Hiring Cargo and Freight Agents
Employers across the 84 metro areas we have BLS OEWS wage data for pay cargo and freight agents a median of $36,050 to $67,140 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A search through recruitlocalpros runs Tier I to Tier VI, $6,240 to $54,340, set by seniority, never by location or salary. Our vetted recruiting partner handles sourcing, screening and placement end to end.
What do cargo and freight agents do?
- Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
- Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
- Track delivery progress of shipments.
- Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
- Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
- Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.
Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 43-5011.00.
What does it take to become one?
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET Job Zone 2, SVP (4.0 to < 6.0). O*NET OnLine.
Employers commonly list experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Transportation management system TMS software for this role.
What do cargo and freight agents get paid?
BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for cargo and freight agents in 84 of the metro areas in this build. The median ranges from $36,050 to $67,140 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $50,230. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.
BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 43-5011.
What does hiring one cost?
The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest published median for cargo and freight agents in this build is $67,140. A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $13,428 to $20,142 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.
Frequently asked
- How fast can a cargo and freight agents search fill?
- 23 to 35 days, 2 to 3x faster than a typical contingency search, per the recruiting provider's published figures.
- What if the hire does not work out?
- A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.
Price a cargo and freight agents search
Eight questions about the role. Your tier range appears on screen, with the contingency comparison if you are paying one now.