Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Cargo Agent
What cargo agents actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a cargo agent?
Check overnight arrivals. From there, the day usually includes book shipments, prepare shipping documents, and weigh and measure cargo. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a cargo agent working full time.
- Check overnight arrivals.
- Book air freight.
- Weigh and tag cargo.
- Check dangerous goods papers.
- Track a delayed shipment.
- Prepare customs documents.
- Close out manifests.
Where cargo agents work
Agents work at airports, freight terminals, docks and offices.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Book shipments
- Prepare shipping documents
- Weigh and measure cargo
- Check hazmat paperwork
- Track shipments
- Answer customers
- Coordinate with carriers
Tools you’ll use every day
- Freight booking systems
- Scales
- Dimensioners
- Scanners
- TMS
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- No degree needed
- Global trade exposure
- Path to logistics careers
What’s hard
- Deadline pressure
- Shift work
- Detailed regulations
- Customer pressure
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like logistics
- I’m detail-oriented
- I work well under deadlines
- I like global trade
- I want growing work
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Cargo Agent fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow hazmat rules
- Lift safely
- Watch forklift traffic
- Follow security rules