Cargo and Freight Agents
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. They take orders from customers and arrange the pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to the loading platform. and prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.
Air freight agents play an important role in worldwide logistics by transporting products or raw materials from one destination to another. Cargo agents ensure that shipments are picked up and delivered on time, paperwork is completed, and fees are collected. For international deliveries, agents prepare and verify customs and tariff forms.
Cargo agents' job descriptions include managing shipments for multiple clients at once. They often arrange their clients’ cargo and freight by destination and send out many shipments concurrently.
Cargo agents mostly have a high school degree. Some have done post-secondary training, but most enter the career and gain experience and skills on the job.
They earn a decent five-six digits of cargo agent salary and work in warehouses, storehouses, or shipping and receiving stations. They frequently interact with customers, logistics companies, and others in the shipping industry. Their approach should be courteous and prompt to provide all information upon request.
To succeed as a cargo agent, one should be proficient in maintaining accurate records for tracking shipment updates, inventories, client and payment records, and other information. Agents should be able to use computer software programs to store records, track inventory, and communicate with clients.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 3 Airline Baggage Handler
- NSQF Level 3 Airline Cargo Assistant
Tasks
- Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
- Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
- Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
- Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
- Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.
- Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.
- Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.
- Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.
- Inspect and count items received and check them against invoices or other documents, recording shortages and rejecting damaged goods.
- Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.