What Do Freight and Cargo Inspector Do?
Occupation Description Inspect the handling, storage, and stowing of freight and cargoes.
What Do Freight and Cargo Inspectors Do On a Daily Basis?
- Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
- Direct crews to reload freight or to insert additional bracing or packing as necessary.
- Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
- Read draft markings to determine depths of vessels in water.
- Determine cargo transportation capabilities by reading documents that set forth cargo loading and securing procedures, capacities, and stability factors.
- Time rolls of ships, using stopwatches.
Featured schools near , edit
What a Freight & Cargo Inspector Should Know
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
- Perishable Freight Inspector
- Loading Inspector
- Petroleum Inspector
- Cargo and Container Inspector
- Shipping Inspector
Job Opportunities for Freight and Cargo Inspectors
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 28,200 jobs in the United States for Freight and Cargo Inspector. 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.

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 Salary
The salary for Freight and Cargo Inspectors ranges between about $28,870 and $123,980 a year.

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 each U.S. state?
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 & Technology do Freight and Cargo Inspectors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Freight and Cargo Inspectors:
- 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?
Are there Freight and Cargo Inspectors education requirements?

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

Who Employs Freight and Cargo Inspectors?

The table below shows the approximate number of Freight and Cargo Inspectors employed by various industries.

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |