Air freight jobs offer a multitude of career opportunities, from warehouse and supply chain management to air cargo jobs dealing with trade authorities or security issues. While many of the job openings with cargo contractors may be entry-level jobs in administration or the service sector, there are careers in air cargo management that are best achieved with additional training.

Find air courier employment courses through online training centers and trade group organizations. Diversify your skill set with training in areas such as hazardous material handling, logistics and global regulatory affairs. Watch for training for air freight and cargo jobs that suits your level of professional development.

1. Find entry-level training for air cargo jobs.

2. Continue your air freight job training with advanced certifications.

3. Participate in trade groups for cargo continuing education opportunities.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for a variety of entry-level training through air courier employment websites

Find training that's geared toward your goals, such as flying school if you want to be a pilot or maybe avionics mechanic training if you like working with electronics. Find a site that offers a variety of training options and start with training that will qualify you for an entry-level position while you continue with your education.

I recommend: In addition to a number of different training programs that will get you certifications to start working in the field, the National Aviation Academy can introduce you to employers looking for new graduates. Cargo Training International can prepare you for entry-level air cargo jobs through a number of classes that are required internationally by a multitude of firms.

Seek out advanced air freight operations careers training online that's specific to your job

If your company needs people with special security clearances, look for the exam that can get you the proper certifications to fill the need. Invest in management training if you want to take on more leadership responsibilities. Look for additional training that will enhance your career such as classes to learn how to comply with OSHA regulations or set cargo rates and determine international tax codes.

I recommend: Use the resources at J.J. Keller & Associates to get the information about specific training needed to meet Homeland Security regulations. Consider taking the courses to get you those specialized credentials. AllTransPack offers general training as well as training in concerns regarding specific functions and transportation modes.

Join associations that offer air freight operations employment training to their members

Most trade associations present continuing education and professional development courses for jobs in air freight. Some groups can guide you to special certification courses in airline safety, foreign airport negotiations or airline navigation that will help you advance your air cargo management career.

I recommend: Check out the many training options offered by the International Air Transport Association. While making important contacts, you can take advantage of a number of professional development opportunities at the Airforwarders Association.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Try to get experience in a number of different air freight and cargo positions to get on-the-job training that will supplement your formal training and help create a well-rounded resume.

Air cargo jobs are easy to post and find online. Matching the right air cargo careers with the perfect candidate help ensure your success as an employer as well as ones job satisfaction as an employee.

Air freight jobs should be easy to fill with economy like it is, but hold out for just the right person. You want to find someone with the right mix of skill, education, talent, and drive to fully deliver for your company.

To make the most out of your job search:

1. Determine which air freight employment search engine will best suit your needs.

2. State your job description clearly.

3. Consider posting the salary. For most qualified job seekers, salary and benefits are the 2 most important fields that they filter their job search by.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Post or search for air freight jobs on industry specific sites

Consider using industry specific job posting sites to search or post for air courier employment.

I recommend: AirFreight.com posts current air freight jobs as well as can link you to 2 other helpful websites: AirFreightRecruiter.com and the Air Freight Social Network. Each of these sites are industry specific and may offer you more in-depth listings and postings than general job recruitment sites.

Look or post for air cargo jobs through logistics hiring sites

The logistics community is a large one, so consider looking for or posting for an air cargo job through a logistics specific website.

I recommend: JobsInLogistics.com can help you job search or post in the logistics community. There you can even post your resume without displaying your name, so that your current employer doesn't find out. Vital Express is another online source for air freight employment. You can also look or post on the Air Freight Logistics website.

Think about posting your air freight jobs directly on your own website

Consider adding a 'Career' button to your website. It's at no additional cost to you, it's just an extra cyber extension of your job search. You can also post as much information as you'd like if you are paying per word on a job search engine. This will allow you to delve into more specifics at no additional cost.

I recommend: Look at examples on the following websites: Graf Air Freight, Towne Air Freight, and Cargo Link Air Freight.

Learn how to write a thorough job description

When posting your air cargo job, you want to make sure that you are clearly communicating what qualifications you are looking for and what you have to offer your potential new employee.

I recommend: Check out the job description writer tool on Career One Stop to help you write a meaningful job description. You might also consider Descriptions Now software from Employers of America.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Spell and fact check before posting or responding to a job search. Leaving a good first impression goes both ways.

If you're looking for air freight employment, air courier employment or other careers in air cargo, you'll likely benefit from air freight and cargo jobs education and training. While air freight operations careers do not require a formal educational background or specific degree, there are some training and learning opportunities in air cargo careers available to those conducting a job search in the field.

From conferences and classes relating to jobs in air freight offered by air freight and cargo associations to hands-on training, you can set yourself up for success in air cargo careers by taking the time to participate in any available air freight and cargo jobs education and training. No matter what the job description is, consider these avenues for air freight and cargo jobs education and training:

1. Enroll in conferences and seminars offered by air cargo associations.
2. Join a branch of the Armed Forces to receive air freight and cargo jobs education and training.
3. Attend a technical school or college to prepare yourself for air cargo or air freight jobs.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take advantage of the expertise and learning experiences offered by many air cargo associations

Since there is no formal educational path to becoming an air cargo agent, you can learn about the business and what working in the field entails through air forwarder or air cargo associations. Many of these organizations offer conferences and training classes to expose those interested in air cargo careers to the many aspects of these jobs, including security, management, federal regulations and more.

I recommend: The Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) presents a conference that includes air cargo industry updates, system implementations and networking opportunities. Find out about air operations training classes offered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) through the Transportation Development Group.

Be all you can be in the air cargo industry by enlisting in the U.S. Armed Forces

The Army, Navy and other branches of the military are great resources when it comes to learning a trade, and if you're interested in air freight operations careers, then the Armed Forces might be a great place to start. Many military operations depend on supplies and equipment being shipped via air cargo or air freight, and you can be a part of a military shipping team and receive invaluable air freight and cargo jobs education and training.

I recommend: Find out how much you can learn about air freight and air cargo when you become an Army Cargo Specialist at USMilitary.com. Read about air cargo handling conducted by Navy Reservists to realize the type of training you could receive in this field in the United States Navy.

Seek formal classes for air freight and cargo jobs education and training

Some training institutes, aviation schools and even colleges offer formal courses for air cargo agents. If classroom training suits you best, you might consider the types of courses these learning institutions offer, such as those in air cargo operations, safety standards, rules and regulations and other related topics.

I recommend: IAC Training has a course for air cargo agents that covers the most recent security regulations, responsibilities of air freight carriers and much more. The EIG-Watson School of Aviation at Miami Dade College offers an Air Cargo Agent Certificate program that includes courses in air cargo operations and transportation of hazardous materials and dangerous goods.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get hands-on training by working at an entry-level position at an air freight carrier or air operations facility. Many companies require only a high school diploma for employment in air freight jobs and air cargo jobs.

When someone mentions aviation, you likely first think of passenger planes carrying individuals to and from destinations. Most people often overlook the fact that many companies transport shipments of merchandise and other cargo (such as mail) by aircraft in order to provide a more prompt and reliable delivery. Consider the following job options and key organizations if you have interest in the air cargo and freight industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Air cargo handler

Air cargo handlers, or cargo agents, work from the ground to ensure that air freight shipments go smoothly. They book shipments, operate the trucks and other forms of transportation to get the cargo on and off the aircraft, as well as sort and load baggage/cargo on the appropriate flights.

I recommend: Read more about the air cargo handler position on Avjobs or Career Planner.

Customs house broker

A customs house broker (also simply known as a customs broker) is the person responsible for all of the paperwork for imported and exported cargo. This job also provides storage and delivery of cargo when it arrives.

I recommend: Information Technology Associates provides more information on customs brokers.

Freight forwarder

A freight forwarder works with a company to find the quickest and safest means of transportation for their goods. Some freight forwarders deal with packaging and storage of the goods, in addition to transportation.

I recommend: The Logistics and Freight Forwarding blog has more information on this particular job.

Shipping manager

If a company doesn't use a freight forwarder, then they will likely have a shipping manager (or sometimes a distribution manager) that will arrange for large cargo shipments to move by air. Among the many tasks of a shipping manager is making sure that the right cargo makes it to the right location.

I recommend: Visit CBsalary and State University for more details on a shipping manager's tasks.

IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) represents more than 230 airlines and 93% of international sky traffic. Among its top priorities for air cargo transport are safety, security, environment and agency support programs.

I recommend: Learn about the International Air Transport Association cargo agenda, a must read for anyone within the air cargo industry.

Cargo Jobs Online

Cargo Jobs Online is a search engine listing available jobs specific to the cargo industry. Its service is free to job seekers, who can search by industries, including 'air carriers/aviation/charters.'

I recommend: Learn more about Cargo Jobs Online. Check out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information on the air transportation industry and air cargo jobs.