OPT Cargo Handler Jobs
Cargo Handler jobs are physically demanding, fast-paced roles in airports, warehouses, and freight terminals that typically don't require a degree, making OPT eligibility a real consideration. STEM OPT extensions generally don't apply here, so plan around your standard 12-month OPT window and confirm each employer's willingness to sponsor future work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsEssential Job Functions
- Log and respond to all incoming cargo claims through the claims management system
- Report appropriate claims to the insurance carrier in a timely manner
- Develop action plans to move claims to resolution
- Responsible for the adjustment and handling of all cargo liability claims from third parties
- Partners with the insurer, insurance broker and TPA to ensure best claims practices are followed from submission to final resolution
- Handles subrogation recoveries
- Responsible for maintaining all loss data in the claims data base
- Collect, organize, analyze and provide claim reports to management and other departments as required
- Responsible for submitting claims to accounting for payment
- Ensure claims are paid as appropriate, following company procedure and approval levels. Book claims appropriately to the correct business units
- Recognize and elevate claims to the Senior Manager that could have significant exposures to the company
- Communicates claims activities with the Senior Manager and appropriate parties as needed
- Participates in insurer claim file reviews and conducts regular internal claim reviews
- Coordinate with insurance claim teams, holding them accountable for providing superior claim management services
- Assist department with responding to internal and external requests for information
- Other duties as assigned
Other Skills & Abilities
- Must have the ability to prioritize and follow through in providing accurate and reliable information in a fast-paced, multitasking environment
- Understanding of basic accounting principles and processes; computer skills – including heavy Excel knowledge; verbal and written communication skills; adept at problem resolution
- Excellent computer skills; requires Excel competency
- Data investigation knowledge
Physical Requirements
- Job requires the ability to use vision, adjust focus and work on a standard computer screen
- Job may require extended sitting or standing, use of standard office equipment
- Job will require presence on-site at the assigned work location
- Job requires attendance and dependability
Education & Experience
- 2-3 years cargo claims handling. Accounting experience a plus
- Knowledge of intermodal transportation, shipping industry standards and practices
- Maritime, Air and domestic regulations (e.g. US COGSA, Hague-Visby Rule, Montreal Convention) preferred
- Prior experience in a claims management system preferred
WHY SHOULD YOU WORK FOR CRANE?
At Crane, we believe in providing our employees with excellent benefits at a Great Place to Work.
We offer:
- 136 hours of Paid Time Off which equals 17 days for the year, that can be used for Sick Time or for Personal Use
- Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement for education related to your job
- Employee Referral Bonuses
- Employee Recognition and Rewards Program
- Paid Volunteer Time to support a cause that is close to your heart and contributes to our communities
- Employee Discounts
- Wellness Incentives that can go up to $100 per year for completing challenges, in addition to a discount on contribution rates
- Potential to earn a quarterly bonus
Come join the leader in logistics and take your career in the right direction.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
This position requires the final candidate to successfully pass an E-Verify Check.
More Information: http://www.dhs.gov/e-verify
Company benefits are contingent upon meeting eligibility requirements and plan conditions.
We are preparing to comply with the Biden Administration's mandate on COVID-19 vaccination. Please be advised that employment with the Company may be contingent upon your ability to provide proof of vaccination except in limited circumstances where you are eligible for a legal accommodation.
Essential Job Functions
- Log and respond to all incoming cargo claims through the claims management system
- Report appropriate claims to the insurance carrier in a timely manner
- Develop action plans to move claims to resolution
- Responsible for the adjustment and handling of all cargo liability claims from third parties
- Partners with the insurer, insurance broker and TPA to ensure best claims practices are followed from submission to final resolution
- Handles subrogation recoveries
- Responsible for maintaining all loss data in the claims data base
- Collect, organize, analyze and provide claim reports to management and other departments as required
- Responsible for submitting claims to accounting for payment
- Ensure claims are paid as appropriate, following company procedure and approval levels. Book claims appropriately to the correct business units
- Recognize and elevate claims to the Senior Manager that could have significant exposures to the company
- Communicates claims activities with the Senior Manager and appropriate parties as needed
- Participates in insurer claim file reviews and conducts regular internal claim reviews
- Coordinate with insurance claim teams, holding them accountable for providing superior claim management services
- Assist department with responding to internal and external requests for information
- Other duties as assigned
Other Skills & Abilities
- Must have the ability to prioritize and follow through in providing accurate and reliable information in a fast-paced, multitasking environment
- Understanding of basic accounting principles and processes; computer skills – including heavy Excel knowledge; verbal and written communication skills; adept at problem resolution
- Excellent computer skills; requires Excel competency
- Data investigation knowledge
Physical Requirements
- Job requires the ability to use vision, adjust focus and work on a standard computer screen
- Job may require extended sitting or standing, use of standard office equipment
- Job will require presence on-site at the assigned work location
- Job requires attendance and dependability
Education & Experience
- 2-3 years cargo claims handling. Accounting experience a plus
- Knowledge of intermodal transportation, shipping industry standards and practices
- Maritime, Air and domestic regulations (e.g. US COGSA, Hague-Visby Rule, Montreal Convention) preferred
- Prior experience in a claims management system preferred
WHY SHOULD YOU WORK FOR CRANE?
At Crane, we believe in providing our employees with excellent benefits at a Great Place to Work.
We offer:
- 136 hours of Paid Time Off which equals 17 days for the year, that can be used for Sick Time or for Personal Use
- Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement for education related to your job
- Employee Referral Bonuses
- Employee Recognition and Rewards Program
- Paid Volunteer Time to support a cause that is close to your heart and contributes to our communities
- Employee Discounts
- Wellness Incentives that can go up to $100 per year for completing challenges, in addition to a discount on contribution rates
- Potential to earn a quarterly bonus
Come join the leader in logistics and take your career in the right direction.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
This position requires the final candidate to successfully pass an E-Verify Check.
More Information: http://www.dhs.gov/e-verify
Company benefits are contingent upon meeting eligibility requirements and plan conditions.
We are preparing to comply with the Biden Administration's mandate on COVID-19 vaccination. Please be advised that employment with the Company may be contingent upon your ability to provide proof of vaccination except in limited circumstances where you are eligible for a legal accommodation.
See all 437+ OPT Cargo Handler Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Cargo Handler Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Cargo Handler
Target freight and logistics companies directly
Large freight carriers, ground handling companies, and third-party logistics providers hire cargo handlers regularly. Apply directly through company career pages rather than waiting for postings to surface elsewhere. Direct applications signal genuine interest and reach hiring managers faster.
Be upfront about your OPT authorization dates
Cargo handler roles often start quickly. Have your EAD card and OPT start and end dates ready to share at the offer stage. Employers in logistics appreciate straightforward timelines so they can plan onboarding and any future sponsorship discussions without surprises.
Ask about H-2B and TN pathways during interviews
Some cargo employers use H-2B visas for recurring seasonal work or sponsor TN status for Canadian and Mexican nationals. Asking about these pathways during interviews shows planning and helps you identify employers with existing immigration infrastructure before accepting an offer.
Highlight physical certifications and safety training
OSHA forklift certification, hazmat handling credentials, or TSA security threat assessment clearance make you a stronger candidate and reduce employer onboarding costs. Candidates who arrive with relevant safety credentials are easier to place quickly, which matters when OPT timelines are tight.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly employers
Not every cargo handler posting comes from an employer willing to work with OPT students. Migrate Mate filters roles by sponsorship openness so you spend time on applications that are actually viable, rather than discovering authorization issues after a phone screen.
Cargo Handler OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Cargo Handler on OPT?
Yes. Cargo handler roles qualify for OPT as long as the position is directly related to your degree field. If your degree is in logistics, supply chain, aviation, or a related area, you're in a strong position. Students with unrelated degrees should document the connection carefully, since USCIS requires that OPT employment be relevant to your program of study.
Do Cargo Handler jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
In most cases, no. Cargo handling occupations are not tied to STEM-designated CIP codes, so the standard 24-month STEM OPT extension is unlikely to apply. You'll need to work within your 12-month OPT authorization window. If you're in a logistics technology or engineering role with cargo responsibilities, consult your DSO to assess whether your specific degree and job duties could qualify.
What happens to my OPT if I lose a Cargo Handler job?
You have a 90-day unemployment tolerance built into your OPT period. If you lose your cargo handler position, you can continue job searching without immediately violating your status. However, all unemployment days across your entire OPT period count toward that 90-day limit. Report any employment changes to your DSO promptly and restart your search quickly, since freight and logistics employers often hire on short timelines.
Do Cargo Handler employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Sponsorship rates in cargo handling vary significantly by employer size. Large freight carriers and airport ground services companies with established HR infrastructure are more likely to have sponsored H-1B or other work visas before. Smaller regional operators often lack the resources or experience to sponsor. Researching each employer's past sponsorship history before applying is worth the time. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers with documented sponsorship activity, which helps you target your applications.
Does working Cargo Handler shifts count toward my OPT if I work part-time?
Yes, part-time cargo handler work counts toward OPT as long as you work at least 20 hours per week. USCIS requires OPT employment to be at least half-time, so any arrangement below 20 hours per week would not satisfy the requirement and could jeopardize your status. Confirm your scheduled hours in writing before your start date, since shift-based logistics roles can fluctuate week to week.