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Freight Inspector Jobs in Louisville, KY (NOW HIRING)

We're seeking a Truck Inspector (Quality Assurance Technician) to help ensure the commercial ... You'll be part of a collaborative team that supports the independent contractors who keep freight ...

We're seeking a Truck Inspector (Quality Assurance Technician) to help ensure the commercial ... You'll be part of a collaborative team that supports the independent contractors who keep freight ...

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Freight Inspector information

See Louisville, KY salary details

$5

$8

$9

How much do freight inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight inspector in Louisville, KY is $8.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.32 and $8.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freight inspector?

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.

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 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 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 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 freight inspector?

To become a freight inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should gain knowledge of freight handling, safety standards, and inspection procedures. Some positions require certification or training in cargo inspection or transportation safety, and experience with tools like inspection equipment can be beneficial.
Infographic showing various Freight Inspector job openings in Louisville, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $17,294 per year, or $8.3 per hour.

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Mercer Transportation rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Headquartered in Louisville, KY, Mercer Transportation is consistently ranked among the top carriers in the U.S. For over 40 years, we've built our reputation as one of the nation's leading owner-operator companies by fostering a family-oriented culture rooted in honesty, professional freedom, and respect.


We're seeking a Truck Inspector (Quality Assurance Technician) to help ensure the commercial vehicles and trailers operated by Mercer's owner-operators are safe and compliant with Department of Transportation requirements. This hands-on role combines vehicle inspections, equipment installation, driver support, and compliance documentation.


As a Truck Inspector, you'll conduct thorough safety inspections, identify needed repairs, install electronic equipment, and guide new contractors through Mercer's inspection requirements. Success in this position requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with drivers and internal teams.

This position is onsite Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.


What's In It for You

  • Competitive Pay - Based on experience and qualifications
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage - Mercer contributes over $7,500 per year toward your health insurance
  • Free Healthcare Clinic - Available at no cost to eligible employees, spouses, and dependent children
  • Wellness Incentives - Qualify for our Wellness Rate and pay as little as $0 per month for employee-only coverage
  • Earn Extra Rewards - Receive up to $300 per year in gift cards through wellness initiatives
  • Generous Time Off - Paid Time Off plus company-paid holidays
  • Company-Paid Protection - Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability included at no cost
  • Optional Benefits - Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Short-Term Disability
  • Secure Your Future - 401(k) with company match
  • Hands-On Training - Develop your knowledge of commercial vehicles, DOT regulations, inspection procedures, and safety systems


What You'll Do

  • Perform safety inspections on new and used commercial motor vehicles and trailers in accordance with federal regulations, state law, and Mercer requirements
  • Ensure trucks and trailers operated by Mercer contractors are safe and DOT compliant
  • Maintain responsibility for the quality, accuracy, and thoroughness of each inspection
  • Install Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and dash cameras in commercial motor vehicles
  • Maintain inventory of ELDs and dash cameras and prepare equipment for installation
  • Enter inspection information and maintain accurate inspection and maintenance records
  • Conduct truck inspection orientations for new contractors, agents, and employees
  • Notify contractors of inspection results and available repair options when deficiencies are identified
  • Receive and audit copies of roadside DOT inspections, complete required documentation, and distribute records to the appropriate state agency and internal department
  • Support drivers throughout the orientation process and for the duration of their relationship with Mercer
  • Coordinate with recruiters, contractors, and internal departments to maintain complete and accurate driver files
  • Stay current on DOT safety regulations, truck maintenance practices, systems, and procedures
  • Identify opportunities to improve inspection processes and implement practical solutions


Who You Are

  • Detail-oriented and committed to completing accurate, thorough inspections
  • Mechanically inclined with a general understanding of cars, trucks, or commercial equipment
  • Organized and able to manage multiple drivers, inspections, projects, and records at once
  • Able to follow established procedures and maintain consistent follow-through
  • Comfortable making independent decisions and using sound judgment to address maintenance and compliance concerns
  • Strong communicator who can clearly explain inspection results and requirements in person, by phone, and in writing
  • Responsive to driver needs while maintaining safety and compliance standards
  • Comfortable working in varied weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wind
  • Willing to learn commercial vehicle components, DOT regulations, and industry practices
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Valid driver's license required
  • Mechanical knowledge of diesel-powered commercial vehicles is a plus
  • Previous inspection experience-including automotive, home, structural, mechanical, or electrical inspections-is a plus


Why Mercer

At Mercer, safety and compliance are essential to our long-term success. You'll be part of a collaborative team that supports the independent contractors who keep freight moving across the country. We value attention to detail, practical problem-solving, continuous learning, and employees who take ownership of doing the job correctly.


Screening Requirements: May include a Motor Vehicle Record check, Drug Screen, and Criminal Background Check.


Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.


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