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Freight Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Dayton Freight

CDL A Local Driver

Crest Hill, IL · On-site

$36.50/hr

Perform pre and post trip inspections on the tractor and trailer that is being utilized * Properly document all freight control processes * Read and understand maps, road signs, shipping papers ...

Dayton Freight

CDL A Local Driver

Crest Hill, IL · On-site

$36.50/hr

Perform pre and post trip inspections on the tractor and trailer that is being utilized * Properly document all freight control processes * Read and understand maps, road signs, shipping papers ...

Dayton Freight

CDL A Local Driver

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$36.50/hr

Perform pre and post trip inspections on the tractor and trailer that is being utilized * Properly document all freight control processes * Read and understand maps, road signs, shipping papers ...

Dayton Freight

CDL A Local Driver

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$36.50/hr

Perform pre and post trip inspections on the tractor and trailer that is being utilized * Properly document all freight control processes * Read and understand maps, road signs, shipping papers ...

Dayton Freight

CDL A Local Driver

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$36.50/hr

Perform pre and post trip inspections on the tractor and trailer that is being utilized * Properly document all freight control processes * Read and understand maps, road signs, shipping papers ...

Dayton Freight

CDL A Local Driver

Crest Hill, IL

$36.50/hr

Perform pre and post trip inspections on the tractor and trailer that is being utilized * Properly document all freight control processes * Read and understand maps, road signs, shipping papers ...

Dayton Freight

Class B CDL Local Driver

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$28/hr

Perform pre and post trip inspections on the tractor and trailer that is being utilized * Properly document all freight control processes * Read and understand maps, road signs, shipping papers ...

XPO

Supervisor, Freight Operations

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$62K - $77K/yr

Inspect working conditions of tools and equipment needed for safe operation within the workplace ... Freight Operations Supervisors are required to: * Lift objects of various shapes, sizes and weights ...

XPO Logistics

Supervisor, Freight Operations

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$62K - $77K/yr

Inspect working conditions of tools and equipment needed for safe operation within the workplace ... Freight Operations Supervisors are required to: * Lift objects of various shapes, sizes and weights ...

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All JobsFreight Inspector JobsFreight Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

Freight Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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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 Chicago, IL is $8.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.89 and $8.89 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Freight Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freight Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freight Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freight Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Freight Inspector jobs near you
5am - 10am: Part-time Dock Worker / Forklift Operator

5am - 10am: Part-time Dock Worker / Forklift Operator

Dayton Freight

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$23.95/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Dayton Freight rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 345 rated logistics

Job description

Overview
** This is a Part Time Position
** Flexible schedules available
Available Shift Time:
Tuesday - Saturday | 5:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Stable and growing organization
  • Pay beginning at $23.95 per hour
  • Quick advancement
  • Professional, positive and people-centered work environment
  • Modern facilities
  • Clean, late model equipment
  • 401(k) plan, Company Match

Responsibilities
As a Dock Worker, you will load and unload freight in a productive, safe and claims-free manner. Although DFL Dock Workers do not work inside a warehouse, you must maximize space when loading freight.
  • Complete pre and post trip inspections on all dock equipment
  • Properly document all freight control processes
  • Participate in Dayton Freight's training and improvement programs
  • Be available for irregular work schedules, alternating work shifts and/or assignments
  • Adhere to the operational procedures and guidelines contained in the Dayton Freight Driver/Dockworker Manual

Qualifications
  • 18 years of age
  • Basic math skills
  • Fluent in English
  • Able to pass a drug screen

Benefits
  • Stable and growing organization
  • Pay beginning at $23.95 per hour
  • Quick advancement
  • Professional, positive and people-centered work environment
  • Modern facilities
  • Clean, late model equipment
  • 401(k) plan, Company Match

Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to perform routine physical tasks associated with dock and inspection operations, including ascending and descending from forklifts, operating forklifts and handling freight and related equipment. Duties may involve standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching, climbing, and entering trailers, with regular use of scanners and computer systems.
* The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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