Cargo Services Officer Jobs | Aviation Job Search

Frequently asked questions

What are the job responsibilities of a Cargo Officer?

Cargo officers are responsible for overlooking the loading, unloading, securing, and staging the baggage on the flights. They have to make sure that the cargo isn’t affected due to harsh weather conditions. They maintain equipment like forklifts, baggage tugs, and trucks. They need to ensure that the baggage is handled according to standard operating procedures.

What qualifications do I need to become a Cargo Officer?

Most employers ask for a minimum of high school qualifications for cargo officer jobs. You need to have relevant experience preferably in the air freight industry to be eligible for applying to the position. Essential knowledge of the warehouse and ramp handling is also needed for the role along with the right to stay and work in the United Kingdom.

Is Cargo Officer a good career choice?

If you have always longed to work in the ground crew of an airline and you have an interest in cargo operations, the job is likely to be gratifying. You can make good money and gain experience and refine your skills to get promoted. Explore the latest air cargo jobs on Aviation Job Search!

How much do Cargo Officers make?

The average per annum cargo officer salary varies for different airlines. The officers handling the secure and efficient handling of air cargo are paid well and are entitled to benefits depending on the employer and if the position is permanent. The job is monetarily rewarding and if you are ambitious, you can make a brilliant career.

Are Cargo Officers in demand?

Currently, there are plenty of job openings for cargo officers, the employment opportunities for this position will get better in the years to come. So, if you are thinking about building your career as an aircraft cargo service officer, there are promising prospects for the role and you can get employed by top airlines.

Who is a cargo officer?

A cargo officer is a person who oversees and coordinates the movement of cargo. They are responsible for preparing cargo documentation, performing stock control and housekeeping operations, and ensuring that shipments are arranged according to cargo plans. They also ensure that safety standards and regulations are followed.

What is this cargo?

Cargo is a word we use for goods transported by large transports, such as a plane, ships, or trucks. It comes from the Latin phrase carricare, meaning to load. On the road, cargo is usually loaded onto a truck or SUV, but cargo is stored inside huge metal containers when shipped. These can contain anything from food to furniture to electronics.

Are cargo agents and cargo officers the same?

Cargo agents and cargo officers are involved in the transportation process and communicate with clients and other transportation professionals. They plan routes and coordinate shipments and can also negotiate with shipping centers and suppliers. They also provide customer service and resolve conflicts.

What is the difference between cargo and freight?

While the terms cargo and freight may sound similar, they have different meanings. Freight generally refers to the transportation of goods, whereas cargo is more closely related to the goods themselves. The two terms are often used interchangeably, with many experienced freighters not caring about the difference.

What is the work of cargo officer?

Cargo officers have many different tasks in the airline industry. Their job description includes supervising the loading and unloading of shipments on planes, preparing paperwork, and performing housekeeping operations. They also handle cargo inspections and report security breaches.

Cargo Officer Job Description

Cargo officers are required to ensure the safe and efficient handling and storage of the baggage on airplanes. They have to come up with a proper plan on how to load the cargo and supervise the handlers that are putting the baggage on the ramps. They check the equipment and see if it is working in good condition and the luggage is handled according to the defined rules and regulations. Maintaining the on-time performance to avoid any delays in loading and unloading of baggage is also in the cargo officer job description. The seniors can be asked to delegate duties to the junior staff by providing them with adequate instructions.

Cargo Officer Job Responsibilities

The responsibilities of cargo officers include preparing the ramps for loading and unloading the baggage. They have to make sure that the cargo is not mishandled and reaches the right airplane. They need to check all the operations are being carried out considering the safety regulations. They also maintain the cargo handling gears and immediately report to the ground crew if there is a malfunctioning ramp. They are required to keep the logs of all the cargo handled in a day. Keeping the cargo secured during harsh weather conditions is also the responsibility of cargo officers. They need to comply with the code of safe working practices.

Skills Required to Build a Cargo Officer Career

Organisation skills are important for the job as the daily tasks can’t be managed efficiently without being a good organiser. Time management skills will come in handy for this role as you have to be efficient with getting the ramp prepared and other work done quickly for the arrival and departure of different flights. Attention to detail and problem-solving will help you with identifying issues with the workforce and equipment and resolving them. Communication skills will aid you in interacting with the team effectively. Explore aviation job options in your desired department on Aviation Job Search and apply to a cargo handling job you are interested in with just a few clicks!

Work Environment of a Cargo Officer

The work environment of a cargo officer is extremely demanding. The job requires a high level of commitment and passion for flying long-haul cargo worldwide. There are many opportunities for the cargo officer’s career development and advancement within this diverse industry. Moreover, as an ambassador of the company, a cargo officer represents quality service and standards. People doing cargo officer jobs must possess a high degree of self-discipline and be able to work in shifts. The position requires constant alertness and a strong sense of urgency. They must have good interpersonal skills, be able to communicate in English and be able to work under pressure with minimum supervision. They must also be physically fit to lift up to 70 pounds on a regular basis. In addition to physical requirements, they must be able to perform other duties associated with cargo operations, such as ensuring that all cargo is properly packaged and their work areas are clean and free of debris and safety hazards.

Career Path to Cargo Officer Job

Cargo officer careers can lead to several different opportunities. For example, an individual can start as an apprentice with a local transportation company, move on to other positions within that company, or find an entirely new career path. As a cargo officer, you will be responsible for monitoring and counting cargo before it reaches its destination. You will also be responsible for keeping track of the condition of the goods and reporting any problems you encounter. You will have to understand the regulations and safety standards for shipments and learn how to operate the equipment used for cargo. Before applying for cargo officer jobs, you should have at least a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Some cargo agents complete post-secondary training, though most gain skills and knowledge on the job. You should also be proficient in computers since large shipping facilities use automated systems to track the goods they transport. To get the most out of your career, you need to have a strong customer service background and the ability to work under pressure.

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