Skip to content

← Occupation guides

43-5011.00 · Task explorer

Cargo and Freight Agents: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

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.

Use the skill profile to plan your next practice →

Read the task inventory

This source lists 24 tasks, including 9 marked Core and 15 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2021.

Find a task in this inventory

24 tasks shown

Core · Task 8188 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 8192 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 20271 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Track delivery progress of shipments.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 8190 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 8194 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 8201 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 20272 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 8196 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Core · Task 8195 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 20274 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8203 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Arrange insurance coverage for goods.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8200 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 20273 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Check import or export documentation to determine cargo contents and use tariff coding system to classify goods according to fee or tariff group.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8202 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 20275 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Contact vendors or claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems or contact service depots to arrange for repairs.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8199 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Inspect and count items received and check them against invoices or other documents, recording shortages and rejecting damaged goods.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8208 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Route received goods to first available flight or to appropriate storage areas or departments, using forklifts, hand trucks, or other equipment.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8198 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8210 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8209 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Maintain a supply of packing materials.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8204 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Direct or participate in cargo loading to ensure completeness of load and even distribution of weight.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8197 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8206 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Supplemental · Task 8205 · 08/2021 · Incumbent

Open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.

Add to my exploration shortlist

My example, evidence or question

Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

Keep your worksheet

Download before leaving this page. Unsaved writing remains only in the page and is cleared on refresh. Notes and learning actions are not sent to a server. This guide describes an occupation and supports study planning; it does not provide clinical, legal or equipment-operating procedures.

Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.