Cargo and Freight Agents
What is a Cargo and Freight Agent?
Cargo and Freight Agents are essential professionals in the transportation and logistics industry, responsible for coordinating and overseeing the shipment of goods. They act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, facilitating the movement of cargo by air, sea, rail, or road. These agents work with various stakeholders, including shipping companies, freight forwarders, and clients, to ensure that shipments are processed efficiently and comply with regulatory requirements.
Their role involves managing documentation, preparing shipping orders, arranging transportation, and tracking shipments to ensure timely delivery. Cargo and Freight Agents must also be knowledgeable about international trade regulations, tariffs, and shipping procedures to navigate complex logistics challenges and avoid delays. Additionally, they often provide customer service by addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and providing updates on shipment status.
Given the global nature of trade, Cargo and Freight Agents may work with a diverse range of products, from consumer goods to industrial equipment. The career requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with various parties. As the demand for efficient shipping solutions continues to grow, Cargo and Freight Agents play a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods in the global marketplace.
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Outlook
- Word processing software
- Mobile location based services software
- Office suite software
- Spreadsheet software
Tools Used
- Ground power units for aircraft
- Air conditioners
- Wrapping machinery
- Cargo trucks
- Pry bars
Knowledge
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Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Negotiation
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Some college, no degree
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Detailed Work Activities
- Coordinate operational activities.
- Negotiate financial arrangements.
- Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions.
- Track goods or materials.
- Maintain operational records.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$36520.0 - $72820.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.