How to hire an air cargo agent

How to hire an air cargo agent, step by step

Here's a step-by-step air cargo agent hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an air cargo agent job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new air cargo agent
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your air cargo agent job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an air cargo agent for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An air cargo agent's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, air cargo agents from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of air cargo agents.

   Type of Air Cargo Agent	Description	Hourly rate
   Air Cargo Agent		$12-24
   Freight Broker	Freight brokers have licensed property brokers who provide assistance to shippers in hauling materials. Their job involves linking carriers and shippers in hauling materials... Show more	$16-37
   Ocean Export Coordinator	This is a person who helps clients with information and product flow across international waters. The responsibilities that come with this position include; making policy changes with changes made to import-export laws, auditing workflow operations, communicating shipment information with necessary parties, monitor shipment until satisfactory delivery, and addressing customer queries and complaints... Show more	$14-28

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Data Entry
   • Reservations
   • DOT
   • FAA
   • Import Shipments
   • Patrol
   • Customer Issues
   • Booking
   • IATA
   • Air Freight
   • KPI
   • US Customs
   • Delivery Orders
   • Air Cargo

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and carry out specific program and regulatory activities such as enforcing hazmat and weight restrictions.
   • Direct inbound and outbound logistics operations, such as transportation or warehouse activities, safety performance, and logistics quality management.
   • Service aircraft as needed for aircraft lavatories, portable water, de-icing and commissary items.
   • Operate vehicles to convey ULD dollies and baggage carts to and from aircraft terminal.
   • Experience in using, tugs, dollies, transporters, lower deck loader, main deck loader, belt loader.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your air cargo agent job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An air cargo agent salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, air cargo agents' average salary in alaska is 43% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level air cargo agents earn 48% less than senior-level air cargo agents.
   • Certifications. An air cargo agent with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an air cargo agent's salary.

   Average air cargo agent salary

   $36,182yearly

   $17.40 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level air cargo agent salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 19, 2026

4. Writing an air cargo agent job description

   An air cargo agent job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an air cargo agent job description:

   Air cargo agent job description example

   Job DescriptionThe AirTrain Agent is responsible for customer service to the public on trains and in stations. This position is responsible for information and customer assistance, recovery and retrieval of failed trains, limited mechanical/electrical fault correction on in-service trains and fare collection equipment, emergency response, customer evacuation, crowd control and fare collection activities as well as inspection of station emergency equipment; other minor custodial duties as assigned. Provide a visual presence on the trains and in stations, so as to support customer safety.
   Duties and Responsibilities:
   
   Provides support for customer service, maintenance, contractors, special events and all other activities related to the delivery of safe and efficient customer service.
   
   Manages disruptions to customer service through efficient crowd control and the recovery and retrieval of failed trains.
   
   Advises the Operations Center of any condition that affects or could affect the safe passage of trains or customers.
   
   Perform any duties required to support T&C start-up operations.
   
   Manages emergencies in accordance with established procedures through immediate response and quick action in assisting customers to ensure their safety.
   
   Inspects and tests station and train equipment assuring that all are operational, troubleshooting any malfunction which can be resolved without the aid of a technician.
   
   Maintains the required level of knowledge by participating in training, re-training, certification, re-certification and examinations as required by the Field Operations qualifications program.
   
   Operates trains for the purpose of coupling/uncoupling, re-entry, position adjustment and any other manual train movement as directed by the Operations Center.
   
   Performs fare collection support activities in stations accurately documenting all pertinent information for MTA.
   
   Inspects and tests station and fare collection equipment assuring that all are operational, troubleshooting any malfunction that can be resolved without the aid of a technician.
   
   Note: This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the only duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job. Incumbents may be required to follow any additional related instructions, acquire related job skills and perform other related work as operational requirements demand.
   
   Qualifications:
   
   Experience in customer service preferred. Ability to work variable hours and at different locations throughout the AirTrain system. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to deal courteously and effectively with others. Ability to make independent judgements and take action within established guidelines. Ability to troubleshoot minor faults on trains and in stations.
   
   A combination of education and experience may be acceptable.
   
   A Valid Drivers License.
   
   Physical Demands:
   
   Must have the agility to board and alight trains from/to ground level (3-4 feet from ground to door height).
   
   Must have the ability to perform the above functions while remaining on their feet for long periods of time (as long as 2 to 3 hours continuously).
   
   Ten Year background check for Non- Aeronautical Operations Area ID Card (Non-AOA ID)
   
   Work Keys Aptitude Test:
   
   Education – Experience:
   
   High School graduation or equivalent. Experience in customer service preferred.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find air cargo agents for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your air cargo agent job on Zippia to find and recruit air cargo agent candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit air cargo agents, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new air cargo agent

   Once you have selected a candidate for the air cargo agent position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new air cargo agent first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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