Occupation · SOC 43-5011
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.
Median wage
$49,900
$37,240–$76,350
Projected growth
+8.6%
Faster than average
Annual openings
860
per year
Employed (US)
97,800
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
90 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingTime ManagementNegotiationWritingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationMonitoringCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingPersuasionJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningInstructingOperations MonitoringSystems AnalysisQuality Control AnalysisMathematicsManagement of Personnel ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesTroubleshootingSystems EvaluationOperations AnalysisLearning StrategiesOperation and ControlEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceRepairingTechnology DesignProgrammingManagement of Financial ResourcesInstallationScience
Knowledge areas
TransportationGeographyPublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeCommunications and MediaProduction and ProcessingEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingMathematicsMechanicalComputers and ElectronicsPersonnel and Human ResourcesEngineering and TechnologyBuilding and ConstructionPsychologyForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyBiologyTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyFood ProductionDesignChemistryMedicine and DentistryFine ArtsPhysicsPhilosophy and Theology
Technology & tools
Brokerage softwareCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteDatabase softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OneNoteMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordOperating system softwarePosting softwareSAP softwareSpreadsheet softwareTransportation management softwareTransportation management system TMS softwareWeb browser softwareWeb-based dispatch softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Getting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsDocumenting/Recording InformationHandling and Moving ObjectsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationWorking with ComputersProcessing InformationThinking CreativelyRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeSelling or Influencing OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentCoaching and Developing OthersTraining and Teaching OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Shipping documents such as bills of lading and invoices — complete accurately under direct supervisor guidance in a freight office setting.Shipment records for goods shipped, received, and stored — enter and maintain in inventory management software with close oversight.Freight or postal rate tables — reference and apply to estimate basic shipment costs under supervision in a logistics operation.Consignees and customers — notify of freight or baggage arrival using scripted email templates and standard office communication tools.Delivery progress of assigned shipments — monitor using company tracking systems and report status updates to a senior agent.Shipping or freight paperwork — review for completeness and flag errors to a supervisor before processing in a warehouse or freight office.Basic transportation terminology and routing concepts — recognize and apply when sorting and categorizing incoming shipment requests.Office suite and word processing software — use to draft routine correspondence and format shipping-related documents under direction.Stored items — retrieve from designated warehouse locations following step-by-step retrieval procedures with minimal independent judgment.Customer inquiries about shipment status — respond to using established scripts and escalate complex issues to experienced colleagues.
developing
Method of shipment for standard cargo — determine independently by evaluating weight, destination, and urgency in a regional freight office.Bills of lading, invoices, and customs documents — prepare routinely and review for regulatory compliance with reduced supervisory oversight.Freight rates and carrier options — compare and estimate using procurement software to select cost-effective solutions for routine shipments.Client advisories on transportation and payment methods — deliver clearly and accurately based on familiarity with standard carrier agreements.Lost or delayed shipments — trace by querying database systems and coordinating with carriers to resolve issues within normal business timelines.Shipment cost and weight records — maintain accurately across multiple active shipments using spreadsheet software in a busy cargo operation.Cargo delivery schedules — coordinate and communicate with consignees and internal teams to ensure timely pickup and delivery arrangements.Active listening and questioning techniques — apply when gathering client shipping requirements to recommend appropriate transportation solutions.Shipping regulations related to public safety and hazardous materials classifications — apply correctly when processing freight documentation.Inventory management software — use to track inbound and outbound cargo volumes and generate routine status reports for operations staff.
proficient
Transport arrangements with multiple freight and shipping companies — negotiate autonomously to secure favorable rates and reliable service for clients.Complex or non-standard shipment documentation including international bills of lading and export invoices — prepare and audit for full compliance.End-to-end delivery progress across a portfolio of shipments — monitor proactively and intervene to resolve bottlenecks before client impact occurs.Client consultation on multi-modal transportation strategies and payment terms — conduct independently, drawing on deep knowledge of carrier networks.Freight cost estimation models — develop and apply using ERP and spreadsheet software to support accurate quoting across diverse cargo types.Comprehensive shipment records and audit trails — maintain and reconcile across inventory management and database systems for regulatory review.Lost or damaged cargo claims — investigate thoroughly, coordinating with carriers, insurers, and clients to achieve timely resolution.Geographic routing challenges and customs requirements for cross-border shipments — analyze and resolve using knowledge of transportation law and geography.Critical thinking and deductive reasoning — apply when evaluating carrier performance data to identify systemic service issues and recommend corrective action.Junior agents and new staff — guide and demonstrate correct use of procurement and freight management software in daily freight operations.
advanced
Carrier negotiation strategies and volume contract agreements — lead at an organizational level to reduce freight costs and improve service-level outcomes.Departmental documentation standards and compliance protocols for bills of lading, invoices, and regulatory filings — establish and enforce across all staff.Organization-wide shipment tracking and performance monitoring systems — design and oversee to ensure visibility and accountability across all cargo flows.Client relationship strategy for key accounts — direct by setting service expectations, resolving escalated disputes, and securing long-term partnerships.Freight cost management and budgeting processes — lead for the department, using ERP data and trend analysis to optimize operational expenditure.Record-keeping policies and data integrity standards — develop and implement across inventory and database systems to meet audit and legal requirements.Cargo loss prevention and crisis response plans — author and execute when major shipment disruptions affect multiple clients or high-value freight.Team professional development in transportation regulations, geography, and customer service — design and deliver training programs for cargo agents at all levels.Cross-functional coordination with customs, legal, and operations leadership — lead to ensure freight activities align with public safety, law, and company strategy.Technology adoption roadmaps for freight management platforms and office automation tools — champion and oversee implementation to improve agent productivity and accuracy.
Also known as
51 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Air Export CoordinatorAir Export SpecialistAir Freight CoordinatorCargo AgentCargo Customer Service Agent (Cargo CS Agent)Cargo RouterCargo Warehouse AgentContainer CoordinatorDrop Shipment ClerkExport Compliance SpecialistExport CoordinatorExport SpecialistFreight AgentFreight BookerFreight BrokerFreight Broker AgentFreight ClerkFreight CoordinatorFreight ForwarderFreight ReceiverFreight RepresentativeFreight RouterFreight Shipping AgentFreight SpecialistImport CoordinatorImport Customs Clearing AgentIntermodal DispatcherInternational CoordinatorLoad PlannerLogistics AssistantLogistics ClerkLogistics CoordinatorLogistics Service RepresentativeLogistics TechnicianOcean Export CoordinatorOcean Import AgentOcean Import CoordinatorOcean Import SpecialistOperations ClerkReceiver