How to Be Air Cargo Agent - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 23, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing demand for quick international transportation has resulted in the rise of air cargo agents. These professionals are responsible for coordinating the transportation of goods and products via air freight, providing an invaluable service to businesses and individuals. In order to be successful, air cargo agents must possess a thorough knowledge of international regulations, procedures, and tariffs, as well as be adept at problem solving and negotiating.

they must be able to work with airlines, customs, brokers, and other agents to ensure that shipments are delivered on time and in compliance with all applicable laws. As a result of the important role they play in the global shipping industry, air cargo agents have become essential in facilitating the swift delivery of goods from one place to another.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. To become an air cargo agent, a high school diploma or GED is typically required.
Complete a Cargo Agent Training Course. Most employers prefer to hire cargo agents who have completed a cargo agent training course. This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the field, including how to package and inspect cargo, use the correct terminology, and understand the safety regulations related to air cargo operations.
Get Certified. Most employers also require their air cargo agents to be certified. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) offers certification courses that provide additional knowledge and training on air cargo operations.
Obtain a Security Clearance. Air cargo agents must obtain a security clearance from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This requires a background check and fingerprinting.
Work as an Air Cargo Agent. Most air cargo agents work in airport warehouses or freight forwarding companies. They are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, preparing shipments for shipment, and coordinating with airlines for transportation.
Gain Experience. To advance in this field, it is important to gain experience. Air cargo agents with more experience can often move into higher positions such as supervisor or manager.

The role of a Cargo Agent is to ensure the safe and timely transport of air freight. To be successful in this role they must have knowledge of international tariff regulations, customs requirements, and security protocols. They must have strong communication and organizational skills to coordinate shipments and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

they must be competent in problem solving and be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Without the ideal and competent Cargo Agent, goods would not be able to be transported to their intended destination on time, leading to the disruption of global supply chains and decreased economic productivity.

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Job Description

Receive and process cargo and freight shipments.
Receive and process customer orders for freight services.
Coordinate with transportation companies to ensure timely delivery of goods.
Ensure that cargo is safely and securely loaded and unloaded from aircrafts.
Maintain records of shipments, including shipping costs and customer information.
Provide customers with shipping quotes and cost estimates.
Provide customers with information about shipping routes and regulations.
Prepare documentation and documentation for customs clearance.
Negotiate contracts with freight carriers to obtain the best rates for customers.
Monitor the progress of shipments and notify customers of any delays.
Resolve customer complaints and inquiries in a timely manner.
Manage customs clearance processes and provide advice to customers on regulatory requirements.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of air cargo and freight industry regulations and procedures.
Ability to handle customer inquiries, complaints and emergencies.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and customer service software.
Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of customs regulations and documentation.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and meet tight deadlines.
Experience in managing cargo operations and cargo shipments.
Ability to coordinate with various departments such as customer service, sales, and operations.
Proficiency in data entry and record keeping.

Being a successful air cargo agent requires a number of skills. One of the most important is the ability to problem solve. A good air cargo agent must be able to work quickly and accurately to identify and address issues that arise during the cargo process.

This includes making decisions on which carriers, routings, and services are best suited for each shipment. In addition to problem solving, strong communication and organizational skills are essential to ensure shipments are tracked, documented, and delivered on time. Furthermore, a knowledge of regulations and customs requirements for international shipments is also necessary for any air cargo agent.

The combination of these skills allows air cargo agents to provide the highest quality service and ensure the safe delivery of goods.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in air cargo?
What motivated you to pursue a career as an Air Cargo Agent?
How would you describe your knowledge of customs regulations, international shipping procedures, and freight forwarding services?
How do you prioritize tasks and handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment?
How do you stay up to date with industry news and trends?
What strategies do you use to ensure customer satisfaction?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex problem involving air cargo.
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy and compliance with customs regulations?
How do you communicate effectively with customers, colleagues, and vendors?
What do you consider to be the most important qualities for a successful Air Cargo Agent?

Common Tools in Industry

Air Waybill. A form that outlines an air shipment agreement between a shipper and an airline. (e. g. an air waybill created for an international shipment of electronics).
Cargo Manifest. A document that records the details of goods being shipped by air cargo. (e. g. a cargo manifest listing the weight and measurements of a shipment of medical supplies).
Freight Forwarder. A company that organizes shipments for individuals or corporations to get goods from the manufacturer to the marketplace. (e. g. a freight forwarder coordinating the shipment of a large volume of auto parts).
Aircraft Load Planner. A software used to plan and optimize the loading of cargo onto an aircraft to maximize the capacity and safety of the load. (e. g. an aircraft load planner creating a plan to load a shipment onto a Boeing 777 aircraft).
Aircraft Cargo Loading System. A system used to move cargo into and out of aircraft safely and efficiently. (e. g. an aircraft cargo loading system using conveyors and trolleys to quickly move cargo into and out of an Airbus A380).
Air Cargo Tracking System. A software used to monitor air shipments and provide real-time updates on their location and status. (e. g. an air cargo tracking system providing updated status reports on a shipment of medical equipment).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Air Transport Association (IATA)
National Air Cargo Association (NACA)
Airports Council International (ACI)
International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)
Airforwarders Association (AfA)
Airports Cargo Association of India (ACAI)
World Cargo Alliance (WCA)
International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)
International Air Cargo Association of India (IACAI)
European Air Cargo Association (EACA)

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Common Important Terms

Air Waybill. A document issued by an international air carrier that serves as a receipt for the shipper, indicates agreement to the terms of the contract of carriage, and provides a record of the shipment.
IATA. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a trade association of the worlds airlines. IATA works to ensure safe, secure, efficient and economically sustainable air transport for the benefit of all.
Customs Clearance. The process of obtaining permission to bring goods into a country from another country, following all applicable regulations.
Dangerous Goods. Articles or substances that are capable of posing a risk to health, safety or property when transported in air cargo.
Freight Forwarder. A company that specializes in arranging the shipment of goods from one location to another by air, sea or land.
Airline Tariff. A document that contains all the fares, rules and regulations for a given airline's flights.
Shipper. An individual or organization that contracts with an air carrier to transport goods from one location to another.
Consignee. An individual or organization that receives goods from another individual or organization (the consignor).
Air Cargo Tracking System. A system used to track and monitor the movement of cargo throughout its journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Air Cargo Agent?

An Air Cargo Agent is a professional who provides services related to the transport of goods by air freight. They are responsible for arranging the movement of cargo, from the point of origin to the final destination, and ensuring that all paperwork is in order.

What services do Air Cargo Agents provide?

Air Cargo Agents provide a range of services including cargo tracking, customs clearance, loading and unloading of aircraft, and arranging aircraft charters. They also provide advice on the most cost-effective way to ship goods by air.

How many Air Cargo Agents are there in the US?

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), there are over 10,000 Air Cargo Agents in the US.

What is the average salary of an Air Cargo Agent?

The average salary of an Air Cargo Agent in the US is around $50,000 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience and location.

What qualifications do I need to become an Air Cargo Agent?

To become an Air Cargo Agent, you will usually need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. You may also need to obtain certification from the IATA or other professional organizations.