43-5011.00 Bright OutlookApprenticeship

Cargo & 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.

Career Cluster:Supply Chain & Transportation
Job Family:Office and Administrative Support
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Transportation and Warehousing
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Technology Tools

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP software

Key Tasks

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

Skills

Speaking
66%
Active Listening
63%
Reading Comprehension
56%
Critical Thinking
56%
Time Management
53%
Negotiation
53%
Coordination
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Writing
50%
Service Orientation
50%
Complex Problem Solving
50%
Monitoring
50%
Persuasion
47%
Active Learning
44%
Judgment and Decision Making
44%
Instructing
38%
Operations Monitoring
35%
Mathematics
31%
Systems Analysis
31%
Quality Control Analysis
31%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Management of Personnel Resources
28%
Troubleshooting
25%
Systems Evaluation
25%
Operations Analysis
25%
Learning Strategies
25%
Operation and Control
16%
Equipment Selection
16%
Equipment Maintenance
16%
Repairing
13%
Programming
10%
Management of Financial Resources
10%
Technology Design
10%
Installation
3%
Science
0%

Knowledge

Transportation
89%
Geography
88%
Public Safety and Security
76%
English Language
73%
Administration and Management
72%
Education and Training
62%
Law and Government
61%
Telecommunications
61%
Administrative
60%
Customer and Personal Service
60%
Communications and Media
50%
Production and Processing
48%
Economics and Accounting
45%
Sales and Marketing
44%
Mathematics
43%
Mechanical
40%
Computers and Electronics
37%
Personnel and Human Resources
36%
Engineering and Technology
36%
Psychology
24%
Building and Construction
24%
Foreign Language
21%
Sociology and Anthropology
17%
Biology
17%
History and Archeology
16%
Food Production
16%
Therapy and Counseling
16%
Design
10%
Chemistry
9%
Fine Arts
7%
Medicine and Dentistry
7%
Philosophy and Theology
3%
Physics
3%

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Abilities

Oral Expression
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Written Comprehension
72%
Near Vision
56%
Problem Sensitivity
53%
Written Expression
53%
Speech Recognition
50%
Deductive Reasoning
50%
Category Flexibility
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Flexibility of Closure
47%
Information Ordering
47%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Number Facility
44%
Time Sharing
44%
Far Vision
35%
Fluency of Ideas
35%
Mathematical Reasoning
35%
Originality
31%
Visualization
31%
Auditory Attention
31%
Finger Dexterity
28%
Speed of Closure
28%
Memorization
28%
Visual Color Discrimination
28%
Hearing Sensitivity
25%
Depth Perception
25%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
22%
Control Precision
22%
Manual Dexterity
22%
Reaction Time
19%
Static Strength
19%
Multilimb Coordination
19%
Extent Flexibility
16%
Stamina
16%
Explosive Strength
16%
Peripheral Vision
16%
Spatial Orientation
16%
Dynamic Strength
16%
Trunk Strength
16%
Wrist-Finger Speed
16%
Rate Control
16%
Response Orientation
16%
Gross Body Coordination
16%
Sound Localization
13%
Night Vision
13%
Glare Sensitivity
13%
Gross Body Equilibrium
13%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
78%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
72%
Documenting/Recording Information
72%
Handling and Moving Objects
65%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
61%
Controlling Machines and Processes
61%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
61%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
61%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
60%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
60%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
60%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
58%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
58%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
56%
Performing General Physical Activities
55%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
55%
Processing Information
54%
Working with Computers
54%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
54%
Thinking Creatively
52%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
51%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
50%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
49%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
48%
Analyzing Data or Information
47%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
44%
Scheduling Work and Activities
42%
Selling or Influencing Others
42%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
42%
Performing Administrative Activities
40%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
38%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
38%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
37%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
33%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
32%
Coaching and Developing Others
30%
Training and Teaching Others
30%
Assisting and Caring for Others
29%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
25%
Staffing Organizational Units
24%
Developing and Building Teams
23%

Work Context

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

89%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

89%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

87%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

84%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

81%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

81%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

80%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

74%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

74%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

71%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

71%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

67%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

67%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

66%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

62%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

60%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

59%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

59%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

57%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

55%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

53%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

52%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

51%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

49%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

49%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

47%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

45%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

42%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

41%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

41%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

38%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

35%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

35%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

34%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

34%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

33%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

31%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

30%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

28%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

27%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

26%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

24%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

24%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

23%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

22%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

21%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

21%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

21%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

21%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

20%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

19%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

18%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

17%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

17%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

15%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

12%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

9%

Education

Bachelor's degree

31%

Some college, no degree

19%

Post-secondary certificate

18%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

89

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

64

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

36

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

19

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

8

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Dependability
88%
Attention to Detail
79%
Integrity
58%
Adaptability
47%
Cooperation
46%
Cautiousness
44%
Self-Control
44%
Stress Tolerance
43%
Social Orientation
42%
Achievement Orientation
39%
Self-Confidence
39%
Perseverance
38%
Initiative
37%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
32%
Optimism
23%
Sincerity
22%
Leadership Orientation
17%
Humility
16%
Empathy
12%
Intellectual Curiosity
11%
Innovation
2%

Work Values

Relationships
56%
Support
56%
Independence
45%
Achievement
33%
Recognition
33%
Working Conditions
33%

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