What Does it Take to Be a Cargo or Freight Agent?
Cargo or Freight Agent Definition 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.
Cargo or Freight Agent Responsibilities
- Maintain a supply of packing materials.
- Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.
- Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.
- Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
- Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.
- Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.
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What Every 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.
Types of Cargo or Freight Agent
- Ramp Service Man
- Shipper Receiver
- Ocean Freight Agent (Both Import and Export)
- Air Export Coordinator
- International Coordinator
Is There Job Demand for Cargo and Freight Agents?
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 8,600 job openings in this field each 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.
Average Cargo and Freight Agents Salary
The salary for Cargo and Freight Agents ranges between about $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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Cargo and Freight Agents 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 & Technology 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
Learn what Cargo or Freight Agent education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Cargo or Freight Agent?
Where Cargo and Freight Agents Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Cargo and Freight Agents employed by various industries.
Related 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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