Cargo and Freight Agents

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 5 (21%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 9 (38%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 10 (42%)

• Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Check import or export documentation to determine cargo contents and use tariff coding system to classify goods according to fee or tariff group.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Track delivery progress of shipments.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Arrange insurance coverage for goods.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Contact vendors or claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems or contact service depots to arrange for repairs.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Inspect and count items received and check them against invoices or other documents, recording shortages and rejecting damaged goods.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Route received goods to first available flight or to appropriate storage areas or departments, using forklifts, hand trucks, or other equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Maintain a supply of packing materials.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Direct or participate in cargo loading to ensure completeness of load and even distribution of weight.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about cargo and freight agents and AI