A freight agent is a person who coordinates freight shipments. Freight agents can be employed as freelancers, applying their skills as needed to various shipping situations, or they can work under the supervision of a freight broker or freight firm. To become a freight agent, no special training or education is required, and most people learn on the job. However, short courses covering basic topics are available, and people who want to eventually become freight brokers should consider pursuing business degrees so that they can run successful freight businesses.
When a freight agent is approached and asked to handle a load, the agent gathers information about the load and determines the most cost-effective shipping method. Some agents specialize in specific modes of transportation, such as shipments train, truck, or boat. If special arrangements, such as refrigeration or storage in a completely dry environment, are required, the freight agent makes those arrangements.
Freight agents are in charge of collecting shipping fees as well as dealing with issues like customs documentation and proper licensing. They can provide real-time information about a shipment’s progress to their customers, and some have provided online interfaces that can be used to track progress without having to speak with the agent or broker directly. Shipping delays, the transfer of goods to different shipping companies, the arrangement of container loads, and the expediting of freight items to ensure that they arrive on time are all handled freight agents.
Freight agents must be able to communicate effectively with customers and negotiate the best terms from freight carriers, which necessitates a high level of interpersonal skills. A freight agent may also be required to travel extensively in order to inspect warehouses and processing facilities, meet key figures in a shipping company, and personally supervise difficult cargo loads. This position also necessitates a thorough understanding of shipping routes, options, standard rates and charges, and specialty shipping services.
Freight agent positions in major shipping and freight brokering companies become available on a regular basis for people who want to work as freight agents. Some training programs guarantee job placement for their graduates, and graduates of these programs may be able to negotiate a higher salary when they begin working. When considering a career as a freight agent, people should consider specialty jobs such as air freight agents, fine art transport agents, or agents who negotiate the movement of very large shipments.