What does a Shipping Coordinator do?
A Shipping Coordinator is an important job, as they ensure all shipping is running smoothly. They do this by issuing detailed shipping instructions to their crew and then tracking shipments to ensure they arrive at their destination on time.
A Shipping Coordinator also has financial responsibilities as they must negotiate rates with suppliers, prepare quotes for customers, and issue invoices with accurate shipping costs. Similarly, as a Shipping Coordinator is a supervisor, they are also responsible for handling any complaints or questions from their team or customers, and must delegate daily assignments to their Shipping Clerks.
Shipping Coordinator skills and qualifications
A successful Shipping Coordinator will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed for their duties, such as the following:
- Ability to manage a team
- Strong interpersonal skills to work efficiently as a team and interact with customers and suppliers
- Knowledge of taking inventory and ordering materials
- Attention to detail to analyze data and prepare reports
- Strong negotiation skills to work with suppliers
- Ability to multi-task
- Strong independent decision-making skills
Shipping Coordinator experience requirements
Most Shipping Coordinator jobs require two to three years experience in a related position. Prior experience in a management or Team Leader role is an asset, as a Shipping Coordinator will be responsible for a team of Shipping Clerks. Ideal candidates should have several years of experience as a Shipping Clerk or similar to demonstrate their understanding of shipping processes and the day-to-day jobs required at a shipping facility.
Shipping Coordinator education and training requirements
Shipping Coordinator jobs usually require some post-secondary education in a related discipline, such as a certificate or degree in Business Administration or Logistics. You may accept candidates that have relevant work experience in place of post-secondary education.
Shipping Coordinator salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Shipping Coordinator in Canada is $45,355 per year. This can vary depending on the location of the job, the size of the company, and the candidate’s experience.
Job description samples for similar positions
As a Shipping Coordinator’s position varies depending on the company, this job description sample may not be exactly what you’re looking for, but there are many other job description samples available, including:
Shipping Coordinator job description FAQs
What is the difference between a Shipping Coordinator and a Shipping Clerk?
A Shipping Coordinator is a supervisor that oversees a team of Shipping Clerks. Shipping Clerks will handle the shipping of goods and keep accurate records of relevant information. They will report to the Shipping Coordinator and regularly inform them with updates and reports on current shipping. The Shipping Coordinator will then oversee each Shipping Clerk’s work and address any questions or concerns they may have.
What qualities make a good Shipping Coordinator?
A good Shipping Coordinator should be able to make decisions confidently and manage potentially complex shipping arrangements. They should also be a communicative and effective leader. Organization and communication are two of the most important qualities of a Shipping Coordinator. A Shipping Coordinator also needs to be responsible to ensure all packages make it to their final destination. They must also have excellent interpersonal skills, as they may need to liaise with other logistics and shipping professionals outside of their team.
What are the day-to-day duties of a Shipping Coordinator?
The day-to-day activities of a Shipping Coordinator vary depending on the company, but a Shipping Coordinator almost always checks in with their Shipping Clerks at the start of their workday to see if they have any problems or concerns to address. If not, a Shipping Coordinator should then communicate with their suppliers and customers to ensure everything is in order before starting on their own tasks. Tasks for the day range from doing inventory, preparing invoices, tracking goods, and issuing shipping instructions.