What Does a Freight Associate Do?

Freight associates are responsible for moving goods from one location to another. They may work in a warehouse or other storage facility, where they use forklifts and other equipment to move boxes, crates, pallets, and other cargo onto trucks or railcars.

Freight associates also commonly handle paperwork related to the shipment of these items. This might include filling out customs forms, tracking numbers, or other documentation that helps ensure cargo arrives at its destination safely and on time.

Freight Associate Job Duties

Freight associates have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Communicating with clients to ensure that they are aware of any changes in delivery times or costs
• Obtaining signatures from clients to acknowledge receipt of shipments
• Inspecting freight for damage and making appropriate notations on shipping documents
• Performing manual labor tasks such as moving boxes or loading and unloading trucks
• Securing cargo with straps, banding, shrink wrap, or other materials as needed
• Maintaining records of shipments and deliveries including dates, times, locations, and contacts
• Communicating with customers to resolve issues and handle problems with shipments
• Providing information about shipping rates, schedules, and services available
• Maintaining the condition of warehouse facilities, including unpacking boxes, organizing inventory, and labeling boxes for storage

Freight Associate Salary & Outlook

Freight associate salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $31,500 ($15.14/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $41,500 ($19.95/hour)

The employment of freight associates is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Employment growth will be limited by the increasing automation of transportation and warehousing operations, which should reduce the need for these workers. However, some jobs may be created as companies seek to improve productivity through technological improvements.

Freight Associate Job Requirements

A freight associate typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Freight associates are typically required to have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a post-secondary program in logistics, transportation or another related field.

Training & Experience: Most freight companies will provide on-the-job training for new hires. This training will typically last for a few weeks and will teach you the basics of the job, including how to use the company’s computer systems, how to load and unload freight and how to operate any machinery you may need to use.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not usually a requirement as an freight associate, but they can make you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs. Certifications can also help you learn more about your responsibilities and further your career.

Freight Associate Skills

Freight associates need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication skills are important in any job, and a freight associate position requires you to communicate with customers, other employees and management. You should be able to explain company policies, answer questions and provide information to customers and other employees. You should also be able to communicate with management to relay customer feedback and other important information.

Attention to detail: Freight associates should be able to notice any errors in the company’s records. This can help ensure that the company is receiving the correct shipments and sending out the correct shipments. Attention to detail can also help you notice if a shipment is missing a product or if a product is damaged. This can help you contact the supplier or customer to resolve the issue.

Organization: Freight associates should be able to organize shipments and inventory to ensure the company’s operations run smoothly. You should be able to identify the location of shipments and products and keep records of them. Organization skills can also help you keep track of customer information and paperwork.

Customer service: Customer service skills are an important aspect of a freight associate’s job. You should be able to interact with customers in a friendly and helpful manner. You should be able to answer questions about the company’s products and services and help customers find what they need. You should also be able to handle customer complaints and resolve issues.

Physical stamina: Freight associates often lift and carry heavy items, so physical stamina is an important skill for this job. You may also be on your feet for long periods of time, so having stamina can help you perform your duties more efficiently.

Freight Associate Work Environment

Freight associates may work in a variety of environments, including outdoors, in a warehouse, or in a truck. They may be required to work in all weather conditions. The work is often strenuous and requires heavy lifting. The hours may be long, and the work schedule may be unpredictable, depending on the needs of the business.

Freight Associate Trends

Here are three trends influencing how freight associates work. Freight associates will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of e-Commerce

The growth of e-commerce is having a significant impact on the freight industry, as it is increasing the demand for shipping services. This is especially true for companies that are based in rural areas, where there may not be a local shipping provider available.

Freight associates can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in e-commerce shipping services. They can then use their knowledge to help businesses find the best shipping solution for their needs.

The Need for Supply Chain Optimization

As businesses become more reliant on supply chain optimization, the need for professionals who can manage and optimize these systems will continue to grow.

Freight associates are in a unique position to take advantage of this trend, as they have experience working with all aspects of the shipping process. By developing skills in supply chain optimization, they can help businesses to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

The Rise of Third Party Logistics Providers

The rise of third party logistics providers (3PLs) is an emerging trend that is changing the way businesses handle their shipping needs. 3PLs offer a variety of services, such as warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment, which allows businesses to focus on other aspects of their operations.

As 3PLs become more popular, freight associates will need to learn how to work with these providers in order to ensure that shipments are handled efficiently and on time.

How to Become a Freight Associate

A career as a freight associate can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the transportation industry. As a freight associate, you’ll learn about all aspects of shipping and logistics, from loading trucks to managing inventory. You’ll also develop valuable customer service skills that will help you succeed in any industry.

The best way to start your freight associate career is by getting certified. There are several organizations that offer certification programs for freight associates, including the National Association of Professional Truck Drivers (NAPTD) and the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). These certifications will show employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this field.