Job description template

Cargo Agent Job Description Template

A copy-ready cargo agent job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows cargo agents earn a median of $52,260 ($25.13/hour); the middle 50% earn $45,710–$63,390.

Job title

Cargo Agent

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable cargo agent to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will book shipments, prepare shipping documents and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Book shipments
  • Prepare shipping documents
  • Weigh and measure cargo
  • Check hazmat paperwork
  • Track shipments
  • Answer customers
  • Coordinate with carriers
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Working knowledge of shipping documents and freight booking
  • Attention to detail and communication
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • IATA Dangerous Goods
  • DOT hazmat training
  • Certified Customs Specialist
  • Experience with freight booking systems

Skills

  • Hazmat rules
  • Weights and dimensions
  • Tracking systems
  • Customs basics
  • Organization
  • Calm under pressure

Work environment and schedule

Agents work at airports, freight terminals, docks and offices. Full time, often shifts.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a cargo agent job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Cargo Agent” is the clearest; alternates include Freight Agent, Air Cargo Agent, Freight Forwarder Agent.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a cargo agent so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Cargo Agent training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Cargo Agent hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing