Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that screen resumes before a human reads them. They scan for keywords, dates, job titles, skills, and contact details. If your resume lacks key terms, the ATS can filter it out.

For a Freight Clerk, ATS optimization matters because hiring teams look for specific freight skills. Common keywords include "shipping and receiving", "bill of lading", "freight billing", "LTL", "FTL", "TMS", "EDI", "carrier rate negotiation", "manifest", "claims processing", "inventory control", "DOT compliance", "Excel", and "shipment tracking".

• Use standard headings: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
• Write clear job titles and company names.
• List dates and locations for each role.

Avoid complex formatting. Do not use tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or graphs. ATS often misread those elements and drop content.

Pick readable fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save your file as a .docx or PDF, unless a posting asks for another format. Keep design simple and clean.

Do not replace exact keywords with creative synonyms. For example, don't write "shipment coordinator" while the job asks for "Freight Clerk" and "bill of lading". Also avoid putting contact info in headers or footers. ATS might ignore it.

Finally, tailor each resume to the job description. Mirror the language and include relevant certifications such as "Hazmat endorsement", "C-TPAT", or "Forklift certification" when they apply. That step boosts keyword match and helps you get to the interview.

Pick a clean, professional template for a Freight Clerk. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your recent logistics and shipping roles appear first. This layout reads well and parses reliably by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years of freight or shipping experience. Use two pages only when you have long, directly relevant work history and certifications to show.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri or Arial. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep line spacing at 1.0–1.15 and add clear margins so sections breathe.

Use simple formatting over graphics or multiple columns. Avoid images, text boxes, and unusual fonts so ATS can read your file. Use bold and bullets to guide the reader, not color or icons.

Use standard headings like Contact, Summary, Experience, Skills, Education, Certifications. Put dates on the right and job titles on the left for quick scanning. List measurable results such as on-time shipments or pallet counts to show impact.

Avoid common mistakes like long paragraphs, dense blocks of text, and inconsistent dates. Do not use fancy templates that break when converted to plain text. Double-check spacing, alignment, and file type before you apply.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for a Freight Clerk role. Your letter shows why you fit the job and proves you read the posting.

Start with a clear header. Put your contact details, the company's name, and the date. Address the hiring manager if you know their name.

Opening paragraph: State the exact Freight Clerk role you want. Show genuine interest in the company. Mention one strong qualification or where you found the posting.

Key sections to include:

• Header: Your contact, company name, date.
• Opening: Role, enthusiasm, top qualification.
• Body: Link experience to core duties. Name specific skills like shipment scheduling, EDI use, inventory checks, or billing.
• Closing: Reiterate interest. Ask for an interview. Thank the reader.

Body paragraphs: Use one to three short paragraphs. Tie each paragraph to a job need. Share specific projects and results. Include technical skills like TMS, EDI, Excel macros, or carrier rate negotiation. Pair those with soft skills such as time management, teamwork, and attention to detail.

Show numbers when you can. Say you cut late deliveries by 18 percent or processed 200 shipments weekly. Numbers make your claims believable.

Closing paragraph: Repeat your strong interest. Say you welcome a conversation. Offer your availability and thank the reader.

Tone and tailoring: Keep the tone professional and friendly. Use active sentences and short words. Change details for each application. Mirror words from the job listing when they match your experience. Avoid generic templates that sound recycled.

Write like you speak to a hiring manager. Be direct, concise, and specific. That helps your letter get read.

If you want work as a Freight Clerk, small resume mistakes can cost interviews. You need clear duties, accurate data, and clean formatting so hiring managers and transport systems can read your info.

Pay attention to numbers, dates, and carrier tools. Fixing these common errors takes little time and raises your chances.

This FAQ and tips set helps you craft a clear, practical Freight Clerk resume. You'll find guidance on skills, format, length, certificates, and how to explain gaps. Use these points to make your experience and logistics know-how easy to read.