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 ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionTime ManagementNegotiationWritingMonitoring
Knowledge areas
TransportationGeographyPublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageAdministration and Management
Technology & tools
Procurement softwareOffice suite softwareData base user interface and query softwareElectronic mail softwareSpreadsheet software
Representative 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.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.
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
92 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Freight BrokerOperations ClerkLoadmaster (Navy G63A)Traffic and Documentation ClerkExpeditionary Firefighting and Rescue (EFR) Specialist (Marine Corps 7051)Shipping CoordinatorFreight CoordinatorLoad PlannerFreight RouterFreight AgentFreight ForwarderC-130 Second Loadmaster (Navy G51A)Shipping Operations Officer (Navy 9467)Import CoordinatorFreight SpecialistShipping ProcessorAir Freight CoordinatorAirdrop Systems Technician (Army 921A)Cargo Specialist (Army 88H)Logistics TechnicianFreight ReceiverDefense Courier Service Officer (Navy 9555)Traffic Management Operations Superintendent (Air Force 2T091)International CoordinatorBeachmaster (Navy 9405)Air Export SpecialistTransportation Specialist (Navy 003769)Freight RepresentativeDistribution Management Officer (Marine Corps 3102)Drop Shipment ClerkOcean Import SpecialistFreight BookerDrydocking Officer (Floating Drydocks) (Navy 9431)Logistics CoordinatorInventory Management Specialist (Marine Corps 3051)Mobility Officer (Army 882A)Mobility Officer (Marine Corps 0430)Freight Broker AgentOcean Import CoordinatorCargo Warehouse Agent