Shipping Executive
On this page
- What's it like to be a Shipping Executive?
- How to become a Shipping Executive
- Latest Shipping Executive jobs
- Top skills and experience for Shipping Executives
What's it like to be a Shipping Executive?
A Shipping Executive manages the transportation and delivery of goods, ensuring that shipments are organised, tracked and completed efficiently. Their responsibilities include coordinating with shipping agents, handling logistics documentation and ensuring compliance with regulations. Shipping Executives work in industries such as manufacturing, retail and international trade, often collaborating with warehouses and suppliers. This role requires strong organisational skills and attention to detail, as it involves managing multiple shipments and addressing any logistical issues. The job can involve long hours, particularly when dealing with time-sensitive shipments and international logistics.
Tasks and duties
- Coordinating and scheduling the transportation of goods to ensure timely delivery.
- Managing logistics documentation, including shipping orders, customs forms and invoices.
- Liaising with shipping agents, suppliers, and warehouse teams to track shipments and resolve issues.
- Ensuring compliance with international shipping regulations and customs requirements.
- Monitoring shipment costs and negotiating contracts with carriers or freight forwarders.
- Addressing delays, damages, or discrepancies in shipments and implementing solutions.
How to become a Shipping Executive
To become a Shipping Executive, you need a bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping Management or the equivalent. You can also obtain a diploma in Logistics or Supply Chain Management. Experience-based familiarity with shipping operations and regulations is also an important requirement.
Finish a degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping Management, International Business, or Business Administration. You can also supplement your studies with diplomas to understand logistics and supply chain management.
Develop hands-on experience by signing up for internships, training programmes, or entry-level positions in shipping companies, freight forwarders, logistics providers, port authorities, or maritime agencies.
Pursue relevant certifications like the Certified Logistics Professional (CLP) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), Singapore Manufacturing Federation, and International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS).
With enough experience and skill, you could progress to Shipping Manager or Logistics Director.
