Cargo and Freight Agents

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.72
Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.68
Track delivery progress of shipments.64
Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.63
Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.62
Arrange insurance coverage for goods.61
Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.60
Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.60
Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.58
Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.58
Check import or export documentation to determine cargo contents and use tariff coding system to classify goods according to fee or tariff group.57
Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.56

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Contact vendors or claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems or contact service depots to arrange for repairs.56
Inspect and count items received and check them against invoices or other documents, recording shortages and rejecting damaged goods.54
Route received goods to first available flight or to appropriate storage areas or departments, using forklifts, hand trucks, or other equipment.54
Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.52
Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.51
Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.50
Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.49
Maintain a supply of packing materials.41
Direct or participate in cargo loading to ensure completeness of load and even distribution of weight.41
Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.41
Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.39
Open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.38

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Speaking66
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening63
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking56
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension56
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Negotiation53
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving50
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing50
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

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Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making44
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Instructing38
Teaching others how to do something.
Operations Monitoring35
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Mathematics31
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Quality Control Analysis31
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Systems Analysis31
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Management of Material Resources28
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Learning Strategies25
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Operations Analysis25
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance16
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection16
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Operation and Control16
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing13
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Management of Financial Resources10
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation3
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Transportation89
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography88
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Public Safety and Security76
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language73
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administration and Management72
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training62
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Law and Government61
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Telecommunications61
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Administrative60
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Customer and Personal Service60
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Communications and Media50
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Production and Processing48
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

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Economics and Accounting45
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Sales and Marketing44
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Mathematics43
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical40
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Computers and Electronics37
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology36
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Personnel and Human Resources36
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Building and Construction24
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Psychology24
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Foreign Language21
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Biology17
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Sociology and Anthropology17
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Food Production16
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology16
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Therapy and Counseling16
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Design10
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Chemistry9
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Fine Arts7
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Medicine and Dentistry7
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology3
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Physics3
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision56
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity53
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

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Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Information Ordering47
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Perceptual Speed47
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Number Facility44
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Far Vision35
The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas35
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning35
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Originality31
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Visualization31
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Finger Dexterity28
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Arm-Hand Steadiness22
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision22
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity22
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination19
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Reaction Time19
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Static Strength19
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Strength16
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength16
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility16
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Coordination16
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Peripheral Vision16
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control16
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Response Orientation16
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Spatial Orientation16
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Stamina16
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Trunk Strength16
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Wrist-Finger Speed16
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Glare Sensitivity13
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Equilibrium13
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Night Vision13
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Sound Localization13
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information78
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Documenting/Recording Information72
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems72
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Handling and Moving Objects65
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization61
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Controlling Machines and Processes61
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People61
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings61
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships60
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards60
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events60
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates58
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others58
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment56
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials55
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing General Physical Activities55
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information54
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Processing Information54
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Working with Computers54
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Thinking Creatively52
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment51
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work50
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public49
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others48
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Analyzing Data or Information47
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge44
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Developing Objectives and Strategies42
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Scheduling Work and Activities42
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Selling or Influencing Others42
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing Administrative Activities40
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others38
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others38
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment37
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates33
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment32
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Coaching and Developing Others30
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Training and Teaching Others30
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Assisting and Caring for Others29
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources25
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Staffing Organizational Units24
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Developing and Building Teams23
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail79
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Integrity58
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Adaptability47
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cooperation46
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Cautiousness44
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Self-Control44
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Stress Tolerance43
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Social Orientation42
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Achievement Orientation39
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Confidence39
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Perseverance38
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

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Initiative37
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Tolerance for Ambiguity32
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Optimism23
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Sincerity22
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Leadership Orientation17
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Humility16
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Empathy12
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Intellectual Curiosity11
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation2
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional89
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 human resources.
Enterprising64
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/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Realistic36
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, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Social19
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.
Investigative9
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 fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic0
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, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Telephone Conversations
- Every day61%
- Once a week or more but not every day37%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others60%
- Contact with others most of the time28%
- Contact with others about half the time12%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom58%
- Some freedom23%
- Limited freedom18%
E-Mail
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time20%
- About half the time28%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom19%
- Limited freedom30%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Time Pressure
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day49%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- 40 hours34%
- Less than 40 hours12%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important47%
- Very important16%
- Not important at all12%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week49%

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Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important12%
- Very important54%
- Important21%
- Fairly important12%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results19%
- Important results43%
- Moderate results24%
- Minor results12%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never16%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week54%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important49%
- Fairly important27%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility13%
- High responsibility32%
- Moderate responsibility37%
- Limited responsibility13%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive43%
- Moderately competitive41%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually33%
- Less than half the time12%
- Never30%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)35%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)52%
- I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)12%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility17%
- High responsibility37%
- Limited responsibility14%
- No responsibility25%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious32%
- Serious47%
- Not serious at all14%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important16%
- Important44%
- Fairly important12%
- Not important at all17%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never27%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Very important26%
- Important39%
- Fairly important13%
- Not important at all17%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually21%
- More than half the time14%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day37%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week47%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never14%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never24%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never49%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never54%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time12%
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time51%
- Never22%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Work Schedules
- Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)12%
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)29%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)59%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Never59%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time12%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time27%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- More than half the time12%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time27%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated26%
- Slightly automated33%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Outdoors, Under Cover
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time35%
Exposed to High Places
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Very important14%
- Important14%
- Not important at all71%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time13%
- Never71%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Never71%
Exposed to Radiation
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Some college, no degree
Post-secondary certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Mobile location based services software
Transportation management software, Transportation management system TMS software, Web-based dispatch software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Procurement software
Brokerage software
Inventory management software
Posting software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Data base user interface and query software
Database software
Word processing software
Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Word

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Coordinate operational activities.
Negotiate financial arrangements.
Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions.
Track goods or materials.
Maintain operational records.
Recommend packing or shipping methods.
Arrange insurance coverage.
Package objects for shipping.
Calculate shipping costs.
Provide notifications to customers or patrons.
Record shipping information.
Verify shipping documentation.

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Coordinate shipping activities with external parties.
Supervise clerical or administrative personnel.
Inspect items for damage or defects.
Inspect shipments to ensure correct order fulfillment.
Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
Enter information into databases or software programs.
Load materials or equipment.
Unload materials or equipment.
Assemble wood products.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Manage clerical or administrative activities.
Attach identification information to products, items or containers.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Cargo and Freight Agent (Nof)
Freight Broker
Transportation Clerk (Alternate Title: Transportation Management Coordinator)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology