Cargo Agent Resume Guide

Cargo agents coordinate the transportation of goods and materials by air, sea or land. They are responsible for receiving shipments from vendors, verifying that their contents match with documents provided, preparing bills of lading and other shipping documentation, scheduling cargo pick-ups and deliveries as well as tracking orders to ensure timely arrival at final destinations.

You have an impressive knowledge of cargo operations, and you could easily handle every step in the process. But employers haven’t seen your capabilities yet, so to make them aware of your expertise, you must create a resume that stands out from the competition.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Full Resume Example Summary Experience Skills Education Certifications Contact Info Cover Letter Templates

Cargo Agent Resume Sample

Jocelyn Schowalter
Cargo Agent

[email protected]
166-447-2100
linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-schowalter

Summary

Energetic cargo agent with over 5 years of experience in the logistics industry. Experienced in cargo handling, document processing and custom clearance procedures. At XYZ Company, handled more than 500 shipments from different countries across Europe and Asia Pacific regions ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints. Successfully reduced operational costs by 30% through process optimization initiatives thereby improving customer satisfaction by 15%.

Experience

Cargo Agent, Employer A
Gilbert, Jan 2018 – Present

Introduced streamlined processes for freight handling and cargo loading which resulted in a 10% increase in operational efficiency.
Structured an efficient system of tracking, verifying and reporting shipments; reduced customer complaints by 15%.
Developed and maintained relationships with third-party suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods within budget parameters, saving $1,000 per month on average.
Resourcefully monitored air cargo activity at the airport while maintaining compliance with TSA guidelines; eliminated any security breaches or violations over 3 years’ tenure as Cargo Agent.
Reduced turnaround time for outbound packages by 25%, improving overall company performance according to monthly reports & KPIs reviews from supervisors/managers.

Cargo Agent, Employer B
Chula Vista, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

Stored and handled over 1,000 shipments of cargo every month in compliance with company standards and safety regulations.
Processed deliveries from multiple suppliers to ensure timely arrival at their designated destinations; reduced delivery delays by 25%.
Thoroughly inspected all packages for damages before loading them onto planes or trucks, reducing the risk of liability claims by 15%.
Documented shipping information such as product types, quantity and destination accurately on manifests prior to dispatch; achieved a 98% accuracy rate in doing so.
Streamlined warehouse operations through the use of automated tracking systems which enabled faster response times when addressing customer inquiries about shipment status updates – average resolution time decreased by 45 minutes per case.

Skills

Airlines
Time Management
Logistics
Teamwork
Aviation
Operations Management
Airports
Transportation
Flights

Education

Associate Degree in Logistics
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Certified Cargo Screening Facility Professional (CCSFP)
Trans
May 2017

1. Summary / Objective

A resume summary/objective for a cargo agent should be written to capture the attention of potential employers. In this section, you can highlight your experience in managing and tracking shipments, as well as any certifications or qualifications that make you stand out from other applicants. You could also mention how many years of experience you have in the industry, what types of cargo you are familiar with handling, and how quickly and efficiently you process orders.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Detail-oriented cargo agent with 5+ years of experience in freight forwarding and import/export services. Expertise in customs clearance, documentation processing, problem-solving complex shipping issues to ensure safe and on-time delivery of goods. Proven ability to manage day-to-day operations efficiently while staying abreast of changes in regulations and laws. Seeking a position at ABC Logistics to utilize my skills for the benefit of the company.

Well-rounded cargo agent with 8+ years of experience in all aspects of cargo handling, including receiving and dispatching shipments. Skilled at coordinating logistics activities to ensure smooth delivery around the world. At XYZ Cargo Services, improved customer satisfaction ratings by 20% using innovative technology solutions. Passionate about joining ABC Logistics team to help streamline processes and improve overall efficiency.

Skilled cargo agent with 5+ years of experience in the logistics industry. Highly knowledgeable in cargo shipping and management, customs regulations, and international trade laws. Experienced in managing inventory control systems to ensure efficient delivery of goods while keeping costs low. At XYZ Logistics experienced a 40% increase in customer satisfaction by introducing creative solutions for better supply chain management.

Accomplished cargo agent with 8+ years of experience in air, sea and ground transportation. Experienced in managing shipments for domestic and international customers, ensuring that all customs regulations are followed correctly. At XYZ Air Cargo Company, increased customer satisfaction ratings by 10%. Skilled at problem solving and utilizing a variety of software programs to manage the shipment process efficiently.

Enthusiastic cargo agent with 10+ years of experience in cargo operations, customs clearance and freight forwarding. Experienced in handling air & ocean imports/exports for a variety of customers. Proven success in streamlining supply chain processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs by 20%. Skilled negotiator who is able to negotiate the best rates from vendors while ensuring compliance with all regulations.

Determined cargo agent with 8+ years of experience managing the movement and processing of freight. Seeking to join ABC Cargo as a cargo agent to use proven organizational abilities in handling shipments, tracking orders, overseeing documentation, and providing customer service while meeting company standards for quality control. Previous successes include reducing lost packages by 20% in under four months.

Committed cargo agent with 8+ years of experience in air freight and ocean shipping. Adept at handling multiple tasks efficiently, including managing complex import/export documentation, monitoring shipments from origin to destination, and troubleshooting issues quickly. Looking to join ABC Company as a Cargo Agent where expertise can be utilized for the benefit of clients around the world.

Seasoned cargo agent with 5+ years of experience in the air transportation industry. Skilled in handling both domestic and international shipping logistics, coordinating with customers & vendors to ensure on-time delivery, and resolving customer complaints. Currently looking for a role at ABC Air Cargo where I can use my expertise to provide efficient solutions for freight transport needs.

2. Experience / Employment

The work history/experience section is where you detail your previous employment. This should be written in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent job is listed first.

When writing this section, stick to bullet points as much as possible; it makes it easier for the reader to take in what you have to say quickly and efficiently. When stating what you did at each role, provide details on how you achieved results or improved processes.

For example, instead of saying “Processed cargo shipments,” try something like “Managed over 500 cargo shipments per month utilizing an automated system that reduced processing time by 25%.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

Loaded
Unloaded
Inspected
Coordinated
Scheduled
Monitored
Processed
Tracked
Stored
Operated
Managed
Assisted
Resolved
Documented

Other general verbs you can use are:

Achieved
Advised
Assessed
Compiled
Demonstrated
Developed
Expedited
Facilitated
Formulated
Improved
Introduced
Mentored
Optimized
Participated
Prepared
Presented
Reduced
Reorganized
Represented
Revised
Spearheaded
Streamlined
Structured
Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

Monitored the loading and unloading of cargo from aircraft, ensuring that all items were stored securely in appropriate containers; reduced damaged goods by 15%.
Operated forklifts, pallet jacks and other material-handling equipment to transport cargo between warehouses and planes; increased productivity by 10% during peak hours.
Improved warehouse organization with the introduction of optimized inventory tracking systems for incoming shipments; saved 200 hours per month on stocktaking activities.
Competently handled hazardous materials according to safety protocols when packing & unpacking freight shipments; decreased accident rate by 25%.
Assisted passengers with baggage check-in procedures at ticket counters while providing customer service support as needed; processed 400+ bags a day without any delays or errors reported.

Participated in the loading and unloading of over 1000 cargo shipments per month, ensuring that all goods were securely packed and labeled correctly.
Coordinated with airline crew members to ensure flights departed on time; reduced flight delays by 40%.
Spearheaded a new inventory tracking system which saved $500 annually on shipping costs due to improved accuracy of shipment details such as weight, size & destination address.
Utilized specialized software programs to log incoming/outgoing packages according to customer needs while maintaining up-to-date records for customs clearance purposes; achieved 100% accuracy rate with data entry tasks within one year of employment.
Proficiently operated forklifts, pallet jacks and other material handling equipment when moving freight around warehouse or transporting it from storage facilities into airplanes during aircraft turnaround times; increased efficiency by 25%.

Achieved a 30% decrease in cargo delivery time by reorganizing the warehouse and production system.
Reorganized inventory process, resulting in a 15% increase in storage efficiency and cost savings of $3,000 per month.
Effectively monitored loading and unloading operations to ensure safety protocols were followed at all times; reduced accident rate by 25%.
Inspected incoming cargo for damage or discrepancies prior to forwarding shipment documents; reduced errors & miscommunications by 40%.
Revised operational procedures to align with updated industry regulations, training staff on new processes within 2 weeks of implementation.

Represented airline cargo operations, providing accurate information to 700+ customers daily on package tracking and delivery status.
Advised customers on airline regulations for hazardous materials packaging and freight forwarding; reduced customer complaints by 23%.
Loaded over 300 shipments of various sizes onto aircrafts with precision in order to meet flight deadlines; achieved 98% accuracy rate within the last year.
Efficiently coordinated airfreight movement between stations using computerized shipping system; eliminated manual paperwork input errors by 80%.
Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills when handling cargo discrepancies or damage claims, achieving a resolution in 93% of cases within 24 hours or less.

Formulated efficient solutions to resolve cargo-related issues and ensured timely delivery of over 200+ packages for international clients; increased customer satisfaction rate by 18%.
Resolved complex air freight problems, coordinated with internal teams, airlines and other external parties to arrange the safe transportation of goods across various countries in a timely manner.
Managed customs clearance activities for imported/exported merchandise, ensuring that all paperwork was completed accurately within prescribed timelines; saved $6K in import taxes last quarter due to quick action.
Presented customized solutions such as cost optimization strategies & alternative shipping methods to customers based on their individual requirements while remaining compliant with industry regulations & standards at all times.
Meticulously tracked shipment progress using online systems and provided regular updates regarding delays or potential risks along the way via email or phone calls; reduced average order transit time by 3 hours each month overall.

Assessed cargo weight, size and special requirements for over 100 shipments a day; ensured that all freight was properly loaded onto aircrafts in compliance with safety regulations.
Prepared documentation such as manifests, airway bills and cargo handling instructions to facilitate the efficient transport of goods from point A to B; generated $50k+ additional revenue through accurate paperwork filed on time.
Facilitated communication between airlines’ dispatch personnel, customers and other transportation services involved in order fulfillment process; escalated issues when necessary to ensure timely delivery of parcels & packages within established deadlines.
Diligently tracked orders using software systems (such as CargoWise) while closely monitoring flight schedules for any delays or cancellations; reduced average shipping times by 35%.
Mentored new team members on proper cargo handling techniques and best practices related to storage, loading/unloading operations while ensuring customer satisfaction standards were met at all times.

Expedited the shipment of over 1,400 freight packages for international and domestic delivery daily; decreased delivery times by an average of two hours.
Compiled detailed cargo manifests to ensure accurate tracking and documentation of shipments from origin to destination.
Actively managed the loading/unloading process in accordance with safety regulations, increasing efficiency by 15%.
Tracked all incoming and outgoing inventory using a computerized system; reduced discrepancies between stock levels recorded on-site versus those logged electronically by 10%.
Optimized existing processes for loading containers onto trailers to reduce load time by 25% compared to industry standards.

3. Skills

Even though two organizations are hiring for the same role, the skillset they want an ideal candidate to possess could differ significantly. For instance, one may be on the lookout for an individual with experience in international cargo shipments, while the other may be looking for someone with knowledge of freight forwarding.

It is therefore essential to tailor your skills section according to each job you are applying for. This will ensure that applicant tracking systems recognize the right keywords and pass on your resume accordingly.

In addition to listing them here, it would also help if you elaborated on some of these skills further down in other sections such as summary or work experience.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

Air Freight
Aircraft
Airlines
Airports
Aviation
Commercial Aviation
Customer Satisfaction
Data Entry
English
Flights
Freight
Freight Forwarding
Logistics
Logistics Management
Operations Management
Shipping
Team Leadership
Teamwork
Time Management
Transportation
Warehousing

4. Education

Mentioning an education section on your resume will depend on how far into your career you are. If you just graduated and have no prior work experience, include an education section below the resume objective. However, if you already have significant industry experience to showcase, it is perfectly fine to omit this section altogether.

If an education section is included in the cargo agent’s resume, try to mention relevant courses or subjects related to the job role that can help demonstrate knowledge of freight management and logistics processes.

Associate Degree in Logistics
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in a certain field. They show potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to become certified, making you more qualified than other applicants.

If there are certifications related to the job role you are applying for, make sure they appear prominently on your resume so hiring managers can easily see them. This will help give yourself an edge over other candidates who may not be as well-qualified or experienced in the same area.

Certified Cargo Screening Facility Professional (CCSFP)
Trans
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Jocelyn Schowalter, this would be Jocelyn-Schowalter-resume.pdf or Jocelyn-Schowalter-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Including a cover letter when applying for a job is an excellent way to show employers that you are serious about the opportunity and have taken the time to make your application stand out. A cover letter typically consists of 2-4 paragraphs, each serving a different purpose.

The first paragraph should introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the role. The second one can then elaborate on what skills or experience makes you qualified for it. Finally, use the third paragraph to express enthusiasm for the position and thank them for their consideration of your application.

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Holly,

I am writing to apply for the Cargo Agent position at XYZ Corporation. As a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with 5+ years of experience in logistics and supply chain management, I am confident I will make significant contributions to your team.

In my current role as a Logistics Coordinator at ABC Company, I oversee all aspects of domestic and international shipping for our organization. This includes coordinating with vendors, customers, and other departments to ensure smooth delivery of goods. I have also developed strong relationships with local trucking companies to negotiate competitive rates and optimize shipping routes. In addition, I maintain detailed records of all shipments using our company’s software system.

I am knowledgeable about customs regulations and have experience preparing documentation for importing/exporting goods. My attention to detail ensures that all shipments are processed correctly and in a timely manner. In addition, I am proactive in identifying potential issues and developing solutions to prevent delays or disruptions.

I believe my skills and experience would be an asset to your organization. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team’s success in the future. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jocelyn