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.
What 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.
On the job, you would:
Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
Track delivery progress of shipments.
Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.
Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Business
customer service
administrative services
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
geography
Basic Skills
talking to others
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Stress Tolerance
Integrity
Cooperation
Dependability
Self Control
You might use software like this on the job:
Mobile location based services software
Transportation management software
Web-based dispatch software
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Microsoft Office
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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