How to hire a freight inspector

How to hire a freight inspector, step by step

Here's a step-by-step freight inspector hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The freight inspector hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect freight inspector also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of freight inspector salaries for various roles:

   Type of Freight Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Freight Inspector		$13-35
   Inspector	An inspector is responsible for overseeing the overall condition of the site, ensuring that it complies with the safety standards and regulations. Inspectors' duties include monitoring the quality of the materials used, inspecting any defects and discrepancies that might compromise the operations, generating reports to assess the product costing if it meets the budget goals, and utilizing available resources in the market for the highest quality project... Show more	$12-25

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Inspection Reports

   Responsibilities:

   • Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
   • Work in inbound train yardinspecting cars for AAR and FRA defects as well as making super light repairs.
   • Conduct dimensional and visual inspections procedures on CMM machines to ensure geometrical characteristics of the product are in specification.
   • Assign responsibilities include ISO 9001-2000 management representative and lead internal auditor.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your freight inspector job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A freight inspector salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, freight inspectors' average salary in montana is 33% less than in texas.
   • Seniority. Entry-level freight inspectors earn 62% less than senior-level freight inspectors.
   • Certifications. A freight inspector 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 a freight inspector's salary.

   Average freight inspector salary

   $46,541yearly

   $22.38 hourly rate

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   Entry-level freight inspector salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a freight inspector job description

   A freight inspector 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 a freight inspector job description:

   Freight inspector job description example

   PITT OHIO, a $900 million, high service, highly profitable, transportation solutions provider offering SUPPLY CHAIN, GROUND, LTL and TRUCKLOAD services is seeking a PT Freight Inspector Weights and Measures at our Hazleton, PA Terminal.
   This position does not require any prior experience! Our team will provide on the job training.
   
   PITT OHIO has received countless safety, service, and carrier of the year awards and our highly acclaimed Safety Department is a leader in the transportation industry. Dedication to quality and excellence is our goal at PITT OHIO.
   
   We offer competitive wages, 401K, profit sharing, pleasant work environment, and much more!
   
   Essential Duties:
   
   Measure freight and enter information into the computer system
   
   Perform simple mathematical calculations regarding freight measurements
   
   Look up and apply correct classifications to the freight
   
   Generate and submit reports regarding freight weights and measures
   
   Process all paperwork daily associated with the execution of the job
   
   Lift various types of materials including cartons, bags, cylinders, boxes, crates, drums, pipe, bars, rugs, etc.
   
   Use common material handling tools will be used (carts, dollies, pallet jacks, and tow motors) to move freight for inspection purposes
   
   Work in a safe and professional manner to reduce personal risks and risk to fellow employees
   
   Comply with federal, state, and company regulations
   
   Be available and willing to work; exceptions require management approval
   
   Work in a positive, supportive, and cooperative way at all times
   
   Perform other duties as directed or requested
   
   Minimum Requirements:Previous experience not required
   
   Must have command of the English language with the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively with internal and external customers, and perform simple mathematical calculations
   
   Must be self-motivated and able to self-manage
   
   Ability to use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Outlook, etc)
   
   Standing, walking, pushing, pulling, twisting, carrying, bending, reaching, and lifting both above and below waist level will be required.
   
   Heavy lifting will be required.
   
   Must possess good math and typing skills
   
   A minimum age of 18 years of age.
   
   Must pass a NON -Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination.
   
   Must consent to a pre-employment drug screen. PITT OHIO must receive a negative result.
   
   Must consent to a ten-year check on work history. Any gap of 30 days or more must be indicated and explained, and you may be asked to provide documentation. Discrepancies may prevent your application from being processed and job offer withdrawn.
   
   You will be an at-will employee throughout your employment with PITT OHIO. Nothing in these guidelines, your application or in the employee handbook guarantees employment for any period of time or is intended to be a contract of employment.
   
   PITT OHIO is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion or other legally protected status.
   
   To navigate to the PITT OHIO Career Center and apply for this position, please go to .

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find freight inspectors 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 freight inspector job on Zippia to find and recruit freight inspector candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with freight inspector candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you 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 freight inspector

   Once you have selected a candidate for the freight inspector 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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new freight inspector. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

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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