Department: Ground Operations
Our Company Promise
We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.
Job Description:*** For external applicants only:
(1.) Southwest Airlines will consider your interest for this position if you are currently a resident of the State of California.
(2.) Southwest Airlines will not consider your interest for this position if you have been interviewed by phone, virtually, and/or inperson
and not selected for the Freight Agent position at LAX within the last 12 months.***
Pay & Benefits:
Pay of $22.50 per hour*, with the opportunity for future increase per applicable collective bargaining agreement wage scale based on time in position. Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.
Benefits you’ll love:
Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollar for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution up to 10% of your eligible earnings**
Potential for annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan—when Southwest profits, you profit***
Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents
Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the first day of employment. You'll have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan, and coverage will be retroactively available to your first day of employment.
Explore more benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits
Want to be part of a small but mighty Team that helps move important shipments across the country? Freight Agents at Southwest work outside and in our Cargo facility t o safely load and unload cargo, including packages, U.S. Mail, fresh seafood, and even life-saving medical items. You’ll work with other airport Teams to keep flights on schedule and make sure shipments get where they need to go. You’ll help Customers who ship with Southwest Cargo, adjust priorities as needed, and support a smooth operation every day. As a Cargo Agent, you’ll learn new skills, work with a close Team, and play a big part in helping Southwest succeed. See what a day as a Freight Agent looks like: swa.is/DayWithFreightAgent
Additional details
This role is part of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which means pay, schedules, and other job details are set through an agreement with the labor union.
Work schedules are based on seniority and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. There may be times when mandatory overtime is required to support flight operations, but there are also opportunities to trade shifts and find a schedule that works for you.
U.S. Citizenship required under Federal regulations.
Learn more about becoming a Freight Agent and check out the FAQs: careers.southwestair.com/freight-and-cargo-agent-workgroup
We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.
Responsibilities
Provides friendly service to and maintains positive relationships with all internal and external Customers
Works in a cooperative spirit to ensure the success of our Company
Works in air freight facilities
May be exposed to a wide variety of weather conditions and jet and machinery noise and fumes
Responsible for opening/closing of the air freight facilities at which they are working
Handles Station AMS and radio communications traffic as needed
Checks Cargo information for each flight
Answers Cargo facility telephones
Resolve Customer situations by providing Positively Outrageous Service
Writes and submits irregularity reports as required
Checks cargo on hand to see that it is properly logged and accounted for
Checks that all board mail and Company material is dispatched and sent to indicated Stations
Responsibilities include greeting and handling Customers in a polite and friendly manner
Re-manifest cargo due to weight restrictions, delayed or cancelled flights, lost, delayed, or damaged shipments
Conducts Federally Mandated screening of all cargo shipments according to the Southwest Airlines TSA approved security program
Handles cash, checks, credit cards, and coupons as forms of payment for shipments. Computes charges, makes change and balances daily transactions.
Handles any aspect of processing a cargo shipment by operating a computerized point-of-sale system; resolving related complaints and problems
Properly maintains and wears the uniform by Company regulations and presents a neat and professional appearance while on duty
Provides friendly service to all co-workers and Customers. Performs special task or assignments as delegated by Supervisor or Station Management personnel
Responsible for ground security and assuring operations follow security procedures
May perform the duties of an Operations Agent. Further information can be found in the Operations Agent Job Description
Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to work well with others as part of a team, meet the public, and work under stressful situations
Must be able to obtain and maintain GSC qualification
Must comply with DOT drug and alcohol testing program
Ability to read documents, follow instructions, learn and understand ramp operations procedures, rules and regulations
Ability to type and/or use a computer keyboard with sufficient speed to meet demands of the job
Must successfully complete Operations/Freight Agent training program with a 90% or greater average and evaluation / probationary period
Must be aware of hazardous situations and be able to handle emergencies as needed
Able to work under pressure and handle many functions at once with many different offices and/or groups of people
Must work under tight time constraints to accomplish quick turns of aircraft
Must possess good written and oral skills
Must be able to effectively communicate verbally by telephone, face to face and public address systems
Must be able to be alert to moving vehicles or aircraft and use radio equipment
Must be able to communicate information and instructions verbally or via radio equipment Education
Required: High School Diploma or GED
Preferred: College coursework or degree
Experience
Preferred: Two years of airline/military related work experience in ramp/operations/provisioning functions
Licensing/Certification
Must be able to obtain a SIDA badge and meet all local airport requirements
Must possess a valid state motor vehicle operator's license
May be required by Station Leadership to obtain a Customs Seal and meet all requirements to work international flights
Physical Abilities
Must be able to lift and move items of 70 pounds and/or more
Must be able to climb, bend, kneel and stand on a frequent basis and for extended periods
Must be able to carry heavy items up and down jetway stairs
Must be able to distinguish each color displayed on every type of screening equipment
Must be able to hear and respond to the spoken voice and to audible alarms generated by screening equipment
Must maintain the ability to wear prescribed uniforms
Other Qualifications
Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be a U.S. citizen
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
Ability to work shift work and/or overtime
Ability to read, speak and write English
Foreign language skills are desirable, but not required
- The pay amount doesn’t guarantee employment for any particular period.
**401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position.
***Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.
Pay Rate: $22.50
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Job Posting End Date
06/05/2026
