Cargo and Freight Agents
Cargo and freight agents coordinate the movement of shipments through airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks. They take customer orders, arrange pickups, prepare shipping documents, and calculate charges. These workers ensure cargo reaches the correct loading platforms on time.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cargo and freight agents and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical day involves receiving shipment requests, contacting customers to arrange pickups, and preparing bills of lading that detail contents and charges. Agents track incoming and outgoing cargo, verify documentation, direct loaders to appropriate platforms, and resolve shipping issues. Work occurs in busy terminals where coordination between multiple departments and carriers is constant.
Who this work suits
Holland code CER. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to excel at this work if you prefer structured procedures and clear responsibilities. People who do well here enjoy building business relationships with customers and solving practical problems efficiently—combining an organized approach with the initiative to get shipments moving.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $72,810 | $76,250 | $76,250 | 60 |
| New Hampshire | $44,650 | $67,660 | $77,130 | 80 |
| South Dakota | $60,390 | $64,340 | $68,830 | 200 |
| Nebraska | $51,320 | $62,500 | $78,500 | 390 |
| Washington | $52,190 | $60,760 | $72,520 | 2,410 |
| Rhode Island | $48,380 | $60,310 | $73,150 | 140 |
| New Jersey | $49,470 | $60,210 | $69,860 | 4,280 |
| New York | $47,570 | $60,040 | $80,820 | 5,760 |
| Illinois | $48,840 | $59,750 | $62,480 | 6,110 |
| Montana | $46,620 | $59,240 | $66,350 | 370 |
| Massachusetts | $51,170 | $58,680 | $72,310 | 820 |
| Minnesota | $48,040 | $58,650 | $62,930 | 1,380 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified International Freight Forwarder (CIFF) — International Trade Certification
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cargo and freight agents and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 43-5011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.