What Cargo and Freight Agents do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Cargo and Freight Agents this way: "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 core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies"; "Advise clients on transportation and payment methods"; "Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents"; "Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights"; "Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Cargo and Freight Agents
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 100,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 106,400 in 2035, an increase of 6,100 jobs (+6.2%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 9,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 9.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $52,260, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Cargo and Freight Agents earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $57,173 in California to $58,970 in New Jersey, a gap of $1,797 (1.03 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $52,260 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 16,450, which is 46.5% of the 35,400 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 9,540.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($58,970), New York ($58,688) and California ($57,173) lead the ranking, while California ($57,173) and New York ($58,688) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Cargo and Freight Agents: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $17,687. The smallest margin is $7,200 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 48.6% and 68.1% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Cargo and Freight Agents
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (43-5000) include Postal Service Mail Carriers, Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks, Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators and Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance.
Frequently asked questions about Cargo and Freight Agents
How much do Cargo and Freight Agents earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $52,260. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $57,173 to $58,970.
Which state pays Cargo and Freight Agents the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $58,970. New York is next at $58,688.
Is Cargo and Freight Agents a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 6.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 9,000 openings a year.
What education do Cargo and Freight Agents need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Cargo and Freight Agents afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $17,687 on a median wage of $60,590.