What do cargo agents do

These agents supervise and monitor the shipments of goods using railroad shipping, ships, trucks, and airplanes. Internationally, the agents make sure that all duties and fees have been paid and that the paperwork for the shipment is timely and in order. In general terms, the cargo and freight agent controls the movement of cargo from the beginning to the end of its journey. The job demands more than just good organizational skills and requires a thorough knowledge of all phases of the shipping industry as well as the ability to communicate and network with all of the different professionals involved in the process.

The ability to pick up the phone or jump on the computer to make sure a shipment is in the right location or has reached its destination is a critical assignment. Both buyers and sellers depend on this immediate feedback as to the status of their investment. Eight duties can be attributed to the job a cargo and freight agent performs for a shipping company or a freight-forwarding company.

The agent uses all the resources at his disposal to complete the task of moving cargo. The International Shipping Company at Asiana USA employs well-qualified and highly experienced cargo freight agents who are ready to serve your shipping needs.

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To Receiver's email address, use comma to separate addresses. From Your email address. Your email has been sent. Thank you. Cargo and Freight Agents. Your Search Occupation. Show More Select items to add to your view. Overview Description Career video. Outlook Projected employment. Typical wages.

Education and experience Typical education Certifications Licenses Apprenticeships. Related occupations Other resources. Description: what do they 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. Also known as:. View Help. What does this information tell me? This description is a quick overview of what workers in this career might do. What is the source of this information? Collapse Help.

Career video. Transcript: Businesses need to fill orders and move shipments as quickly as possible. Cargo and freight agents help make that happen. Whatever the size, route, or nature of the shipment, these agents organize the details of getting cargo from the place of origin to its destination swiftly and efficiently. Cargo and freight agents take orders from customers and arrange transportation of the freight to the loading platform.

They prepare all necessary documents, such as insurance forms and descriptions of the cargo: amount, type, weight, and dimensions. If the goods are being imported or exported, the agent arranges the required clearances to navigate through Customs.

Agents make sure the cargo is placed in shipping containers in correct order for unloading at its destination, and they calculate shipping costs. Expedited delivery requests may require making multiple arrangements for the same cargo load. Upon cargo arrival, freight agents check for missing items, record any damage that has occurred, then arrange payment and pick-up by customers. While part of their work day is spent in an office, these agents also work in airline, train, and trucking terminals, and at shipping docks.

Evening and weekend hours are common. A high school diploma is the typical entry level requirement. This career video gives more information about the career you selected. Outlook: will there be jobs? New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This occupation is: Expected to grow much faster than average.

Find job openings. Careers can have one of three outlooks: A Bright outlook means new job opportunities are very likely in the future An Average outlook means that a small number of new job opportunities are likely in the future less than an 8 percent increase A Below Average outlook means new job opportunities are less likely in the future You can also view local job listings in this field by clicking "Find job openings". Projected employment.

United States. Compare projected employment. NWages HWages. Consider creating a resume and cover letter that shows your soft skills and your transportation technical skills. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Finding a Job. What is a cargo agent? What does a cargo agent do?

Reviewing import and export documents Discussing shipping options and prices with clients Organizing goods into different shipping categories to assist with payment and fees Determining the best route for shipping Planning logistical transportation details with shipping companies and airlines Negotiating shipping costs with freight company vendors Communicating with vendors regarding claims and payment adjustments Managing and assisting with cargo loading processes Tracing lost packages and communicating details with clients Inspecting items and counting items to compare with the invoice information Estimating costs for clients, including shipping, postage and additional transport costs Communicating the shipping status to customers Monitoring shipments to ensure a vendor picks up the cargo or delivers cargo Creating shipping documents, including bills, invoices and reports Tracking shipping details, including cargo contents, weight and transportation time.

Important career skills for cargo agents. Organizational skills: Cargo agents need to organize shipping routes, cost information and data records. They can use strong organizational skills to keep the information accurate. Adaptable thinking: When determining the best shipping methods and routes for clients, cargo agents may need to think creatively.

They can use adaptable thinking to create shipping plans that meet individual client's needs. Communication: A cargo agent communicates with clients and other transportation professionals. They can use communication skills to explain shipping costs and procedures, to negotiate costs and to network with new clients or partners. Negotiation: Some cargo agents may negotiate prices with shipping centers. Customer service: Cargo agents often work directly with customers. Air Traffic Controller. Transportation Inspector.

Wholesale Retail Buyer. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. The career video is Public Domain from the U. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Free Career Tests. Skip to content A cargo freight agent helps get products from a storing location to a purchaser.