Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS, scan resumes for keywords and structured data. They rank and filter candidates before a human ever opens a file. For a Freight Engineer, ATS look for terms like freight routing, load planning, intermodal, TMS, capacity planning, DOT regulations, supply chain optimization, and certifications like PE or CSCP.

• Use standard section titles: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
• Include role-specific keywords from the job posting, such as load optimization, route simulation, intermodal scheduling, FTL/LTL strategies, MATLAB/Python, SQL, GIS, and Six Sigma.
• Avoid complex layouts: no tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or graphs.
• Choose readable fonts like Arial or Calibri and save as .docx or PDF unless the posting asks for one format.

Keep keywords natural. Don’t stuff buzzwords or repeat the same phrase many times. Match exact phrasing from the job ad when it fits your experience.

Avoid common errors that hurt parsing. Don’t use creative section headers like "What I Do" or "My Story." Don’t hide dates in headers or footers. Don’t replace standard skills with slang or unusual synonyms.

Tailor one version of your resume for ATS and another for people. Put a clear Skills section near the top with role-specific tools and methods. Spell out acronyms once, then use the acronym. That helps both machines and hiring managers.

Finally, test your file. Upload it to a text reader or ATS simulator. If the text comes out scrambled, fix formatting and try again.

Pick a clean, professional template with clear headings and a reverse-chronological layout. This layout highlights your recent freight engineering projects, routing optimizations, and carrier integrations. Recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) read this layout easily.

Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years of freight engineering experience. Use two pages only when you have extensive, directly relevant project history and measurable results. Cut anything that does not show impact on cost, transit time, or capacity.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep line spacing at 1.0–1.15 and add white space around sections for quick scanning.

Avoid complex columns, embedded images, and unusual fonts. Those elements often break ATS parsing and hide key information. Use simple bullet lists for responsibilities and achievements.

Use standard section headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Projects, Skills, Education, Certifications. Put measurable outcomes first, like percentage cost savings or transit time reduction. Use consistent date formats and clear company names.

Common mistakes to avoid: cluttered dense text, inconsistent spacing, long paragraphs, and unclear job titles. Don’t list irrelevant duties or every tool you touched. Tailor each resume to the freight engineering role and the job description.

A tailored cover letter helps you show real interest in the Freight Engineer role. It complements your resume and explains why you fit the job.

Header: Put your contact details, the date, and the employer's contact if you have it. Keep it short and correct.

Opening paragraph: Start by naming the Freight Engineer role you want. Show genuine enthusiasm for the company. Mention your top qualification or where you saw the posting.

Body paragraphs: Connect your experience directly to the job needs. Use one to three paragraphs that follow this pattern:

• Briefly describe a relevant project or role.
• Mention technical skills that matter for Freight Engineer jobs, like route optimization, load planning, CAD or logistics software, and data analysis.
• Show soft skills such as problem solving, teamwork, and clear communication.
• Give numbers when you can, like cost saved, percent efficiency gains, or shipments handled.

Tailor each paragraph to the company and role. Use keywords from the job posting. Keep sentences short and clear.

Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the Freight Engineer role and the company. State your confidence about contributing to operations or cost savings. Ask for an interview or a meeting. Thank the reader for their time.

Tone and tailoring: Stay professional, confident, and upbeat. Write like you speak to one person. Use simple words and short sentences. Customize every letter. Avoid generic templates.

Quick tips: Proofread for typos. Match examples to the job description. Keep the letter to one page.

Recruiters for Freight Engineer roles expect precision, technical clarity, and compliance knowledge. Small mistakes can make your skills look weaker than they are.

Take a few minutes to tighten wording, show measurable results, and follow format rules. Attention to these points can move your resume to the interview pile.

This page gives focused FAQs and quick tips to help you craft a Freight Engineer resume. You’ll get practical advice on skills, format, projects, gaps, and certifications.