There are currently an estimated 100,600 cargo and freight agents in the United States. The cargo and freight agent job market is expected to grow by 8.5% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are cargo and freight agents?

CareerExplorer rates cargo and freight agents with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 8,600 cargo and freight agents.

Are cargo and freight agents in demand?

Opportunities for aspiring cargo and freight agents will result from turnover in the industry, rising cargo traffic, and increasing shipments spurred by the popularity of online shopping and same-day delivery. As freight shipping grows in complexity and companies outsource their shipments to third-party companies, further demand and openings in the field may occur. However, employment levels will continue to be impacted by economic fluctuations, which naturally affect the health of the transportation industry. While a high school diploma is generally the only formal education requirement for job seekers in this occupation, candidates with knowledge of shipping, transportation, and customs software programs; freight brokering; and database and inventory management will significantly improve their prospects.

What’s the supply of cargo and freight agents?

The cargo and freight agent industry is concentrated in California, Florida, Texas

Cargo and Freight Agent job market by state

State Name Employed Cargo and Freight Agents
California 17,060
Florida 8,110
Texas 7,610
Illinois 6,110
New York 5,760
New Jersey 4,280
Georgia 3,630
Tennessee 3,390
Ohio 2,840
Pennsylvania 2,810
Kentucky 2,570
North Carolina 2,520
Washington 2,410
Michigan 2,150
Arizona 1,840
Hawaii 1,760
South Carolina 1,540
Missouri 1,410
Minnesota 1,380
Oregon 1,290
Wisconsin 1,280
Virginia 1,280
Indiana 1,200
Alabama 1,020
Kansas 890
Colorado 850
Louisiana 840
Massachusetts 820
Maryland 740
Iowa 660
Utah 590
Alaska 580
Connecticut 560
Nevada 490
Nebraska 390
North Dakota 380
Montana 370
Oklahoma 300
Idaho 300
Mississippi 260
South Dakota 200
Maine 190
Wyoming 160
Rhode Island 140
West Virginia 130
New Mexico 110
Vermont 80
New Hampshire 80
District of Columbia 60