Air freight/delivery services remain a promising career path in 2025 due to the growing global demand for cargo transportation.
The industry offers diverse job opportunities, from entry-level roles to management, with competitive salaries and career advancement options.
As e-commerce and global trade expand, air freight services continue to play a critical role, making it an excellent choice for those seeking stability and growth in their careers.
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What Is Air Freight Delivery?
Air freight delivery, also called air cargo delivery, involves the transportation of goods and packages by airplanes.
This method of shipping is known for being:
- Efficient: Air freight ensures faster delivery compared to other methods.
- Essential for Valuable or Time-Sensitive Goods: Ideal for items that require urgent handling or high-value protection.
It plays a critical role in connecting businesses and consumers across the globe quickly and reliably.
Is Air Freight/Delivery Services a Good Career Path?
Yes, air freight delivery services can be a very good career path due to the continued growth in the sector and the increasing demand for workers.
Most positions offer livable wages, good benefits, and the opportunity to maintain a comfortable life.
The industry offers a wide variety of career options, from blue-collar roles to office-based positions, making it a suitable choice for many job-seekers.
Pros and Cons of Working in Air Freight Delivery Services
PROS
- No formal education is required for many jobs.
- While a few positions might require certifications or vocational training, most roles do not require advanced degrees.
- Opportunities for advancement.
- Hard-working employees who provide value can climb the ladder. Your progress is only limited by your performance and willingness to pursue continued education.
CONS
- Physically demanding roles.
- Some positions, such as air cargo handlers or aircraft loadmasters, can be strenuous and tough on the body.
- Irregular scheduling.
- Work schedules often depend on delivery demands, meaning you might have to work weekends, nights, or during other inconvenient hours, whether in manual roles or office positions.
What Qualifications Are Needed to Work in Air Freight Delivery Services?
Qualifications for air freight delivery services vary by position:
- Entry-Level Roles: Typically require only a high school diploma.
- Mid-Level Roles: May need certifications, such as an air cargo transportation certificate, or skills like operating machinery (e.g., pallet jacks or forklifts).
- Higher-Tier Roles: Often demand college degrees in fields like logistics or related disciplines.
Across all roles, the following skills are essential:
- Physical strength and stamina (for demanding manual labor jobs).
- Safety awareness and time management.
- Technical or IT proficiency (for roles requiring data entry or operational systems).
Top Careers in Air Freight Delivery Services
Here’s a breakdown of popular roles in the industry, ranked by highest to lowest salary:
1. Freight Logistics Operations Manager
- Responsibilities:
- Oversee warehouse facilities and transportation processes.
- Manage drivers, third parties, and warehouse staff.
- Ensure compliance and prevent errors through people management.
- Annual Salary Range: $64,202 to $77,928
- Hourly Rate: $31 to $37
- Core Skills: Leadership, compliance, organization, people management, customer relationship management.
2. Freight Forwarder
- Responsibilities:
- Manage end-to-end transportation processes.
- Negotiate pricing, secure insurance, and handle documentation.
- Prepare warehousing and IT systems for record-keeping.
- Annual Salary Range: $43,042 to $77,059
- Hourly Rate: $21 to $37
- Core Skills: Negotiation, organization, communication, bookkeeping, IT literacy.
3. Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor (Aircraft Loadmaster)
- Responsibilities:
- Oversee shipment loading/unloading and staffing.
- Implement security measures.
- Act as part of the flight crew to monitor cargo and handle emergencies.
- Annual Salary Range: $38,830 to $82,450
- Median Hourly Rate: $25.74
- Core Skills: Detail-oriented, high-level communication, analytical thinking, and data processing.
4. Freight Broker
- Responsibilities:
- Act as a middleman to organize loading and drop-offs.
- Track orders, keep records, and secure the best freight deals.
- Annual Salary Range: $30,020 to $69,450
- Hourly Rate: Up to $37.18
- Core Skills: Sales, negotiation, attention-to-detail, accounting, and IT literacy.
5. Freight Handler
- Responsibilities:
- Handle incoming and outgoing goods.
- Operate machinery like forklifts (requires certification).
- Ensure safety standards and maintain records.
- Average Annual Salary: $47,470
- Hourly Rate: $18.67
- Core Skills: Organization, communication, attention-to-detail, health and safety compliance, basic computing.
6. Freight Agent
- Responsibilities:
- Coordinate imports and exports between airlines and terminals.
- Track shipments, maintain delivery records, and negotiate rates.
- Annual Salary Range: $36,317 to $49,594
- Hourly Rate: $17 to $24
- Core Skills: Attention-to-detail, customer service, negotiation, and communication.
Is Air Freight Profitable?
Yes, air freight is highly profitable. In 2021, despite challenges from the coronavirus outbreak, the cargo airline industry generated $175 billion in revenue.
What Is the Demand for Air Cargo Transportation?
The demand for air cargo transportation is expected to see double-digit growth in 2024.
In October, volumes increased by 11% year over year, even amidst challenges like the dockworker strike at U.S. East and Gulf Coast port.
Conclusion:
Air freight/delivery services are an excellent career choice in 2025, offering growth, stability, and opportunities across various roles.
The industry’s expansion, fueled by increasing e-commerce and global trade, ensures a strong demand for skilled workers.
Whether you’re seeking entry-level positions or higher management roles, this field provides competitive salaries and room for advancement, making it a rewarding path for individuals with diverse skills and ambitions.
