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Freight Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

XPO

Supervisor, Freight Operations

Chicago Heights, IL

$65K - $81K/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 ...

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 ...

Cargo Express Freight

Regional CDL Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$1.3K - $1.7K/wk

Inspect trailers to confirm freight is properly loaded and secured, perform count checks, review customer invoices, and complete required paperwork accurately and legibly. * Deliver customer orders ...

Cargo Express Freight

Regional CDL Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$1.3K - $1.7K/wk

Inspect trailers to confirm freight is properly loaded and secured, perform count checks, review customer invoices, and complete required paperwork accurately and legibly. * Deliver customer orders ...

Cargo Express Freight

Regional CDL Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$1.3K - $1.7K/wk

Inspect trailers to confirm freight is properly loaded and secured, perform count checks, review customer invoices, and complete required paperwork accurately and legibly. * Deliver customer orders ...

ALFA FREIGHT INC

Box Truck Owner Operator OTR

Joliet, IL

$5.5K - $8.0K/wk

Referral bonus, Clean inspection bonus * General freight - mostly no-touch * Assistance in acquiring your own MC * Steady OTR deliveries across the continental U.S. Support: * No forced dispatch * No ...

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Freight Inspector information

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How much do freight inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight inspector in Chicago, IL is $8.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.61 and $8.61 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
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
Infographic showing various Freight Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $17,891 per year, or $8.6 per hour.
Supervisor, Freight Operations

Supervisor, Freight Operations

XPO Logistics

Chicago Heights, IL • On-site

$65K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

XPO rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 219 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 356 rated logistics

Job description

What you need to succeed as a Freight Operations Supervisor at XPO
Minimum qualifications:
  • 2 years of related work experience in a warehouse, distribution, supply chain, transportation or similar environment
  • Knowledge of the Less-than-Truckload (LTL) industry, hazardous materials regulations and DOT rules and regulations
  • Available to work a variety of shifts, including days, evenings, nights and weekends

Preferred qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Distribution or Logistics, or 4 years of related work or military experience
  • 2 years of supervisory experience
  • LTL industry experience
  • Positive attitude with the ability to multitask and motivate your team
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and administrative skills

About the Freight Operations Supervisor job
Pay, benefits and more:
  • Competitive compensation package
  • Full health insurance benefits available on day one
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Earn up to 15 days of PTO over your first year
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • 401(k) option with company match
  • Education assistance
  • Opportunity to participate in a company incentive plan

What you'll do on a typical day:
  • Lead and supervise all aspects of freight operations
  • Develop and implement strategic work procedures to meet the evolving demands of the department
  • Evaluate, manage, assign and supervise workloads and tasks
  • Supervise hourly staff across various operations and act as primary point of contact for workplace concerns and questions
  • Ensure production goals are met by managing tonnage, payroll and other administrative functions
  • Plan hourly employee schedules to meet daily operations goals and lower costs
  • Enforce all company, FMCSR, OSHA, CCMTA, NSC and DOT policies, rules, regulations, and laws
  • Implement all applicable workplace policies and procedures and enforce compliance to optimize network performance
  • Ensure customer freight is processed, handled, loaded and delivered timely and damage free
  • Coach and develop employees on proper techniques and quality requirements, including conducting new hire employee evaluations and determining whether to issue corrective action for violations of XPO's workplace policies
  • Effectively direct a team to consistently meet or exceed productivity goals
  • Make recommendations regarding hiring, suspension and termination
  • Develop and present action plans to improve load average and model compliance
  • Participate in internal safety and engagement committees
  • Train employees on safety rules and processes
  • Monitor and maintain organization within the shift to ensure safety and productivity
  • Conduct daily staff meetings and communicate corporate messages, revisions to policies and procedures to all team members
  • Inspect working conditions of tools and equipment needed for safe operation within the workplace and direct the correction of any improper or adverse conditions that exist
  • Provide instruction, analyses, suggestions and ideas for improvement of operations within the shift and the service center
  • Act as a champion of XPO values by demonstrating them and holding your team to the same high standards
  • Minimize shipment rehandle across the network by prioritizing direct loading, headloads and sector loading while maintaining all company quality standards

Freight Operations Supervisors are required to:
  • Lift objects of various shapes, sizes and weights frequently up to 50 lbs. and occasionally greater than 75 lbs.
  • Reach (including above your head), bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat and kneel
  • Walk and stand for extended periods on a loading dock that is not climate controlled
  • Work outside in inclement weather

Annual Salary Range: $65,122 to $81,403. Actual compensation may vary due to factors such as experience and skill set. This is an incentive-based position, which may include bonuses, incentive or commission plans.
About XPO
XPO is a top ten global provider of transportation services, with a highly integrated network of people, technology and physical assets. At XPO, we look for employees who like a challenge and can communicate effectively in all situations. We want to leverage your skills and years of experience to drive positive results while ensuring a bright future for yourself and XPO. If you're looking for a growth opportunity, join us at XPO.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, disability, veteran or other protected status.
All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug test.
The above statements are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties and skills for this job classification.
Review XPO's candidate privacy statement here.

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About XPO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in Greenwich, Connecticut, XPO Logistics, Inc., operating under the brand name XPO, is a one of the leading companies in the transportation and logistics sector. Operating its services in 30 countries, the company employs the use of ground-breaking technology in providing a broad suite of logistics services including supply chain management, freight brokerage, last mile logistics, and intermodal and drayage transportation. XPO's impressive history dates back to 2011 and within its relatively short existence, it has made a series of acquisitions to consolidate its top-notch range of services. Their mission is to provide outstanding results to customers by envisioning and implementing significant advancements in freight transportation and logistics.

Industry

Import-export

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Greenwich, CT, US

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