1

Cargo Load Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Military Shipping Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

S. Army Transportation Movement Control (88N, 88H), you will own the end-to-end preparation of cargo, load planning, HAZMAT compliance, and ATTLA Certifications to support rapid deployments to ...

Military Shipping Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Cargo Prep & Load Planning * Plan & create load plans by utilizing automated information systems to determine quantities of pallets, while fully maximizing volumetric space. * Define the standard to ...

Loadmaster

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Loads freight on to the organizations 747 aircraft in accordance with Cargo Operations and Weight ... Experience in freight build-up and load planning * Current or previous Hazmat qualification. Mental ...

Loadmaster

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

... cargo security, and maintain accurate documentation. Capable of coordinating with flight crews, ground personnel, vendors, and regulatory agencies. Comfortable using ramp checklists, load planning ...

Loadmaster

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

... cargo security, and maintain accurate documentation. Capable of coordinating with flight crews, ground personnel, vendors, and regulatory agencies. Comfortable using ramp checklists, load planning ...

Key Duties * Assist customers with shipping needs (e.g. air cargo transactions, airway bill preparation, rating, acceptance, load planning, filling, tracing, and telephone inquiries) in a warehouse ...

ATI GROUND COORDINATOR

$47K - $61K/yr

Move over and around cargo while performing loadmaster duties * Work beyond a normal 8-hour work day * Certified in weight and balance or load planning preferred * Certified in acceptance, loading ...

Load and unload equipment safely, and secure chain, strap, and bind the cargo to the trailer according to weight limits and regulations. * Help with planning routes: Plan efficient and safe route ...

Load and unload equipment safely, and secure chain, strap, and bind the cargo to the trailer according to weight limits and regulations. * Help with planning routes: Plan efficient and safe route ...

Loadmaster

Orlando, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Loads freight on to the organizations 747 aircraft in accordance with Cargo Operations and Weight ... Experience in freight build-up and load planning * Current or previous Hazmat qualification. Mental ...

Showing results 21-40

Cargo Load Planner information

See salary details

$14

$21

$31

How much do cargo load planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo load planner in the United States is $21.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cargo load planner do?

A Cargo Load Planner is responsible for organizing and optimizing the placement of cargo on aircraft, ships, or trucks to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective transport. They consider factors such as weight distribution, balance, cargo dimensions, and regulations to create detailed load plans. Their work helps prevent overloading, ensures proper use of space, and complies with safety standards. Additionally, they often coordinate with other logistics and transportation personnel to handle last-minute changes and special cargo requirements.

What are the typical challenges a cargo load planner faces when balancing efficiency and safety regulations?

As a Cargo Load Planner, you'll often encounter the challenge of optimizing cargo loads for maximum efficiency while strictly adhering to safety regulations and weight restrictions. Balancing these priorities involves careful calculation to prevent overloading, ensuring proper weight distribution, and complying with all airline or shipping industry standards. You'll need to collaborate closely with warehouse staff, flight crews, and logistics coordinators to address last-minute changes or unexpected cargo. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial for preventing delays and ensuring safe, timely departures.

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

To thrive as a Cargo Load Planner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of logistics and weight distribution principles, often supported by a relevant degree or prior experience in transportation. Familiarity with load planning software, cargo management systems, and regulatory compliance tools is important for efficient operations. Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills help coordinate with multiple teams and quickly resolve unexpected issues. These capabilities are crucial to ensure safety, maximize cargo efficiency, and comply with industry regulations.

What is the difference between Cargo Load Planner vs Freight Coordinator?

AspectCargo Load PlannerFreight Coordinator
CertificationsLogistics or supply chain certifications often preferredLogistics or transportation certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentWarehouse, shipping yards, or logistics officesLogistics offices, shipping terminals, or distribution centers
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, freight carriers, logistics providersFreight forwarding companies, shipping lines, logistics firms
Primary FocusPlanning and optimizing cargo loads for transportCoordinating freight shipments and managing schedules

While both roles are integral to logistics operations, a Cargo Load Planner primarily focuses on planning and optimizing cargo loads for efficient transportation. In contrast, a Freight Coordinator manages the scheduling and coordination of freight shipments. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on skills and career goals.

More about Cargo Load Planner jobs
Infographic showing various Cargo Load Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,173 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Military Shipping Lead

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,541 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking a Military Shipping Lead to join our Global Logistics team. In this role, you will be the tactical and strategic lead for preparing, staging, and deploying Anduril's advanced defense hardware via military and commercial airlift. Drawing on expertise similar to a U.S. Air Force Air Transportation Specialist (2T2X1), U.S. Marine Corps Logistics Specialist (0431, 0481, 0441, 0491, 0402), or U.S. Army Transportation Movement Control (88N, 88H), you will own the end-to-end preparation of cargo, load planning, HAZMAT compliance, and ATTLA Certifications to support rapid deployments to military test sites and operational theaters globally.
In addition to tactical execution, this role serves as a critical bridge for our international expansion. You will integrate elements of military program management to oversee logistics lifecycles for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and ensuring seamless delivery of cutting-edge defense capabilities to our global allies.
This is a highly active, hands-on role requiring a unique blend of technical logistics knowledge, regulatory compliance, international program coordination, and stakeholder management. You will ensure our cutting-edge systems-ranging from autonomous drones to sentry towers-are safely, legally, and efficiently certified, cleared, and delivered to foreign partners and domestic operators alike.
WHAT YOU'LL DO

Facilitate Foreign Military Sales (FMS) & MilAir Shipments

  • Serve as the subject matter expert in military logistics between our foreign allies, military program offices, and high-ranking US Government officials.
  • Liaise directly with military program offices, foreign military attaches, freight forwarders, and host-nation defense logistics agencies to coordinate end-to-end international transportation.
  • Advise internal program managers and international business development teams on shipping feasibility, transit timelines, and cargo readiness.

Cargo Prep & Load Planning

  • Plan & create load plans by utilizing automated information systems to determine quantities of pallets, while fully maximizing volumetric space.
  • Define the standard to build, wrap, and tie down dual-rail and 463L pallet systems, utilizing standard netting, tie-down straps, and chains to ensure secure transit.
  • Coordinate the marshaling of vehicles and equipment into marshaling yards for storage and/or embarkation.
  • Own the end-to-end ATTLA (Air Transportability Test Loading Activity) certification process for Anduril products.

HAZMAT & Compliance

  • Inspect, identify, and package hazardous materials (including lithium batteries, specialized fuel systems, and defense payloads) in strict accordance with AFMAN 24-604, CFR 49, IATA, and IMDG regulations.
  • Prepare and certify dangerous goods declarations (AMC 1033 / Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods).
  • Lead Joint Inspections (JI) with military receivers and terminal authorities to ensure Anduril cargo is cleared for flight without delay.
  • Coordinate the secure packaging, handling, and transport of classified and sensitive items in strict compliance with applicable security regulations (e.g., NISPOM, DoD 5200.01, and DTR 4500.9-R), ensuring proper protection, documentation, and chain of custody throughout transit.

Shipping Documentation & Tracking

  • Generate and manage critical military shipping documentation, including Transportation Control and Movement Documents (TCMDs / DD1384), Military Shipping Labels (MSLs/DD Form 1387), and any required export/customs documentation.
  • Input and track cargo utilizing automated data systems, RFID tags, and global logistics databases.
  • Coordinate with the Air Mobility Command (AMC), US Transportation Command, and Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) for defense-related air movements.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 6+ years of hands-on experience in military air cargo handling, air terminal operations, defense logistics management, & SAMM (Special Assignment Airlift Missions).
  • Experience directly equivalents to USAF 2T2X1 (Air Transportation), Army 88H/88N, or Marine Corps 0441/0431/0481 at the E-6 level or above.
  • Proven experience navigating military logistics and/or shipment coordination under Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) frameworks.
  • Current or past certification in Hazardous Materials preparation/certification (AFMAN 24-604, CFR 49, or commercial equivalent).
  • Strong understanding of 463L pallet buildup, commercial pallet buildup, & dual-rail systems.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and build load plans.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in outdoor flight line environments.
  • Ability to travel up to 35% to support off-site field testing, allied military installations, and deployment exercises.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Transportation, or a related field.
  • Certified AFMAN 24-604 Preparer/Certifier (Military HAZMAT air-shipment certification), IATA, 49 CFR, IMDG.
  • Experience utilizing military logistics software such as GATES, ICODES, SMS, or CMOS.
  • Experience with commercial air charter loading and international freight forwarding operations.
  • Prior experience working within an Air Terminal Operations Center (ATOC) or Ramp Services flight.
  • Excellent communication and diplomacy skills, with the ability to interface confidently with active-duty military personnel, loadmasters, foreign military officers, and senior USG stakeholders.
 

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media