ship-planner/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — ship planner

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 43-5011.00 (Cargo and Freight Agents) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 4323; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

Task statements

• [Core] Track delivery progress of shipments.
• [Core] Notify consignees, passengers, or customers of freight or baggage arrival and arrange for delivery.
• [Supplemental] Check import or export documentation to determine cargo contents and use tariff coding system to classify goods according to fee or tariff group.
• [Supplemental] Prepare manifests showing numbers of airplane passengers and baggage, mail, and freight weights, transmitting data to destinations.
• [Supplemental] Contact vendors or claims adjustment departments to resolve shipment problems or contact service depots to arrange for repairs.
• [Core] Negotiate and arrange transport of goods with shipping or freight companies.
• [Core] Advise clients on transportation and payment methods.
• [Core] Determine method of shipment and prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.
• [Core] Estimate freight or postal rates and record shipment costs and weights.
• [Core] Enter shipping information into a computer by hand or by a hand-held scanner that reads bar codes on goods.
• [Core] Retrieve stored items and trace lost shipments as necessary.
• [Supplemental] Pack goods for shipping, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers.
• [Supplemental] Direct delivery trucks to shipping doors or designated marshaling areas and help load and unload goods safely.
• [Supplemental] Inspect and count items received and check them against invoices or other documents, recording shortages and rejecting damaged goods.
• [Supplemental] Install straps, braces, and padding to loads to prevent shifting or damage during shipment.
• [Core] Keep records of all goods shipped, received, and stored.
• [Supplemental] Coordinate and supervise activities of workers engaged in packing and shipping merchandise.
• [Supplemental] Arrange insurance coverage for goods.
• [Supplemental] Direct or participate in cargo loading to ensure completeness of load and even distribution of weight.
• [Supplemental] Open cargo containers and unwrap contents, using steel cutters, crowbars, or other hand tools.
• [Supplemental] Attach address labels, identification codes, and shipping instructions to containers.
• [Supplemental] Route received goods to first available flight or to appropriate storage areas or departments, using forklifts, hand trucks, or other equipment.
• [Supplemental] Maintain a supply of packing materials.
• [Supplemental] Assemble containers and crates used to transport items, such as machines or vehicles.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions.
• Arrange insurance coverage.
• Assemble wood products.
• Attach identification information to products, items or containers.
• Calculate shipping costs.
• Coordinate operational activities.
• Coordinate shipping activities with external parties.
• Enter information into databases or software programs.
• Inspect items for damage or defects.
• Inspect shipments to ensure correct order fulfillment.
• Load materials or equipment.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Maintain operational records.
• Manage clerical or administrative activities.
• Negotiate financial arrangements.
• Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
• Package objects for shipping.
• Provide notifications to customers or patrons.
• Recommend packing or shipping methods.
• Record shipping information.
• Supervise clerical or administrative personnel.
• Track goods or materials.
• Unload materials or equipment.
• Verify shipping documentation.