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Embarking on a career as a cargo agent in the aviation industry opens up a world of exciting opportunities, where efficiency and precision are paramount.
Air cargo agents facilitate the movement of goods through airline terminals and airports. They ensure that cargo is shipped on time, all related paperwork is complete, and bills are settled—all of which are imperative in ensuring great customer service and minimizing the loss or damage of cargo.
In this article, we will discuss how to become a cargo agent in the aviation industry, salary, and skills.
What does an air cargo agent do?
An air cargo agent is responsible for the safety of all air cargo on a flight. They are responsible for inspecting each shipment, logging shipment information, monitoring shipments in transit, and ensuring that shipments reach their destinations.
They also determine delivery routes, pick-up locations, and delivery costs. This position is essential for companies that provide constant deliveries, such as online stores.
An air cargo agent must have strong research skills, good communication skills, and a sincere devotion to bringing cargoes safely to their destinations.
How to Become an Air Cargo Agent
If you are interested in becoming a cargo agent, you can follow these career steps:
1. Complete Education
To become a cargo agent, professionals typically earn a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Some aspiring cargo agents earn their bachelor’s degree, but this is optional in this career path. During high school, professionals can develop their mathematical skills, adaptive thinking skills, and communication skills.
2. Consider training programs
After completing their high school education, some cargo agents complete a certificate program. This is usually optional, but some companies may require or prefer specialized training.
For example, some airlines may require air cargo agents to complete a certification program to learn about airline safety measures and customer service.
In a training program, professionals can learn more about their industry and also develop their technical skills. For example, some training programs train aspiring cargo managers to use common shipping software programs.
3. Gain professional experience
Aspiring cargo agents can begin their professional careers by gaining experience in the shipping or transportation sector.
These professionals often begin working under the supervision of senior cargo agents. Some airline companies offer apprenticeship programs where new professionals can work with a mentor.
Consider researching entry-level positions and apprenticeships in your area and specialty. As an apprentice, your duties may include weighing packages, packing items for shipping, and moving items into storage. In this role, you can develop your industry knowledge and technical skills.
4. Apply for advanced positions
As you develop your skills, you may begin applying for cargo agent positions. Some professionals choose to advance their careers within a company.
For example, if you are an apprentice with an airline company, you may be able to move into a cargo agent role at that same company.
Other professionals may choose to explore openings at other companies. Consider creating a resume and cover letter that show your soft skills and your transportation technical skills.
How much does a cargo agent make?
As of January 22, 2024, the average hourly pay for a cargo agent in the United States is $18.52 an hour and $38,524 per year.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $24.28 and as low as $12.50, the majority of cargo agent wages currently range between $16.35 (25th percentile) and $20.67 (75th percentile) across the United States.
The average pay range for a cargo agent varies greatly (by as much as $4.33), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.
Skills to Become an Air Cargo Agent
To succeed in their role, cargo agents may use the following skills:
- Organizational skills: Cargo agents need to organize shipping routes, cost information, and data records. They can use strong organizational skills to keep the information accurate.
- Adaptable thinking: When determining the best shipping methods and routes for clients, cargo agents may need to think creatively. They can use adaptable thinking to create shipping plans that meet individual client’s needs.
- Communication: A cargo agent communicates with clients and other transportation professionals. They can use communication skills to explain shipping costs and procedures, negotiate costs, and network with new clients or partners.
- Negotiation: Some cargo agents may negotiate prices with shipping centers.
- Customer service: Cargo agents often work directly with customers. They may need to explain concepts, answer questions, and resolve conflicts.
- Problem-solving: When shipping schedules or prices change, a cargo agent can use problem-solving skills to find creative solutions.
- Computer skills: Many cargo agents use software or computer programs to assist with the shipping process. This may involve inputting shipping data, updating invoices, or printing shipping materials.
- Technical knowledge: Cargo agents need to be experts in transportation services. They may specialize in one area, such as air transportation or railroads, or they can work with multiple transportation options. They need to understand average shipping times, routes, and costs to help their clients.
The Job Outlook for Cargo Agents
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects job openings in the transportation and material moving industry, which includes cargo agents, to increase by 3% from 2019 to 2029. As companies grow, they may have more shipping and transportation needs.
Conclusion
In becoming an air cargo agent, the job responsibilities that you can expect include checking import and export documents, communicating with vendors and claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems, directing delivery trucks, and estimating shipping rates, among others.
Transitioning from training to the real deal involves staying current with industry regulations and technologies. By staying proactive and adaptable, you’ll not only become a proficient cargo agent but also play a vital role in the smooth flow of goods within the aviation sector.
