The job market for freight and cargo inspectors in the United States

There are currently an estimated 25,700 freight and cargo inspectors in the United States. The freight and cargo inspector job market is expected to grow by 2.7% between 2022 and 2032.

How employable are freight and cargo inspectors?

CareerExplorer rates freight and cargo inspectors with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 6,200 freight and cargo inspectors. That number is based on 700 additional freight and cargo inspectors, and the retirement of 5,500 existing freight and cargo inspectors.

Are freight and cargo inspectors in demand?

Most employment opportunities for freight and cargo inspectors will result from the need to replace retirees from the occupation. Overall, the job market is expected to be negatively impacted by continuing advances in port technology. In recent years, non-intrusive inspection of cargo containers to verify contents at shipping and customs points has emerged. Artificial vision and process control systems are able to scan containers, vehicles, and rail cars; provide underside video images; perform automatic radioactive materials detection; and verify documentation integrity. In addition, they have the capability to save complex files containing data from multiple inspections. These systems are becoming more sophisticated, less prone to defect, and less expensive. Avoiding contraband and deflecting illegal and terrorist activities will always require human involvement. Automation, however, is significantly improving efficiency, security, and safety; and will continue to exert pressure on the job market for freight and cargo inspectors. Experienced inspectors may advance to supervisory roles. Those who earn an engineering degree have potential to transition to jobs in the engineering sector.

What’s the supply of freight and cargo inspectors?

The freight and cargo inspector industry is concentrated in New York, Texas, California

Freight and Cargo Inspector job market by state