Career Advice for a Cargo and Freight Agent

Working as a Cargo and Freight Agent, your main role will be to facilitate the transportation of goods and ensure smooth operations within the supply chain.

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How to Become a Cargo and Freight Agent

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become a Cargo and Freight Agent

Should you wish to work as a Cargo and Freight Agent you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for a Cargo and Freight Agent

  • GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.
  • A Level qualifications or vocational courses in logistics, business, or supply chain management.
  • Relevant certifications such as International Air Transport Association (IATA) or Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) can be advantageous.

Key Responsibilities for a Cargo and Freight Agent

  • Coordinating and arranging the shipment of goods.
  • Preparing necessary documentation and customs paperwork.
  • Tracking and monitoring the movement of cargo.
  • Communicating with clients, suppliers, and transportation providers.
  • Ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards.
  • Resolving any issues or delays in the transportation process.

What to expect as a Cargo and Freight Agent

As a Cargo and Freight Agent in the UK, you can find employment opportunities in various sectors such as logistics companies, shipping firms, airports, and freight forwarding agencies.

Recommended Cargo and Freight Agent Jobs

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How to get Cargo and Freight Agent Jobs

Our advice on how to get a Cargo and Freight Agent job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete a Cargo and Freight Agent application. If you have not held a Cargo and Freight Agent position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held a Cargo and Freight Agent role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Cargo and Freight Agent CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Cargo and Freight Agent application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become a Cargo and Freight Agent in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become a Cargo and Freight Agent 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be a Cargo and Freight Agent and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Cargo and Freight Agent experience.

How to get Cargo and Freight Agent Experience

What does it take to be a Cargo and Freight Agent? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Cargo and Freight Agent jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Cargo and Freight Agent through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be a Cargo and Freight Agent Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Cargo and Freight Agent part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Cargo and Freight Agent or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Cargo and Freight Agent freelance work

If you have impressive Cargo and Freight Agent qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.