Behind every successful shipment is someone making sure it actually gets where it’s going. Cargo and freight agents handle the logistics that keep goods moving by truck, train, air, or sea. If you're organized and like fast-paced, high-responsibility roles, this might be your lane.
Cargo and freight agents coordinate the movement of shipments from one place to another. They take orders, arrange pickups, prepare paperwork, and work with carriers to move freight through terminals, docks, and delivery routes.
Job titles vary—freight broker, air export specialist, logistics service rep, or intermodal dispatcher—but the work is all about making sure shipments are accurate, documented, and on schedule.
You can get started in this career without a degree. What matters most is your ability to stay organized, handle paperwork, and work well with teams under pressure.
Most agents start with:
High school diploma or GED: A baseline requirement for most employers in transportation and shipping.
Strong communication and computer skills: This job involves a lot of email, phone calls, and data entry.
Entry-level shipping or logistics jobs: Many people begin in clerical, dispatch, or customer service roles and move into agent positions over time.
Short-term training programs: Some workforce centers, trade schools, or online programs offer training in logistics, freight handling, or transportation compliance.
No. Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with strong communication and logistics skills.
Airports, rail terminals, shipping docks, trucking terminals, and freight brokerage offices.
Yes. Many freight agents move into brokerage, dispatch management, logistics planning, or even start their own shipping businesses.
Offered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association, this credential is valuable for freight brokers and logistics agents.
Covers international air cargo procedures and documentation, ideal for agents working with airlines.
Basic workplace safety training that’s relevant if you're working near docks, warehouses, or cargo terminals.
