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Freight Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 Jose, 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 ...

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 · On-site

$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 ...

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All JobsFreight Inspector JobsFreight Inspector Jobs in California

Freight Inspector information

See California salary details

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$8

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How much do freight inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 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 freight handling. Certifications such as Certified Inspector or OSHA safety training can enhance job prospects.

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 equipment. This role typically requires attention to detail and knowledge of transportation and cargo handling procedures.

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 is the highest paying job on a cargo ship?

The highest paying job on a cargo ship is typically the captain or master, who is responsible for overall vessel operation and safety. They often earn the most due to their experience, leadership role, and responsibility, with salaries varying based on the ship's size, route, and company policies.

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.

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?

In the freight inspection field, senior or specialized inspectors with extensive experience, certifications, or expertise in specific cargo types tend to earn higher salaries. Inspectors working in high-value or hazardous cargo environments, or those with advanced skills in quality control and compliance, generally receive higher pay. Salary can also vary based on industry, location, and employer size.

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
What are the most commonly searched types of Freight Inspector jobs in California? The most popular types of Freight Inspector jobs in California are:
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What job categories do people searching Freight Inspector jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Inspector jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freight Inspector jobs? Cities in California with the most Freight Inspector job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Freight Inspector jobs in CA? For Freight Inspector jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Freight Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Inspector job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $17,764 per year, or $8.5 per hour.
Air Freight Import Agent

Air Freight Import Agent

APOLLO FREIGHT INC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Overview:

HPL Apollo is seeking a Air Freight Import Agent to join our perishable freight forwarding team. The Air Freight Import Agent is responsible for coordinating and managing the importation of air cargo shipments. This role ensures timely customs clearance, accurate documentation, and efficient delivery while maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements and company standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate the end-to-end import process for air freight shipments
  • Prepare, review, and process import documentation (e.g., air waybills, packing lists)
  • Arrange customs clearance and ensure compliance with all local and international regulations
  • Communicate with airlines, customs brokers, clients, and internal teams to ensure smooth shipment handling
  • Track and monitor shipments, providing updates to customers as needed
  • Resolve shipment discrepancies, delays, or documentation issues
  • Calculate duties, taxes, and other charges where applicable
  • Maintain accurate records in freight management systems
  • Coordinate inspections with CBP, agriculture to ensure timely cargo clearance
  • Arrange delivery appointments and secure proof of delivery (POD) documentation
  • Ensure all special handling requirements and customer instructions are met
  • High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred)
  • 1–3 years of experience in air freight, logistics, or import operations
  • Knowledge of customs procedures and international shipping regulations
  • Familiarity with air cargo documentation and freight systems
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and logistics software

Preferred Skills

  • Experience working with customs brokers or freight forwarders
  • Knowledge of tariff classifications and duty calculations

Due to the seasonal nature of our business, flexibility in your work schedule is required, including the ability to work mandatory overtime during peak seasons. We appreciate your commitment to ensuring the success of our operations during these critical times.

This job description is not an inclusive or exhaustive list of responsibilities and may be updated or revised at the Company’s discretion to meet operational needs. Nothing in this job description alters the at-will nature of employment, which may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, in accordance with federal and state laws.

HPL Apollo LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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