National

Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals, and shipping docks. Take orders from customers and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to loading platform. Prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.

Sample of reported job titles: Dispatcher, Logistics Service Representative, Drop Shipment Clerk, Load Planner, Documentation Clerk, Freight Broker, Intermodal Dispatcher, International Coordinator, Logistics Coordinator, Ship Broker

Also see: Freight Forwarders

Tasks

• Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
• Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of the arrival of freight or baggage, and arrange for delivery.
• Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
• Prepare manifests showing baggage, mail, and freight weights, and number of passengers on airplanes, and transmit data to destinations.
• Determine method of shipment, and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
• Check import/export documentation to determine cargo contents, and classify goods into different fee or tariff groups, using a tariff coding system.
• Estimate freight or postal rates, and record shipment costs and weights.
• Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by using a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.
• Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.
• Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.

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Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Technology used in this occupation: