Cargo and Freight Agents
The short answer
This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 415 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about half of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 82% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Negotiate shipping rates with freight carriers.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Arrange for special transport of sensitive cargoes, such as livestock, food, or medical supplies.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Arrange for applicable duties, taxes, or paperwork for customs clearance.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Inform clients of factors such as shipping options, timelines, transfers, or regulations affecting shipments.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Prepare shipping documentation, such as bills of lading, packing lists, dock receipts, or certificates of origin.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Route received goods to first available flight or to appropriate storage areas or departments, using forklifts, hand trucks, or other equipment.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
Very similar workslightly less pay878 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$59,852 vs your $61,461 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
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New skills to build
- Static Strength
- Manual Dexterity
- Multilimb Coordination
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- Extent Flexibility
Procurement Clerks
Very similar workslightly less pay229 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$55,360 vs your $61,461 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Administrative
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Your current skills largely cover this move.
Postal Service Clerks
Very similar work+4% pay591 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 4% more—$64,174 vs your $61,461 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Customer and Personal Service
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- English Language
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New skills to build
- Trunk Strength
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Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Very similar workslightly less pay1,665 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$57,125 vs your $61,461 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Customer and Personal Service
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New skills to build
- Speech Clarity
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Postal Service Mail Carriers
Similar work+3% pay1,775 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 3% more—$63,536 vs your $61,461 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Customer and Personal Service
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- English Language
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Multilimb Coordination
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Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
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What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Transportation
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- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
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New skills to build
- Rate Control
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Compliance Officers
Similar work+49% pay2,703 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 49% more—$91,593 vs your $61,461 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Customer and Personal Service
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New skills to build
- Inductive Reasoning
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Transportation Inspectors
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Transportation
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New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Quality Control Analysis
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Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Somewhat similar work+110% pay638 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 110% more—$129,313 vs your $61,461 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with 5 years or more of experience.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Transportation
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- Oral Expression
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New skills to build
- Management of Material Resources
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Logisticians
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What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Systems Analysis
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Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Somewhat similar work+33% pay720 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 33% more—$81,747 vs your $61,461 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Transportation
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
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New skills to build
- Reaction Time
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Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
Somewhat similar work+75% pay340 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 75% more—$107,706 vs your $61,461 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Transportation
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- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
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New skills to build
- Operations Analysis
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- Systems Evaluation
- Engineering and Technology