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Business & Finance

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 salary (BLS)

$52,260

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$38k – $80k

Job outlook

+9% (faster than average)

AI exposure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 2 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.

Plan a path to Cargo and Freight Agents

Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Cargo and Freight Agents

    Entry / Junior

    $38,340

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Cargo and Freight Agents

    Established

    $52,260

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Cargo and Freight Agents

    Senior

    $66,035

Key skills

A typical day

  • 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.

Fields of study

Any field

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