Explore This Path

Cargo Agent

💰 Earn $46K-$64K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 Month Training

📈 8.5% Job Growth

Coordinate logistics to ensure timely delivery of goods worldwide.
Play a crucial role in global trade by managing cargo and freight shipments.
Engage in dynamic problem-solving and negotiation with shipping companies.

What Cargo Agents DoExpedite 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.

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.

Cargo Agents Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time6 months to 1 year

Job Openings8,800 Annually

Median Earnings

$56,100 in California

$49,900 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@_chionye

@gemelsevero4

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Time Management

Go Deeper: Cargo Agents Explained

Cargo AgentExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months

Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in Less than a year

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

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