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Cargo & Freight Agent

Also called: Air Export Specialist, Drop Shipment Clerk, Logistics Coordinator, Logistics Service Representative

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.

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Business & office
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Median pay
$52,260/yr
Typical range
$38,340 – $79,810
Outlook
Bright outlook

What does a Cargo & Freight Agent do?

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.

  • Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
  • Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
  • Track delivery progress of shipments.

How to become a Cargo & Freight Agent

Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Skills you'll use

Talking to othersListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questionsNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Is it a fit for you?

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity

Tools and technology

Corel WordPerfect Office SuiteMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointTransportation management system TMS softwareWeb-based dispatch software

Questions people ask

How much does a Cargo & Freight Agent make?

About $52,260 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $38,340 and $79,810. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become a Cargo & Freight Agent?

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Is Cargo & Freight Agent a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

Related careers

Freight Forwarder$52,260 a yearAdministrative Assistant$44,080 a yearBookkeeper$47,440 a yearFarm Labor Contractor$58,460 a yearMedical Secretary & Administrative Assistant$45,930 a yearOffice Clerk$45,010 a year

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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