My Colorado Journey
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Transportation

Cargo and Freight Agent

Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks. Take orders from customers and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to loading platform. Prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.

Annual openings

97

Median wage

$51,390

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+15%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

Extensive on-the-job training and experience is expected.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Transportation
  • Long Distance Transportation

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
  2. Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
  3. Track delivery progress of shipments.
  4. Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
  5. Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.
  6. Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.
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