Cargo and Freight Agents
O*NET 43-5011.00 · SOC 43-5011
Cargo and Freight Agent is a risky career choice. Median pay is $52k a year with +6.2% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 9,000 openings a year. AI exposure: High.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Prepare and verify shipping documents for outgoing freight
- →Track shipments and update customers on delivery status
- →Coordinate pickup and delivery schedules with carriers
- →Inspect cargo for damage and document discrepancies
- →Calculate freight charges and prepare billing invoices
Education & How to Get In
Cargo and Freight Agent roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Cargo and Freight Agent involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Cargo and Freight Agent?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Cargo and Freight Agent Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Cargo and Freight Agents is projected to grow 6.2% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·58% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Cargo and Freight Agent make?
The median Cargo and Freight Agent earns $52k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Cargo and Freight Agent jobs?
Our model puts Cargo and Freight Agent at 69 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 58% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory.
Is Cargo and Freight Agent a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 9,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Cargo and Freight Agent?
Most Cargo and Freight Agent roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Cargo and Freight Agent?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Cargo and Freight Agent career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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