Freight and Cargo Inspectors

Course Advisor; United States; On-site; USD 28,870 - 123,980; Full time

Job summary

Course Advisor is seeking a Freight and Cargo Inspector responsible for inspecting the handling, storage, and stowing of freight and cargoes. The ideal candidate will calculate tonnage, weights, and ensure safe conditions during transport. Requirements include a high school diploma and strong skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and various software tools. The role promises a competitive salary range and opportunities for new job openings in this growing field.

Qualifications

• Typically requires high school diploma and specialized training.
• Experience in a related field may be necessary.

Responsibilities

• Calculate tonnage, capacities, and weights using formulas.
• Inspect and secure shipments.
• Post warning signs on vehicles with dangerous materials.
• Check temperatures and humidity for proper cargo protection.
• Time rolls of ships accurately.
• Record details about freight conditions and handling.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Speaking

Active Listening

Writing

Critical Thinking

Monitoring

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Office

Web browser software

Data entry software

Email software

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Freight and Cargo Inspector

Inspect the handling, storage, and stowing of freight and cargoes.

Responsibilities

• Calculate gross and net tonnage, hold capacities, volumes of stored fuel and water, cargo weights, and ship stability factors, using mathematical formulas.
• Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
• Post warning signs on vehicles containing explosives or flammable or radioactive materials.
• Check temperatures and humidities of shipping and storage areas to ensure that they are at appropriate levels to protect cargo.
• Time rolls of ships, using stopwatches.
• Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.

Skills

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Listening: 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.
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Monitoring: Monitoring/assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Related Job Titles

• Operations Inspector
• Shipping Inspector
• Perishable Fruit Inspector
• Safety Engineer
• Packing Inspector

Job Outlook

In 2016, there were an estimated 28,200 jobs in the United States for Freight and Cargo Inspectors. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.7%, which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,600 new jobs by 2026 and estimates 2,900 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Freight & Cargo Inspectors are Alabama, Rhode Island, and Utah. The states with the least job growth are Kansas, Minnesota, and Wyoming.

Average Salary

The typical yearly salary for Freight and Cargo Inspectors ranges from $28,870 to $123,980. The highest salaries are found in Maine, District of Columbia, and Alaska.

Tools

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Web browser software
• Data entry software
• Email software
• Adobe Acrobat

How to Become a Freight & Cargo Inspector

Education, experience, and training requirements vary by employer. Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, and specialized training or certification may be necessary to succeed in this role.