Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Cargo and Freight Agents
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.
Table of contents
What they do
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.
- Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
- Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.
- Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.
- Check import or export documentation to determine cargo contents and use a tariff coding system to classify goods according to fee or tariff group.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Cargo and Freight Agents keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored. They route received goods to the first available flight or to appropriate storage areas or departments, using forklifts, hand trucks, or other equipment.
A typical day for a Cargo and Freight Agent will also include:
- Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.
- Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.
- Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.
- Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.
- Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Cargo and Freight Agents also direct or participate in cargo loading to ensure completeness of load and even distribution of weight. They may also open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Cargo and Freight Agents contact vendors or claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems or contact service depots to arrange for repairs. They might also assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.
In addition, they pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them coordinate and supervise the activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.
To some Cargo and Freight Agents, it is also their responsibility to negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
64% said they were satisfied with their job and 44% said they found their job meaningful.
My name is Joseph Giranda and I’m the Director of Commercial Relations at CFR Rinkens, a global leader in the shipping of commercial cargo, specializing in the containerized shipping of motor vehicles. We provide global shipping solutions for any cargo, such as commercial freight, household goods, and vehicles. Handling a variety of cargo and freight … Read More
The difference between cargo and freight is that cargo traditionally refers to goods that are transported internationally via oceans or by air, whereas freight refers to goods that are transported across the land. However, both roles are pretty similar, they’re both focused on the transportation of goods, both require you to plan and organize the … Read More
We are a transportation agency, which is similar to a freight agent, but operates just a little differently and is, therefore, less common. As a transportation agent, I represent trucking companies to various retailers, manufacturers, food production companies, and anyone else who might have freight. We help people with freight find the trucks to move … Read More
Pros
Suitable for people who like to follow routines.
Suitable for people who value relationships between co-workers and customers and want to work in a friendly non-competitive environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to work with designs.
Salary is below average.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Cargo and Freight Agents with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $27,780 to $34,400 per year or $13 to $17 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $69,890 | $34 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $56,060 | $27 |
| Median | $43,770 | $21 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $34,400 | $17 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $27,780 | $13 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Cargo and Freight Agents based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Office Administrative Services | $58700 | $28.22 |
| Support Activities for Water Transportation | $58480 | $28.12 |
| Federal Executive Branch | $58310 | $28.03 |
| Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers | $57370 | $27.58 |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | $54480 | $26.19 |
| Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation | $52770 | $25.37 |
| Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | $51420 | $24.72 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods | $50900 | $24.47 |
| Chemical Manufacturing | $50560 | $24.31 |
| Rail Transportation | $50420 | $24.24 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Cargo and Freight Agents work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Cargo and Freight Agents including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freight Transportation Arrangement | 53930 | $49110 | $23.61 |
| Support Activities for Air Transportation | 8190 | $38010 | $18.27 |
| Couriers and Express Delivery Services | 6110 | $46010 | $22.12 |
| Truck Transportation | 6070 | $47420 | $22.80 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 4680 | $44750 | $21.52 |
| Warehousing and Storage | 2010 | $43950 | $21.13 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 1140 | $46480 | $22.35 |
| Support Activities for Water Transportation | 990 | $58480 | $28.12 |
| Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation | 710 | $52770 | $25.37 |
| Rail Transportation | 340 | $50420 | $24.24 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
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Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
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Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
General Office Occupations and Clerical Services
Traffic, Customs, and Transportation Clerk
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk-taking and often deal with business.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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