What is a Freight and Cargo Inspector?

Position Description Inspect the handling, storage, and stowing of freight and cargoes.

List of Freight & Cargo Inspector Job Duties

• Determine cargo transportation capabilities by reading documents that set forth cargo loading and securing procedures, capacities, and stability factors.
• Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
• Measure ships’ holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks, using sounding lines and tape measures.
• Time rolls of ships, using stopwatches.
• Measure heights and widths of loads to ensure they will pass over bridges or through tunnels on scheduled routes.
• Direct crews to reload freight or to insert additional bracing or packing as necessary.

Freight & Cargo Inspector Needed Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Freight and Cargo Inspectors say are important on the job.

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 for this Occupation:

• Inspector
• Heavy Check Inspector
• Packing Inspector
• Marine Cargo Inspector
• Marine Cargo Surveyor

Are There 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.

Do Freight and Cargo Inspectors Make A Lot Of Money?

Freight and Cargo Inspectors make between $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 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

What Tools do Freight and Cargo Inspectors Use?

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

Becoming a Freight & Cargo Inspector

Individuals working as a Freight and Cargo Inspector have obtained the following education levels:

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

Freight and Cargo Inspectors Sector

Freight and Cargo Inspectors work in the following industries:

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: via

More about our data sources and methodologies.