Freight inspector
Also known as: marine and cargo surveyor, cargo surveyor, principal surveyor, cargo inspector, freight surveyor, freight and cargo inspector
About this occupation
Freight inspectors determine if freight is secure and comes with the proper documentation. They inspect, manage and document freight shipments while verifying that the content comply with local, national and international regulations.
Essential skills and knowledge
- principles of cargo stowage
- inspect freight
- accommodate cargo in freight transport vehicle
- supervise loading of cargo
- transportation methods
- provide advice on breaches of regulation
- conduct fact finding
- analyse work-related written reports
- supervise unloading of cargo
- adjust weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles
- use rigging tools
- inspect hazardous freight in accordance with regulations
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Transportation Inspectors (O*NET 53-6051.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
- Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
- Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
- Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.
- Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
- Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Monitoring
US median pay: US$92,100 a year (2025), 24,500 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.2)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.0)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.0)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
- Aviation Inspectors
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
- Ship Engineers
- Cargo and Freight Agents
- First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
- Airfield Operations Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.