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.

Other names for Cargo and Freight Agents: Air Export Logistics Manager, Booking Clerk, Cargo Router, Container Coordinator, Customer Service Manager, Customs Broker, Dispatcher, Documentation Clerk, Drop Shipment Clerk, Export Traffic Department Manager, Freight Booker, Freight Broker, Freight Forwarder, Freight Receiver, Freight Representative, Freight Router, Head Shipper, Import Customer Service Manager, Import Customs Clearing Agent, Import Dispatcher, Intermodal Dispatcher, International Coordinator, Load Planner, Logistics Clerk, Logistics Coordinator, Logistics Service Representative, Logistics Technician, Ocean Export Account Manager, Ocean Import Representative, Operations Manager, Ramp Service Agent, Route Agent, Route Clerk, Ship Broker, Shipper Receiver, Shipping Agent, Shipping Coordinator, Shipping Processor, Traffic and Documentation Clerk, Traffic Specialist, Transportation Agent, Transportation Broker, Transportation Clerk,

• Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
• Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of the arrival of freight or baggage, and arrange for delivery.
• Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
• Prepare manifests showing baggage, mail, and freight weights, and number of passengers on airplanes, and transmit data to destinations.
• Determine method of shipment, and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
• Check import/export documentation to determine cargo contents, and classify goods into different fee or tariff groups, using a tariff coding system.
• Estimate freight or postal rates, and record shipment costs and weights.
• Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by using a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.
• Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.
• Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.
• Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshalling areas, and help load and unload goods safely.
• Inspect and count items received and check them against invoices or other documents, recording shortages and rejecting damaged goods.
• Install straps, braces, and padding to loads in order to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.
• Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.
• Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.
• Arrange insurance coverage for goods.
• Direct or participate in cargo loading in order to ensure completeness of load and even distribution of weight.
• Open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.
• Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.
• Contact vendors and/or claims adjustment departments in order to resolve problems with shipments, or contact service depots to arrange for repairs.
• Route received goods to first available flight or to appropriate storage areas or departments, using forklifts, handtrucks, or other equipment.
• Maintain a supply of packing materials.
• Assemble containers and crates used to transport items such as machines or vehicles.
• Obtain flight numbers, airplane numbers, and names of crew members from dispatchers, and record data on airplane flight papers.
• Send samples of merchandise to quality control units for inspection.