Cargo and Freight Agents
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.
48 alternate job titles:
Salary Information
Cargo and Freight Agents: $49,900 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Negotiate financial arrangements. | General |
| Recommend packing or shipping methods. | General |
| Calculate shipping costs. | General |
| Enter information into databases or software programs. | General |
| Track goods or materials. | General |
| Package objects for shipping. | General |
| Load materials or equipment. | General |
| Unload materials or equipment. | General |
| Inspect items for damage or defects. | General |
| Inspect shipments to ensure correct order fulfillment. | General |
| Record shipping information. | General |
| Arrange insurance coverage. | General |
| Attach identification information to products, items or containers. | General |
| Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment. | General |
| Assemble wood products. | General |
| Provide notifications to customers or patrons. | General |
| Verify shipping documentation. | General |
| Coordinate operational activities. | Management |
| Supervise clerical or administrative personnel. | Management |
| Manage clerical or administrative activities. | Management |
| Coordinate shipping activities with external parties. | Management |
| Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions. | Analysis |
| Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products. | Maintenance |
| Maintain operational records. | Maintenance |
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software |
| Transportation management system TMS software | Mobile location based services software |
| Brokerage software | Procurement software |
| Corel WordPerfect Office Suite | Office suite software |
| Email software | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft OneNote | Word processing software |
| Operating system software | Operating system software |
| Posting software | Inventory management software |
| Spreadsheet software | Spreadsheet software |
| Transportation management software | Mobile location based services software |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software |
| Web-based dispatch software | Mobile location based services software |
| Word processing software | Word processing software |
| Database software | Data base user interface and query software |
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Benefits Professional | WorldatWork | Not Available |
| Certified Customs Specialist | The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America | Not Available |
| Certified Export Specialist | The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America | Not Available |
| Certified International Trade Documentation Specialist | International Import Export Institute | Not Available |
| Certified Transportation Broker | Transportation Intermediaries Association | Not Available |