Find Trade Colleges

Freight and Cargo Inspector

What Does it Take to Be a Freight and Cargo Inspector?

Freight & Cargo Inspector Example Inspect the handling, storage, and stowing of freight and cargoes.

What Do Freight and Cargo Inspectors Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
  • Direct crews to reload freight or to insert additional bracing or packing as necessary.
  • Issue certificates of compliance for vessels without violations.
  • 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.
  • Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections.

Freight & Cargo Inspector Needed Skills

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.

  • Shipping Inspector
  • Loading Inspector
  • Cargo and Container Inspector
  • Maintenance Inspector
  • Heavy Check Inspector

Is There Job Demand for Freight and Cargo Inspectors?

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. The BLS estimates 2,900 yearly job openings in this field.

undefined

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.

Freight & Cargo Inspector Average Salary

The average yearly salary of a Freight & Cargo Inspector ranges between $28,870 and $123,980.

undefined

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Freight and Cargo Inspectors

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

How do I Become a Freight & Cargo Inspector?

What education or degrees do I need to become a Freight and Cargo Inspector?

undefined

How Long Does it Take to Become a Freight & Cargo Inspector?

undefined

Who Employs Freight and Cargo Inspectors?

undefined

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

undefined

References:

Image Credit: via

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.