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Cargo and Freight Agents

Career Overview

Career Description

  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.  

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Wage Data

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Career Outlook

 

Employment is expected to grow faster than average.

Employment change. Employment of cargo and freight agents is expected to increase by 16 percent during the 2006-16 decade, faster than the average for all occupations. A growing number of agents will be needed to handle the increasing number of shipments resulting from increases in cargo traffic. Additional demand will stem from the growing popularity of online shopping and same-day delivery.

Job prospects. In addition to new job growth, openings will be created by the need to replace cargo and freight agents who leave the occupation.

 

Employment Overview

 

Cargo and freight agents held about 86,000 jobs in 2006. Most agents were employed in transportation. Approximately 44 percent worked for firms engaged in support activities for the transportation industry, 23 percent were in the air transportation industry, 9 percent worked for courier businesses, and 7 percent were in the truck transportation industry.

 

Job Zone Description

  Job Zone 2 - Some preparation
In these occupations you can often use your knowledge and skills to help others.
 
  Overall Experience  
  Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience maybe helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer could benefit from experience in installing dry wall, but an inexperienced person could learn the job fairly easily.  
  Education  
  These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job related course work. In some cases, you may need an associate's or bachelor's degree.  
  Job Training  
  Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.  
  Examples  
  Drywall installers, fire inspectors, flight attendants, pharmacy technicians, retail salespersons, and bank tellers.  

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Additional Resources

 

Information about job opportunities may be obtained from local employers and local offices of the State employment service.

 
Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
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