Salary Range
Low (10th %)$36,520
Median$48,330
High (90th %)$72,820
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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.
The occupation "Cargo and Freight Agents" has an automation risk of 55.6%, which is closely aligned with its base risk of 56.3%. This means that slightly more than half of the tasks within this job could potentially be automated using current and emerging technologies. The automation risk comes primarily from tasks that are routine and data-driven, making them suitable for software solutions and robotics. Advancements in logistics tech, such as automated billing systems, real-time shipment tracking, and AI-powered negotiation algorithms, have all contributed to this moderate risk. As logistics companies strive to increase efficiency and cut costs, more of these repeatable processes will likely be handled by machines in the near future. Among the tasks performed by cargo and freight agents, the most automatable include negotiating and arranging transport with shipping or freight companies, determining methods of shipment, preparing bills of lading and invoices, and tracking the delivery progress of shipments. These activities involve extensive paperwork, scheduling, and real-time monitoring, all of which are susceptible to automation through advanced logistics software, shipment management platforms, and integrated tracking tools. By delegating these responsibilities to computerized systems, organizations can minimize human error, accelerate processes, and provide increased transparency to clients. The repetitive and rules-based nature of these tasks makes them prime candidates for automation, further elevating the occupational risk. Conversely, some tasks remain resistant to automation due to their physical and manual nature. Opening cargo containers and unwrapping contents with hand tools, attaching address labels and shipping instructions to containers, and packing goods using staplers, strapping machines, and hammers all require a degree of dexterity, adaptability, and physical handling that current robotics struggle to replicate cost-effectively. These tasks necessitate manual labor and problem-solving abilities in unpredictable environments, acting as bottlenecks to full automation. The occupation's resilience to complete automation is also reflected in its low reliance on originality (2.3%), indicating that while creative thinking is not a significant job element, the manual and varied aspects of the work safeguard human involvement for the foreseeable future.
Filter by Automatable Status
Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
Partially Automatable
Track delivery progress of shipments.
Automatable
Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
Partially Automatable
Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
Automatable
Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.
Automatable
Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.
Automatable
Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.
Automatable
Arrange insurance coverage for goods.
Partially Automatable
Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.
Non-Automatable
Check import or export documentation to determine cargo contents and use tariff coding system to classify goods according to fee or tariff group.
Partially Automatable
Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.
Partially Automatable
Contact vendors or claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems or contact service depots to arrange for repairs.
Partially Automatable
Inspect and count items received and check them against invoices or other documents, recording shortages and rejecting damaged goods.
Partially Automatable
Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.
Non-Automatable
Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.
Non-Automatable
Maintain a supply of packing materials.
Partially Automatable
Direct or participate in cargo loading to ensure completeness of load and even distribution of weight.
Partially Automatable
Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.
Partially Automatable
Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.
Automatable
Open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
Automatable
Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.
Automatable
Route received goods to first available flight or to appropriate storage areas or departments, using forklifts, hand trucks, or other equipment.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
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Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical Activities
Microsoft OneNoteOperating system softwareBrokerage softwarePosting softwareWeb-based dispatch softwareWord processing softwareSpreadsheet softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareWeb browser softwareDatabase softwareMicrosoft OutlookCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteMicrosoft OneNoteOperating system softwareBrokerage softwareWord processing softwarePosting softwareWeb-based dispatch softwareSpreadsheet softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareWeb browser softwareDatabase softwareMicrosoft OutlookTransportation management system TMS softwareTransportation management system TMS softwareTransportation management softwareTransportation management softwareEmail softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office software
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Medium54.11%
Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
Medium49.25%
Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.
Customs Brokers
Medium58.90%
Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.
Logisticians
Medium47.96%
Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
Logistics Analysts
Medium64.20%
Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes. May manage route activity including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing.
Order Clerks
High80.71%
Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints.
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
High73.97%
Make and confirm reservations for transportation or lodging, or sell transportation tickets. May check baggage and direct passengers to designated concourse, pier, or track; deliver tickets and contact individuals and groups to inform them of package tours; or provide tourists with travel or transportation information.
Freight Forwarders
High67.61%
Research rates, routings, or modes of transport for shipment of products. Maintain awareness of regulations affecting the international movement of cargo. Make arrangements for additional services, such as storage or inland transportation.
Couriers and Messengers
Medium59.38%
Pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance.
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Medium65.75%
Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business. Duties may include using radio, telephone, or computer to transmit assignments and compiling statistics and reports on work progress.
Postal Service Clerks
High70.36%
Perform any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail rack or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage. Includes postal service clerks employed by USPS contractors.
Postal Service Mail Carriers
Medium56.66%
Sort and deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot. Includes postal service mail carriers employed by USPS contractors.
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
Medium51.33%
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Examine, sort, and route mail. Load, operate, and occasionally adjust and repair mail processing, sorting, and canceling machinery. Keep records of shipments, pouches, and sacks, and perform other duties related to mail handling within the postal service. Includes postal service mail sorters and processors employed by USPS contractors.
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Medium65.21%
Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products. May prepare items for shipment.
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Medium61.58%
Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.
First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
Medium53.71%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of material-moving machine and vehicle operators and helpers.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Medium46.13%
Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.
Light Truck Drivers
Medium51.40%
Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver. May load and unload vehicle.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Medium56.73%
Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.
Transportation Inspectors
Medium58.03%
Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
Customs and Border Protection Officers
Medium35.91%
Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.
Travel Agents
High83.11%
Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
Medium58.07%
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Time-stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.
Driver/Sales Workers
Medium56.20%
Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry. May also take orders, collect payment, or stock merchandise at point of delivery.