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Shipping Coordinator Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated October 14, 2025
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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6 min read

A shipping coordinator is responsible for managing the movements of products from one place to another. Their duties include ensuring that shipments are prepared, scheduled, tracked and delivered on time while meeting cost requirements.

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Shipping Coordinator interview questions and answers.

  1. Can you walk me through your previous experience in shipping, logistics or supply chain coordination? See answer
  2. What attracted you to this shipping coordinator role and our company? See answer
  3. What types of shipping methods have you worked with before? See answer
  4. How do you ensure shipments comply with regulations? See answer
  5. What experience do you have with shipping or ERP systems? See answer
  6. How do you calculate and control shipping costs? See answer
  7. How do you track shipments and update others? See answer
  8. Tell me about a time when a shipment was delayed or lost. See answer
  9. How would you prioritize multiple urgent shipments? See answer
  10. How would you handle a customer complaint about a wrong order? See answer
  11. How do you maintain accurate shipping documentation? See answer
  12. What strategies reduce shipping errors? See answer
  13. How do you balance speed vs. cost of shipping? See answer
  14. How do you coordinate with warehouse staff, carriers and customers? See answer
  15. How do you handle conflicts with carriers or suppliers? See answer
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Hire your next Shipping Coordinator today.

Post a job

Hire your next Shipping Coordinator today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Shipping Coordinator Interview Questions and Answers

Can you walk me through your previous experience in shipping, logistics or supply chain coordination?

This question is a good way to gauge the candidates' previous experience and give you an idea of their background. What to look for in the answer:

Example:

“In my last role, I coordinated domestic/international shipments, managed freight quotes and worked with customs brokers. I also have experience with interacting with customers, as I had to ensure packages were on time.”

What attracted you to this shipping coordinator role and our company?

This question is a good way to gauge the candidate’s understanding of the role. What to look for in the answer:

  • knowledge of the company
  • understanding of the role
  • good team player
Example:

“I was drawn to this role because it combines organization, problem solving and logistics, which are areas I genuinely enjoy. I’m particularly impressed by your company’s reputation for efficiency and customer service.”

What types of shipping methods have you worked with before?

This question is a good way to gauge the candidate’s understanding of the role and what experience they bring to the position.

What to look for in the answer:

  • wide range of experience
  • understanding of the role
  • experience with budgets

Example:

“I’ve worked with multiple shipping methods, including ground freight, LTL (less-than-truckload), FTL (full truckload), air freight and international ocean shipping. In previous roles, I regularly assessed which method best balanced delivery time, cost and product type.”

How do you ensure shipments comply with regulations?

By asking this question, you are able to determine that the candidate has the proper knowledge for the job.

What to look for in the answer:

  • knowledge needed for the job
  • ability to problem solve
  • appropriate experience

Example:

“I am very precise when I prepare paperwork. I double-check everything and verify labels before it is shipped. I also enjoy staying up to date on trade regulations both in Canada and internationally.”

What experience do you have with shipping or ERP systems?

By asking this question, you can understand the candidate’s ability to perform the day-to-day tasks of the position.

What to look for in the answer:

  • understanding of the role
  • experience with shipping systems
  • ability to problem solve

Example:

“I’ve used systems to track shipments, create labels and manage inventory. They’ve helped me reduce errors and improve workflow.”

How do you calculate and control shipping costs?

This is an important question to ask as it will demonstrate the candidate’s ability to budget. What to look for in the answer:

  • ability to budget
  • strong understanding of the role
  • negotiation skills

Example:

“I always try to compare carrier rates and consolidate shipments, so we are able to save money. If I am able, I also negotiate contracts for savings.”

How do you track shipments and update others?

This is a good way of finding out if the candidate can work with others and is good at communication. What to look for in an answer:

  • good team player
  • good customer service skills
  • strong communication

Example:

“I use carrier portals/software so that I can keep track of each package. If there are any delays, I make sure to communicate this with the customer as soon as possible. I also inform the sales team so that they are aware of the issue.”

Tell me about a time when a shipment was delayed or lost.

By asking this question, you can gauge the candidate’s ability to handle shipment issues. What to look for in an answer:

  • strong problem-solving skills
  • ability to work under pressure
  • experience in the role

Example:

“I once had to deal with a customs delay due to some missing documents. I was able to send the missing documents and worked with the broker to make sure this didn’t happen again. I also kept the client informed of what was happening and when they could expect the delivery once the issue was solved.”

How would you prioritize multiple urgent shipments?

This question speaks to the candidate’s time management skills. What to look for in an answer:

Example:

“I assess deadlines, shipment size and customer impact to decide what the priority is. I try to always prioritize high-value or time-sensitive orders.”

How would you handle a customer complaint about a wrong order?

This question is a great way of seeing how a candidate works with customers. What to look for in an answer:

  • customer service skills
  • ability to problem solve
  • understanding of the role

Example:

“If a customer had a complaint about a wrong order, I would double check the details of the order and check the records. I would then arrange a replacement and review processes to prevent repeats.”

How do you maintain accurate shipping documentation?

This question helps demonstrate the candidate’s knowledge of the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • understanding of the role
  • ability to describe accurate documentation
  • confidence in their answer

Example:

“To maintain accurate shipping documents, I keep myself organized by logging bills of landing, updating invoices and checking tracking numbers on a daily basis.”

What strategies reduce shipping errors?

By asking this question, you are able to understand the candidate’s ability to deal with problems that may happen.

What to look for in the answer:

  • ability to problem solve
  • attention to detail
  • understanding of the role

Example:

“I rely on barcode scanning, double-checking orders and standardized labelling. Training and tracking error data also help prevent repeat mistakes.”

How do you balance speed vs. cost of shipping?

This question allows you to gauge the candidate’s ability to prioritize.

What to look for in the answer:

  • ability to prioritize
  • ability to problem-solve
  • understanding the importance of budgeting

Example:

“I weigh the urgency of the order against the budget. For urgent shipments, I use express methods, but for routine ones, I consolidate or choose cost-effective options.”

How do you coordinate with warehouse staff, carriers and customers?

This demonstrates the candidate's ability to work in a team and communicate properly. What to look for in an answer:

  • communication skills
  • ability to be a team player
  • customer service skills

Example:

“I conduct daily check-ins with warehouse staff and have clear updates to customers. I also try to maintain professional but friendly relationships with carriers.”

How do you handle conflicts with carriers or suppliers?

This question will show you how the candidate communicates with carriers/suppliers and finds solutions. What to look for in an answer:

  • communication skills
  • conflict management style
  • ability to create relationships with suppliers/carriers

Example:

“I stay solution-focused by discussing penalties/alternatives calmly with carriers. I also try to minimize impact to the customers if I am able, as I know that is a priority.”

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