What does a Cargo Agent do?
Published 3 min read
A cargo agent is responsible for the coordination and movement of freight and cargo on behalf of their clients. This may involve booking space on ships, planes, and trucks, as well as preparing shipping documents and tracking shipments.
Cargo Agent job duties include:
- Verify and keep records on incoming and outgoing shipments and prepare items for shipping
- Load and unload trucks
- Inspect and verify incoming and outgoing shipments
- Operate forklifts or other machinery in order to load or unload trucks
- Keep warehouse clean and organized
- May perform some office duties such as answering phones, preparing documents, or data entry
- Assist customers with shipping inquiries
- Prepare bills of lading, invoices, or other shipping documents
- May coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, or trucking companies
Cargo Agent Job Requirements
Cargo agents are responsible for the coordination and handling of air cargo shipments. They work closely with airline personnel, shippers, and consignees to ensure that cargo is loaded and unloaded in a timely and efficient manner. Cargo agents typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education or certification. Cargo agents must be able to lift heavy objects, as they may be required to load and unload cargo by hand. Previous experience working in an airport or warehouse environment is helpful, but not always required.
Cargo Agent Skills
- Cargo handling
- Freight forwarding
- Shipping
- Customs clearance
- Transportation
- Warehousing
- Inventory management
- Packaging
- Labeling
- Documentation
- Customer service
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How to become a Cargo Agent
A cargo agent is responsible for the coordination and movement of freight and cargo by land, sea, and air. They work with shippers, carriers, and other agents to ensure that goods are transported safely and efficiently. Cargo agents typically have a background in logistics or supply chain management.
To become a cargo agent, you will need to have strong communication and organizational skills. You should be able to multitask and work well under pressure. It is also helpful to have knowledge of customs regulations and the transportation industry.
If you are interested in becoming a cargo agent, you can start by working in customer service or operations for a shipping company. This will give you experience with the coordination of shipments and the different players involved in the process. You can also consider pursuing a degree in logistics or supply chain management. This will give you the theoretical knowledge needed to be successful in this role.
Once you have the necessary experience and education, you can start applying for jobs as a cargo agent. There are many job openings available with freight companies, logistics firms, and other businesses that ship goods domestically and internationally. With hard work and dedication, you can build a successful career as a cargo agent.
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