Description
Cargo Warehouse Agents handle the receipt, storage, staging, and dispatch of cargo in airline, rail, and trucking warehouses. They verify documentation, record weights and dimensions, build and secure loads, and operate material-handling equipment to load, unload, and route freight. They update systems, prepare shipping paperwork and manifests, and ensure safety, security, and damage-free handling.
- • Receive, inspect, and count inbound cargo against shipping documents; record shortages and damage.
- • Check import and export paperwork and release status; flag holds and discrepancies.
- • Weigh, measure, and record shipment dimensions and chargeable weight.
- • Scan barcodes and update WMS/TMS with receipt, location, and shipment status.
- • Build, break down, and stage pallets or ULDs by destination and priority.
- • Install nets, straps, braces, and padding to secure loads and prevent shifting.
- • Label freight with addresses, identification codes, and handling instructions.
- • Prepare, print, and reconcile bills of lading, air waybills, and cargo manifests.
- • Prepare load sheets and piece counts; transmit data to ramp or dispatch.
- • Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, tugs, and dock equipment safely; perform pre-shift checks.
- • Load and unload trucks, containers, and aircraft bins according to load plans and weight distribution.
- • Route cargo to flights, linehauls, or storage locations using appropriate equipment.
- • Direct drivers to assigned dock doors and manage check-in and check-out procedures.
- • Pack or re-pack goods and assemble crates as needed to protect shipments.
- • Maintain inventory records and perform cycle counts for stored freight.
- • Track and trace shipments; locate stored items and resolve misroutes or missing pieces.
- • Notify customers or consignees of cargo arrival and coordinate pickup or delivery.
- • Maintain chain-of-custody, apply seals, and safeguard high-value or temperature-controlled freight.
- • Follow TSA, hazmat, and OSHA safety procedures; use required PPE.
- • Maintain a clean, organized warehouse and adequate supplies of packing materials.
- • Coordinate work with team members and communicate status to supervisors and ramp operations.
- • Open cargo containers and unwrap contents using appropriate hand tools.
- • Contact carriers, vendors, or claims teams to resolve damages, shortages, or equipment issues.
- • Document exceptions and initiate damage or shortage reports as required.
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Supply Chain & Transportation
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
