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Freight Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AAA Cooper Transportation

Dock Worker

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Inspect freight for damage upon arrival and departure, accurately document any discrepancies, and report issues via the appropriate channels. * Read, write, and understand shipping labels, manifests ...

AAA Cooper Transportation

Dock Worker

San Leandro, CA · On-site

Inspect freight for damage upon arrival and departure, accurately document any discrepancies, and report issues via the appropriate channels. * Read, write, and understand shipping labels, manifests ...

Ladgov Corporation

Elevator Inspector

San Jose, CA · On-site

Perform scheduled semi-annual, annual, and four-year inspections of passenger, freight, and hydraulic elevator systems. * Inspect all elevators assigned under the contract in accordance with the ...

Ladgov Corporation

Elevator Inspector

San Jose, CA · On-site

Perform scheduled semi-annual, annual, and four-year inspections of passenger, freight, and hydraulic elevator systems. * Inspect all elevators assigned under the contract in accordance with the ...

Department of Transportation

CA

$89K/yr

Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. * Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety ...

Department of Transportation

CA

$89K/yr

Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. * Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. * Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. * Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety ...

Department of Transportation

CA

$89K/yr

Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. * Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. * Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety ...

Department of Transportation

CA

$89K/yr

Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. * Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. * Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety ...

Department of Transportation

CA

$89K/yr

Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. * Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. * Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety ...

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Freight Inspector information

See California salary details

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How much do freight inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight inspector in California is $8.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.56 and $8.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a quality inspector?

To become a freight inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of inspection procedures and safety standards. Relevant skills include attention to detail, ability to operate inspection tools, and understanding of shipping regulations; certifications such as Certified Inspector or quality assurance training can be advantageous.

What is a freight inspector?

A freight inspector is a professional responsible for examining shipments to ensure they meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. They check for damages, proper documentation, and compliance with industry regulations, often using tools like inspection reports and safety protocols. This role typically requires attention to detail and knowledge of transportation regulations.

What are some common challenges Freight Inspectors face when ensuring compliance with shipping regulations?

Freight Inspectors often encounter challenges such as accurately identifying damaged or improperly labeled cargo, keeping up with frequently changing shipping regulations, and managing high volumes of shipments within tight timeframes. They must pay close attention to detail while working in fast-paced, sometimes noisy environments, and coordinate with warehouse staff, truck drivers, and compliance officers to resolve discrepancies quickly. Staying organized and effectively communicating with different teams are crucial skills for overcoming these challenges and ensuring safe, compliant freight operations.

What Does a Freight Inspector Do?

As a freight inspector, your duties are to inspect shipments to ensure that they are packed and secured correctly and loaded in the proper container. You also make sure that contents are in compliance with all freight regulations. You review cargo manifests and file reports after a shipment ua complete, inspect them when they arrive at a shipping location, such as a port, rail yard or freight depot, and advise shipping crews whenever freight is not stored correctly so that they avoid accidents. Your responsibilities differ slightly if you are dealing with ships, trucks, or trains.

What is the difference between Freight Inspector vs Cargo Auditor?

AspectFreight InspectorCargo Auditor
CertificationsOften requires freight inspection certifications or relevant safety trainingMay require auditing or logistics certifications
Work EnvironmentInspects shipments at warehouses, ports, or transportation hubsReviews shipping records and verifies cargo accuracy, often in office or warehouse settings
Employer & IndustryLogistics, transportation, freight companiesShipping companies, freight forwarders, logistics firms

While both roles involve freight and cargo, Freight Inspectors focus on physically examining shipments for damages, compliance, and safety, whereas Cargo Auditors verify shipping records and ensure cargo accuracy. Both positions are essential in the logistics chain but serve different functions related to freight management.

How to become a cargo inspector?

To become a cargo inspector, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of safety standards and inspection procedures. Relevant skills include attention to detail and familiarity with inspection tools, and certifications such as OSHA safety training can enhance job prospects. Gaining experience through entry-level positions or apprenticeships is also common in this field.

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

To thrive as a Freight Inspector, you need strong attention to detail, knowledge of shipping and receiving procedures, and familiarity with safety regulations, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency in using inspection tools, warehouse management systems, and sometimes handheld scanners is typically required. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and reliability are valuable soft skills that help manage discrepancies and coordinate with logistics teams. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate freight handling, compliance with regulations, and smooth supply chain operations.

What kind of inspector gets paid the most?

Senior or specialized freight inspectors, such as those with advanced certifications or extensive experience in hazardous materials or security inspections, tend to earn higher salaries. Inspectors working in high-risk environments or for large logistics companies often receive higher pay due to the complexity and responsibility of their roles.

What are Freight Inspectors?

Freight Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining, measuring, and documenting cargo shipments to ensure they comply with regulations and company standards. They check for damage, verify quantities, and make sure the freight matches shipping documentation. Freight Inspectors play a crucial role in preventing losses due to damaged or misrouted goods and help maintain safety and compliance in transportation. Their work is essential for the efficient and secure movement of freight across supply chains.
More about Freight Inspector jobs
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Freight Inspector jobs near you
Dock Worker

Dock Worker

AAA Cooper Transportation

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

AAA Cooper Transportation rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 63 rated delivery companies

Job description

Job Summary
Dock Workers must efficiently and safely load and unload freight while following company procedures to ensure customer shipments are loaded in the correct trailers, properly secured, and protected from damage.
Key Responsibilities
  • Load and unload freight in a cross-dock environment with forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
  • Manually hand load, recoup, stack, and unstack shipments as necessary.
  • Utilize proper loading techniques and equipment, such as logistic bars, logistic straps, dunnage, and airbags.
  • Operate company IT equipment within policy to ensure proper movement of freight.
  • Inspect freight for damage upon arrival and departure, accurately document any discrepancies, and report issues via the appropriate channels.
  • Read, write, and understand shipping labels, manifests, freight bills, and internal company forms.
  • Perform proper inspections of company equipment.

Qualifications
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English.
  • Must complete onboarding process including drug screening and background review.
  • Must complete new hire trainings including assessment-based training modules and forklift driving test.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.

Pay Range: 25.00-27.50 per_hour, General Benefits:
Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
This position requires but is not limited to the following physical requirements: sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, material moving, lifting, and reaching.
In addition, this position requires but is not limited to the following cognitive requirements: Maintain situational awareness, read manifests, interpret navigation, and identify shipment labels accurately. Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Working Environment
This position operates in various environments, including indoor docks, enclosed vehicles, and outdoor areas. Work may occur in extreme temperatures, inclement weather, low-light conditions, and around moving equipment or other personnel engaged in freight handling.
Operating Schedule
Days: Monday through Sunday (varies by business needs)
Shifts: AM/PM

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