Owais Crawford
Working in an airport's cargo department can be a physically demanding but rewarding job. Employees are responsible for loading and unloading cargo and baggage onto and off aircraft, ensuring that cargo is balanced and secure, and providing excellent customer service. Strong communication skills are required, as well as the ability to work under pressure and in all weather conditions. Airport cargo jobs can be a great entry point for those looking to break into the aviation industry, offering full-time and part-time positions with good pay and benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Description | Loading and unloading cargo and baggage on and off aircraft. This may also include towing the aircraft, and providing shuttle services. |
| Skills Required | Strong communication skills, ability to repeatedly lift weights of up to 70 pounds, ability to work in all weather conditions, ability to work under pressure, and follow safety standards. |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent. A higher degree may be required for larger airports. |
| Other Requirements | Must be at least 18 years old, have a driver's license, pass a background check, and a drug test. Some airlines may have height-to-weight ratio limitations. |
| Work Hours | Work hours vary across airports, but employees can expect to work on weekends, holidays, and possibly overtime. |
| Benefits | Medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation pay, sick pay, retirement plan, and more. |
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What You'll Learn
Cargo agent qualifications
To become an airline cargo agent, you must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some employers may require a GED or certification in a relevant program, such as cargo operations or logistics, business, or supply chain management. Acquiring one can increase your chances of getting hired.
Additionally, some prior work experience is highly advantageous. This could include two years of experience in a similar role, such as a courier, cargo agent, delivery person, or logistics operative. This experience should demonstrate excellent customer support skills, conflict resolution abilities, and negotiating skills.
Other qualifications include strong communication abilities, physical strength and fitness, and the ability to work in all types of weather and under deadline pressure. A good driving record and a special license to drive large trucks or other vehicles may also be required.
All airport employees must be able to pass a background check, a drug test, and meet any height-to-weight limitations set by the airline.
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Cargo handler roles and responsibilities
Airline baggage and cargo handler jobs are often available at airports and can serve as a good entry point for a career in the aviation industry. The role is physically demanding and requires strength and fitness, with handlers regularly lifting weights of up to 70 pounds or more. It can also be a noisy role with a lot of pressure, involving work in all weather conditions and shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime.
Cargo handlers are responsible for loading and unloading cargo and baggage onto and off aircraft, as well as driving and moving heavy objects around expensive aircraft without causing any damage. They must also ensure that cargo is secure during flight and may need to compute weight, balance, and the aircraft's center of gravity. In smaller airports, cargo handlers may also help with checking in baggage, tagging cargo, and communicating with pilots and passengers.
Cargo handlers must be able to follow safety standards and procedures, as well as governmental regulations and company policies. They may also be required to operate various types of equipment, including trucks, forklifts, conveyors, and baggage tugs.
Good customer service and listening skills are important for cargo handlers, as they often interact with customers, supervisors, contractors, and other staff to exchange information and resolve problems. Strong communication skills are also necessary for effective collaboration with ground crew and flight crew members.
Cargo handlers typically receive good pay and benefits, including insurance, vacation pay, sick days, and retirement plans. However, the role may require working long shifts and odd hours, and passing background checks and drug tests is essential. Overall, cargo handler roles involve a diverse set of responsibilities, requiring strength, attention to detail, and strong communication and customer service skills.
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Cargo job benefits
A career in airport cargo handling offers a wide range of benefits. Firstly, it serves as an excellent gateway into the aviation industry, providing a good starting point for those seeking to pursue a career in airlines or airports. With the anticipated growth in passenger numbers and cargo volume, the demand for cargo handlers is expected to increase, making it a secure career choice.
Cargo handlers are often employed by airlines, which offer comprehensive benefits packages. These typically include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance and disability cover. Additionally, cargo handlers can expect vacation pay, paid sick leave, and retirement plans, such as a 401k. Some airlines even offer flight benefits and long-term care coverage.
The role is often entry-level, and full training is provided by the airline. This makes it an accessible career option for those with a high school education and the necessary physical capabilities. Cargo handlers must be able to lift and move heavy cargo, sometimes up to 70 pounds, and need to be comfortable working in all weather conditions. Strong communication skills are also beneficial, as handlers often interact with pilots and passengers.
Career development opportunities are available for those seeking advancement. Airlines often provide mentorship programs and career development resources to help employees achieve their long-term goals. With hard work and dedication, cargo handlers can explore various paths for growth within the airline industry.
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Cargo job requirements
Airport cargo jobs are a great way to break into the aviation industry. These roles are often available as full-time and part-time positions and can be a good starting point for other opportunities within the industry.
Cargo jobs at airports often include roles such as baggage and cargo handlers, cargo agents, and ramp agents. These roles typically require the following:
- Strong communication skills, as cargo agents often interact with pilots and passengers.
- Physical strength and stamina, as cargo handlers are responsible for loading and unloading cargo onto aircraft, which can involve lifting weights of up to 70 pounds or more.
- Ability to work in diverse weather conditions and adapt to a noisy work environment with frequent deadlines.
- Adherence to safety standards when driving and moving heavy objects around aircraft to avoid damage.
- High school education or equivalent. Some larger airports or specific roles may require higher degrees.
- A valid driver's license with a good driving record. Certain cargo agent roles may require a special license to drive large trucks or other vehicles.
- Passing a background check, typically going back at least 10 years, and a drug test.
- Maintaining a good appearance and adhering to airline uniform standards. Some airlines have specific height-to-weight limitations for uniforms.
- Flexibility to work on weekends, holidays, and different shifts, including overtime, to accommodate flight schedules.
- For some roles, additional requirements may include pre-employment screenings and assessments.
Cargo jobs at airports offer a range of benefits, including competitive pay, medical and dental insurance, vacation days, and retirement plans. They provide a great opportunity to enter the aviation industry and can serve as a stepping stone to other roles within the field.
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Cargo job career progression
Airport cargo jobs, such as cargo handlers, are a great way to break into the aviation industry. They are often entry-level positions that can lead to other job openings and career progression within the airport or airline. While the work is hard and strenuous, it comes with good pay and benefits, and there is room for advancement.
Cargo handlers are responsible for loading and unloading cargo and baggage onto and off aircraft. This requires strength and fitness, as it involves repeatedly lifting weights of up to 70 pounds or more, and climbing aircraft steps. It is a role that requires working outdoors in all weather conditions and under time pressure. Strong communication skills are also important, as cargo handlers may need to communicate with pilots and passengers, and drive vehicles around expensive aircraft without damaging them.
At smaller airports, cargo handlers may have additional responsibilities, such as meeting and towing aircraft, providing shuttle services, and assisting with passenger baggage and complaints. They may also work at the ticket counter. These varied duties can provide a broad skill set that could be useful for career progression.
To become a cargo handler, a high school education or equivalent is typically required, but larger airports may demand higher qualifications. Other requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a good driving record, and passing background and drug tests. Some airlines also have height-to-weight ratio limitations for uniform purposes.
With experience as a cargo handler, individuals can explore advancement opportunities within the same airport or airline. For example, Delta Air Lines offers career development programs and allows employees to apply for different roles within the company after six months in their current position. Additionally, some airlines provide flight benefits, such as paid time off and flight privileges for employees and their families.
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Frequently asked questions
A cargo job at an airport is a cargo handler role. This involves loading and unloading cargo and baggage on and off aircraft, as well as ensuring cargo is correctly tagged and loaded onto the right plane.
You must have a high school education or equivalent, be at least 18 years old, and hold a driver's license. Some airports may require a higher degree. You must also pass a background check and a drug test.
Strong communication skills are required as you will be dealing with pilots and passengers. You will also need to be able to work in a team and follow safety protocols when handling heavy cargo around expensive aircraft.
The work is strenuous and will require you to repeatedly lift weights of up to 70 pounds or more. You will be working outdoors in all weather conditions and will need to be able to work shifts, including weekends and holidays.
