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Cargo and Freight Agents

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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.

What you’d do

  • 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.

Skills that matter

  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Negotiation
  • Time Management

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Air Export Specialist
  • Drop Shipment Clerk
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Logistics Service Representative
  • Freight Broker
  • Intermodal Dispatcher

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