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Cargo Agent Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Worldwide Flight Services

$20.50/hr

Job Summary As a Ramp Service Agent, you will be responsible for essential ramp service tasks ... Load and unload baggage and cargo on and off aircraft. * Safely drive and operate ground support ...

Unifi

Airport Ramp Agent- Part Time Delta -DSM

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

General information Job Title Airport Ramp Agent- Part Time Delta -DSM Date Wednesday, August 19 ... Safeguards customers' baggage, air cargo, airmail from weather, loss, theft, damage and/or ...

Unifi

Airport Ramp Agent- Part Time Delta -DSM

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

General information Job Title Airport Ramp Agent- Part Time Delta -DSM Date Thursday, August 20 ... Safeguards customers' baggage, air cargo, airmail from weather, loss, theft, damage and/or ...

Unifi

Airport Customer Service Agent - CID PT

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

General information Job Title Airport Customer Service Agent - CID PT Date Friday, August 14, 2026 Entity Unifi Aviation, LLC State Iowa City Cedar Rapids Base Pay Rate: $ 15.15 Seasonal Pay Rate ...

Unifi

United-Customer Service Agent-DSM-PT

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

General information Job Title United-Customer Service Agent-DSM-PT Date Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Entity Unifi Aviation, LLC State Iowa City Des Moines Base Pay Rate: $ 16.75 Full/Part Time Part Time ...

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All JobsCargo Agent JobsCargo Agent Jobs in Iowa

Cargo Agent information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do cargo agent jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo agent in Iowa is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cargo agent?

A cargo agent works in the freight industry, either in rail or air transportation. Your main duty is to inspect all cargo before it can be sent out for delivery. Your responsibilities also include reviewing documentation of all materials, ensuring that tariffs and codes have been paid or met, and providing assistance in adjusting, shipping, or finding missing cargo. You document all cargo that runs through your facility, and you enter information into spreadsheets or other shipping software so that it is easily traceable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cargo agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cargo Agent, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring logistics or transportation experience. Familiarity with cargo management systems, inventory software, and shipping documentation is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work under pressure help agents excel in coordinating shipments and resolving issues. These skills ensure accurate, timely delivery and compliance with regulations, which are critical for efficient cargo operations.

What are some common challenges cargo agents face during peak shipping seasons, and how can they manage them effectively?

During peak shipping seasons, Cargo Agents often experience increased workloads, tighter deadlines, and higher pressure to coordinate shipments efficiently. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities. Collaboration with other team members, clear communication with clients and carriers, and leveraging technology for tracking and documentation can help Cargo Agents stay on top of their responsibilities and ensure smooth cargo operations.

What is the difference between Cargo Agent vs Freight Coordinator?

AspectCargo AgentFreight Coordinator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma; certifications like IATA or TSA may be preferredOften requires a high school diploma; certifications in logistics or supply chain management are advantageous
Work EnvironmentAirports, cargo terminals, shipping companiesLogistics offices, warehouses, shipping companies
Job ResponsibilitiesHandling cargo documentation, coordinating shipments, ensuring compliance with regulationsPlanning and coordinating freight shipments, managing schedules, liaising with carriers

While both Cargo Agents and Freight Coordinators work within the logistics and shipping industry, Cargo Agents primarily focus on handling cargo documentation and compliance at airports or terminals. Freight Coordinators oversee the planning and coordination of shipments across various transportation modes. Both roles require strong organizational skills and knowledge of shipping regulations, but they differ in daily tasks and work environments.

How much do cargo agents make in the US?

Cargo agents in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $35,000 to $45,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the employer, with some earning higher through overtime or specialized skills such as handling hazardous materials or operating certain equipment.
More about Cargo Agent jobs

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Cargo Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Agent job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,185 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

DSM Cargo Warehouse Agent

Des Moines, IA

Swissport International AG
Transportation and Warehousing • 10K+ employees

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 67 rated aviation services

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Good training

Learn more about Swissport International AGexternal

$17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Are you ready to take flight in a dynamic and fast-paced aviation industry? As a global leader in aviation services, Swissport provides Ground Handling, Cargo Handling, and Passenger Services to over 300 million passengers annually. Our mission is simple – “To provide the aviation industry with consistent and tailor-made solutions around the globe, for a better customer experience.” 

We believe that our people are what differentiates us from our competition. At Swissport, we are driven by our core values of Show You Care, Do the Right Things and Win as a Team, and we are currently seeking dedicated individuals, who align with these values, to join our team at various locations across the globe.  

Job Summary

Cargo Agent organizes warehouse and storage facilities; arranges warehouse handling equipment and loads/unloads air cargo, while maintaining the required safety and quality standards as well as comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and company policies.

The expected pay rate is $17.50/hour. 

Your activities

  • Load/unload air cargo from/to trucks
  • Prepare and palletize cargo as needed
  • Make sure paperwork related to the cargo is correct
  • Assure proper handling and delivery of cargo and operation of related equipment
  • Follow Dangerous Goods Requirements and Regulations
  • Comply with Swissport Standard Operating Procedures and Policies
  • All other duties as assigned

Your profile

  • High School Diploma
  • Valid driver's license
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Must be able to work flexible working hours
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Customer focus and quality awareness
  • Must be able to work in inclement weather

At Swissport, we believe in diversity, equal opportunity, and the power of our values to drive our success. We are committed to providing a workplace that fosters inclusion and where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 

Visit our website at www.careers.swissport.com to learn more about Life at Swissport. 

Join Swissport today and be part of a team that connects the world of aviation! 

What Swissport International AG employees say

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