Air Freight and Cargo Jobs Key Terms

Familiarize yourself with positions and key organizations in the air freight and cargo industry

By Michelle Cramer

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.

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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."
Try: 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.