CARGO AGENT JOB DESCRIPTION

Airport cargo terminals operate under FAA, TSA, and CBP regulatory frameworks that impose strict documentation, security screening, and Dangerous Goods handling requirements on every shipment that moves through the facility. These conditions define the Cargo Agent's daily environment. Ramp operations, warehouse staging, and customs clearance paperwork all fall within this role's direct ownership. No two shifts are identical.

You will own the physical receipt, documentation, security screening, and dispatch of air cargo shipments, serving as the Cargo Agent whose compliance and accuracy determine whether freight clears customs and reaches its destination on schedule. The position reports into ground operations or warehouse supervision and covers rotating shifts across ramp, warehouse, and clerical functions at an airport facility.

Career Impact: Hands-on experience with TSA security protocols, CBP customs clearance, and Dangerous Goods regulations builds a compliance credential recognized across commercial aviation and freight forwarding.

Business Impact: Airlines and cargo operators depend on accurate manifests, airway bill verification, and proper hazmat handling to meet flight departure windows and avoid regulatory penalties.

Growth Opportunity: Proficiency across ramp, warehouse, and clerical functions creates a pathway toward senior cargo supervisor, load planning, or air freight coordination roles.

Company Value: Several employers in this space are family-owned national operators with active commitments to workplace respect, equality, and employee growth within their ground handling networks.

• Load and unload air cargo from aircraft, vehicles, and storage areas following pallet build-up and breakdown guidelines.
• Examine manifests, bills of lading, and air waybills to determine release procedures for inbound and outbound shipments.
• Screen all cargo for security compliance and obtain required documentation prior to dispatch.
• Accept and process hazardous and restricted material shipments in accordance with Dangerous Goods regulations and governmental rules.
• Verify shipment pieces, weight, dimensions, and airworthiness upon receipt and confirm airway bill numbers upon delivery.
• Notify consignees of arrival dates, customs clearance requirements, and any tonnage or handling constraints.
• Operate ground support equipment including forklifts, tugs, pallet jacks, and cargo dollies safely and within certification requirements.
• Maintain logs, files, and daily statistics to support cargo operations reporting.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of cargo handling, warehouse, or aviation ground operations experience, or an equivalent combination of education and training.
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain a valid driver's license with a clean violations record.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain all required airport, TSA, and customs security badges and clearances.
• Working knowledge of Dangerous Goods awareness, acceptance criteria, and regulatory requirements.
• Able to lift up to 70 pounds safely, stand for extended periods, and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Flexible to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Previous experience in an aviation, air freight, or USPS mail handling environment.
• Familiarity with customs clearance processes, CBP requirements, and import/export documentation.
• Prior forklift or ground support equipment certification.
• Demonstrated customer service experience with strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Shipment documentation accuracy rate, reflecting correct airway bill and manifest processing per shift.
• Security screening pass rate, measuring compliance with TSA cargo screening requirements on all accepted freight.
• Equipment malfunction report turnaround time, tracking how promptly defects are escalated to supervision.
• Dangerous Goods acceptance error count, indicating adherence to regulatory handling and documentation standards.
• On-time cargo delivery to loading dock, measured against scheduled flight departure windows.
• Typical tools: cargo management systems (commonly airline-specific platforms); office productivity software (commonly MS Office suite).

• Base Salary Range: $36,000 to $52,000 per year depending on seniority and location.
• Bonus: Shift differential pay common; performance bonuses less typical at this level.
• Equity: Not standard for this role and seniority level.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard; employer contribution varies.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually; increases with tenure.
• Common Perks: Flight benefits or travel discounts at airline-affiliated employers; uniform allowance; shift meal stipends at some operators.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including criminal history and pre-employment drug screening, are a condition of employment for this role given airport security access requirements. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Cargo Agent owns the physical handling of air cargo and warehouse operations, including customs clearance, dangerous goods compliance, and clerical support functions, delivering against Swissport SOPs and airport authority security requirements. Working across ramp, warehouse, and reception functions, the role reports to a site supervisor and ensures shipment accuracy and safety standards are upheld across every shift.

Key Responsibilities

• Load and unload air cargo onto vehicles and storage areas.
• Prepare and palletize cargo as needed.
• Ensure paperwork related to the cargo is correct.
• Assure proper handling and delivery of cargo and operation of related equipment.
• Follow Dangerous Goods Requirements and Regulations.
• Deliver air cargo to appropriate recipient if required.
• Provide special handling of live animals as required.
• Drive and/or operate specialist equipment including vans, fork lift trucks, and cargo dollies/trailers.
• Report all equipment malfunctions to the appropriate supervisor/manager.
• Comply with all relevant legislation and airport authority and carrier security requirements.
• Perform basic customs clearance, cash invoicing, acceptance of high value goods, and reception duties.
• Operate any necessary machinery.

Required Qualifications

• Possess at least three GCSEs or equivalent.
• Previous experience in an aviation environment desirable.
• Must be IT literate and able to learn airline-specific computer systems.
• Able to travel to the airport when public transport is unavailable and work in inclement weather if required.
• Flexible to work a variety of shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Able to demonstrate good customer service, commitment to continuous improvement, and self-motivation.
• Able to speak and understand English with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to lift up to 32kg repeatedly throughout a shift and work in a manual environment.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Hold a full driving licence.

Reporting to airport operations management, the Cargo Agent owns customs documentation, government agency coordination, and freight payment processing, ensuring TSA, CBP, and FAA security procedures are followed for every shipment released. Partnering with consignees, airline clients, and government agencies, this position supports compliant import clearance and accurate invoicing that keeps cargo moving through regulated air freight channels.

Primary Duties

• Examine manifests, bills of lading, and air waybills to determine work procedures for releasing cargo.
• Notify consignees or representatives of shipment arrival dates, customs clearance requirements, and tonnage.
• Make cash transactions and collect payments from customers for freight prior to release.
• Prepare invoices for charges to airline clients and management regarding freight.
• Work with government agencies to clear shipments for import.
• Meet flights to exchange documents and recognize dangerous goods upon receiving.
• Ensure all local airport, TSA, CBP, and FAA rules and security procedures are followed.

Skills & Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED.
• One-year college certificate, technical school, or six months of related cargo agent experience or equivalent combination.
• Dangerous goods awareness/acceptance knowledge required.
• Previous customer service experience preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft products.
• Hold a current driver's license with no violations over the past 5 years.
• Must pass all pre-employment testing including drug test and physical.
• Must be able to proficiently speak, read, and write English.
• Flexible to work variable shifts including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain all required airport and customs badges/seals.
• Able to lift up to 35 lbs.

Sitting at the intersection of ramp operations and regulatory compliance, the Cargo Agent loads, unloads, and palletizes air cargo while adhering to FAA, TSA, USDA, and airport security procedures at the New Orleans Airport (MSY) facility. Operating across warehouse vehicle maintenance, equipment operation, and records management, this position supports a national cargo handling company's commitment to safe and efficient daily airport operations.

Duties

• Operate a forklift, tug, and pallet jack.
• Load and unload air cargo from/to vehicles and trucks.
• Prepare, palletize, and/or break down cargo as needed.
• Adhere to all FAA, TSA, USDA, airport, airline, and Air General safety and security procedures.
• Maintain safe and clean operation of warehouse vehicles and equipment.
• Maintain logs, files, and statistics as required.
• Perform any other duties as directed by managers.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required for screening positions.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to obtain a valid airport ID badge.
• Must pass all pre-employment screenings, background checks, airport/government security checks, and federal drug test including marijuana.
• Must be able to lift 70 pounds.
• Must be available to work varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Embedded within ground operations, the Mail Cargo Agent routes inbound and outbound air cargo and USPS mail shipments by scanning, sorting, screening, and processing hazardous material shipments in accordance with company and governmental regulations. Working closely with airlines, agencies, and internal teams, this position ensures freight reaches loading docks on schedule while maintaining full compliance with security and documentation requirements.

Core Functions

• Receive and answer inquiries from the public, other airlines, agencies, and company employees.
• Receive, deliver, and process cargo and Comat.
• Scan and sort inbound and outbound mail.
• Expedite and route incoming and outgoing cargo, freight, and mail shipments to and from docks.
• Physically handle cargo and Comat manually and/or by machine including forklift.
• Track shipments and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to the loading dock.
• Provide cargo security screening of all cargo.
• Load and offload cargo onto and out of carts.
• Accept and process hazardous/restricted material shipments per company and governmental regulations.
• Examine manifests, bills of lading, and air waybills to determine work procedures for releasing cargo.

Qualifications & Experience

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Previous cargo experience preferred.
• Must be able to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Friendly, outgoing, self-motivated, and able to work as a team.
• Able to work overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays, and in stressful situations with tight time constraints.
• Must be able to move and lift 70 pounds and stand for long periods.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or provide proof of right to work in the U.S. and be registered with Selective Service if applicable.
• Must complete a background check including FBI criminal history, employment background, and pre-employment drug test.

A key member of the ground operations team, the Cargo Agent delivers freight handling and customer support services under Transport Canada Regulations, issuing waybills, processing cargo for shipping, and operating forklifts and delivery vans for communities served by the Labrador network. Collaborating across internal operations and external customers, this position ensures safe, efficient cargo flow that sustains service to Indigenous communities depending on air freight as a primary supply lifeline.

Functions

• Ensure adherence to Transport Canada Regulations.
• Respond to cargo inquiries and provide freight quotes.
• Accept small freight, issue waybills, and handle cargo.
• Provide internal and external customer support.
• Process cargo for shipping based on customer needs.
• Operate forklift and delivery van.

Experience & Qualifications

• Hold a Class 5 license.
• Ability to perform duties related to cash sales and POS system.
• Previous experience in customer service would be an asset.
• Excellent communication, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Accountable for small freight acceptance, waybill entry, inventory control, and daily sales reporting, the Cargo Agent supports smooth administrative and operational functions within a cargo handling environment. The position requires a minimum of 2 years of customer service experience and works independently and within a team to ensure accurate records and on-the-spot problem resolution across all cargo office duties.

Accountabilities

• Accept small freight and handle cargo and baggage.
• Post batches for cargo and enter waybills and received freight.
• Manage cargo supplies and inventory.
• Perform general office duties as required.
• Complete general accounting and daily sales reports.

Position Requirements

• Must have a minimum of 2 years of customer service experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Must possess exceptional customer service skills and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must exhibit excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to make on-the-spot decisions.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain a clear Record of Conduct.

As the Cargo Agent, this role owns safety compliance, freight verification, and security documentation for all shipments handled within Quantem Aviation Services' cargo operation, ensuring airworthiness checks, pallet build-up procedures, and environmental permit compliance are met on every shift. The ground operations team relies on this work to maintain USPS clearance eligibility, pass pre-employment badging requirements, and deliver freight that meets both customer and regulatory standards.

Key Deliverables

• Ensure all safety standards are met and maintained per Quantem and customer requirements.
• Properly load and unload freight including build-up and break down of cargo pallets and freight containers.
• Protect freight from elements, damage, and vandalism.
• Hold equipment certifications and operate equipment safely.
• Complete all required training classes.
• Obtain proper security documents for all shipments.
• Verify shipment pieces, weight, dimensions, airworthiness upon receipt, and airway bill numbers upon delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Quantem management.
• Comply with all applicable environmental laws and permits.

Professional Experience

• Pass all required pre-employment drug screening, background, and clearance requirements including badging process.
• Able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Must have resided in the U.S. for the past 5 years for USPS clearance purposes.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without sponsorship.
• Able to lift up to 70 pounds safely individually or with team members.
• Hold a valid US driver's license.

Cargo Agent supervises aircraft-side loading and unloading, import and export warehouse handling, and cargo space optimization while ensuring all operations comply with airline safety requirements at every stage. The work directly supports accurate shipment data entry, document verification, and ramp safety standards that keep cargo throughput running to schedule across both inbound and outbound flights.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Supervise the loading and unloading of cargo at the aircraft side.
• Support and ensure safe operation at the ramp.
• Perform shipment data entry into the system.
• Ensure cargo handling and operations comply with safety requirements at all times.
• Verify and endorse cargo issuance and receipts against relevant documents.
• Supervise import and export handling at the warehouse.
• Ensure all cargo space is fully optimized.

Background & Experience

• Hold GCE "O"/"N" Level or equivalent.
• Must possess a Class 3 Driving License.
• Relevant working experience in airline cargo handling or air freight industry is an advantage.
• Willing to perform shift duties.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Pleasant personality with good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Pro-active, self-motivated, resourceful, and able to work well independently.
• Attentive to detail, organized, and able to prioritize tasks; innovative and adaptive to industry changes.

The Cargo Agent shapes day-to-day cargo booking, customer relationship management, and commercial sales activity across the Tokyo and Osaka stations for Turkish Cargo, a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines operating within a rapidly expanding global network. Reporting to the Cargo Manager and coordinating with reservation, accounting, and operations teams, this position drives revenue and service quality by securing new business and resolving customer issues with a consultative approach.

Role Responsibilities

• Promote, sell, and secure business from existing and prospective customers through a consultative and solutions relationship-based approach.
• Manage and ensure smooth handling of all day-to-day cargo booking activities for the Tokyo and Osaka stations.
• Coordinate sales efforts and requirements with reservation, accounting, and operations teams.
• Liaise with Turkish Cargo Headquarters for tracing and provide necessary follow-up with customers.
• Respond to customers' questions, problems, requests, and/or complaints.
• Represent and promote Turkish Cargo within the cargo industry community.
• Report to Cargo Manager.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Have at least 2 years of working experience in an airlines or logistics-related industry; knowledge in sales, marketing, operations, and business development is an advantage.
• Possess strong understanding of the cargo business with commercial sales experience.
• Must be receptive to flexible work hours, holiday/weekend coverage, and travel expectations.
• Highly developed interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with strong negotiating skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external customers; result oriented.
• Proficient in MS Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good command of written and spoken English and Japanese.