Cargo and Freight Agents
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.
Also called: Air Export Coordinator, Air Export Specialist, Air Freight Coordinator, Cargo Agent, Cargo Customer Service Agent (Cargo CS Agent), Cargo Router
Median pay
$52,260
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$38,340 – $79,810
People employed
97,670
Holland code
CER
Conventional · Enterprising · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Cargo and Freight Agents pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (47 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What cargo and freight agents do
- 01Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
- 02Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
- 03Track delivery progress of shipments.
- 04Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.
- 05Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
- 06Arrange insurance coverage for goods.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Transportation
- Geography
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from cargo and freight agents
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors78% · +11%
- Order Clerks76% · −12%
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters70% · +49%
- Customs Brokers70% · group pay
- Procurement Clerks68% · −3%
Change into cargo and freight agents
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors75% · $58,170
- Customs and Border Protection Officers73% · $76,210
- Driver/Sales Workers73% · $38,770
Majors that lead here
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services
- Traffic, Customs, and Transportation Clerk/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.