:
- 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 to Become a Cargo or Freight Agent
Learn what Cargo or Freight Agent education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Cargo and Freight Agents Work
Below are examples of industries where Cargo and Freight Agents work:
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
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