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All About Cargo and Freight Agents
Occupation Description 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.
List of Cargo or Freight Agent Job Duties
- Maintain a supply of packing materials.
- Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
- Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.
- 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.
- Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.
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What a Cargo or Freight Agent Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Cargo and Freight Agents say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Cargo or Freight Agent
- Freight Representative
- Independent Freight Agent
- Operations Clerk
- Operation Agent
- Logistics Technician
Is There Going to be Demand for Cargo and Freight Agents?
There were about 89,800 jobs for Cargo or Freight Agent in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Cargo or Freight Agent
Cargo and Freight Agents make between $25,970 and $66,920 a year.
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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Cargo and Freight Agents may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Becoming a Cargo or Freight Agent
What education or degrees do I need to become a Cargo or Freight Agent?
What work experience do I need to become a Cargo or Freight Agent?
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Cargo or Freight Agent might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Cargo or Freight Agent sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Jace Armstrong via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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