Cargo and Freight Agents
Human Advantage 67%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.6 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
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.
Also Known As: Air Export Coordinator, Air Export Specialist, Cargo Agent, Cargo Router, Cargo Warehouse Agent, Container Coordinator, Drop Shipment Clerk, Export Compliance Specialist +40 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
- Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
- Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
- Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.
- Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.
- Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.
- Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.
Supplemental Tasks (15)
- Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.
- Arrange insurance coverage for goods.
- Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.
- Check import or export documentation to determine cargo contents and use tariff coding system to classify goods according to fee or tariff group.
- Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.
- Contact vendors or claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems or contact service depots to arrange for repairs.
- Inspect and count items received and check them against invoices or other documents, recording shortages and rejecting damaged goods.
- Route received goods to first available flight or to appropriate storage areas or departments, using forklifts, hand trucks, or other equipment.
- Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.
- Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.
- Maintain a supply of packing materials.
- Direct or participate in cargo loading to ensure completeness of load and even distribution of weight.
- Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.
- Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.
- Open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
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Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
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