Description

Shipping coordinators are accountable to ensure that both inbound and outbound shipments are in line with the requirements of both companies and customers. Furthermore, they must ensure that the counts of the items that are being delivered and received are correct, and also ensure that the monthly inventory counts are done in a timely manner. In all their tasks the coordinators of shipping must adhere to the safety requirements of their company to ensure that their work environment is secure for their employees and themselves. In addition, they are responsible for making sure that all documents for items received and shipped are properly filed according to company standards.

The job is usually carried out in a warehouse which is typical for businesses that deliver a large amount of goods to their customers. The job can be physically demanding and demand employees to be at their feet for the entire day. It is typically an all-time job that demands flexible working hours.

The majority of companies require that a shipping coordinator have an high school degree or equivalent, with a minimum of 3 years of working experience working in this field. Ability to work on their own and operate a forklift and operate a clamp trucks are also essential to be a shipping coordinator. They must be able to lift up to 50lbs and be an effective team player, possess great communication skills as well as be able to work on their own with little supervision.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Shipping Coordinator with 3-6 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate international and domestic shipments, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with customs regulations.
  • Communicate with carriers, freight forwarders, and suppliers to arrange logistics and freight services.
  • Maintain accurate shipment records, including invoices, bills of lading, and export/import documentation.
  • Resolve shipment-related issues, such as delays, damages, or discrepancies, by coordinating with relevant parties and implementing corrective measures.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Shipping Coordinator job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Excellent knowledge of shipping procedures and regulations to ensure compliance with international and domestic shipping requirements.
  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple shipments, track orders, and coordinate delivery schedules to meet customer expectations.
  • Proficient in using shipping software and systems to generate shipping documents, labels, and customs forms with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Effective communication skills to liaise with carriers, suppliers, and customers, resolving shipping issues and providing timely updates on shipment status.

Essential Skills For Shipping Coordinator

1

Customer Service

2

Fulfillment & Shipping

3

Shipping Allotment

Skills That Affect Shipping Coordinator Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Logistic Planning

3%

Career Prospects

The Shipping Coordinator role is crucial for managing shipping operations efficiently. With 3-6 years of experience in the UK, professionals can explore alternative roles in related fields. Here are following options to consider:

  • Logistics Manager: In this role, you would oversee the entire logistics process, including transportation, warehousing, and inventory management.
  • Supply Chain Analyst: This position involves analyzing supply chain data, identifying areas for improvement, and optimizing processes to enhance efficiency.
  • Operations Supervisor: As an Operations Supervisor, you would be responsible for supervising the day-to-day activities of a shipping or warehouse team, ensuring smooth operations.
  • Customs Compliance Specialist: This role focuses on ensuring compliance with customs regulations and managing import/export documentation and procedures.

How to Learn

The shipping coordinator job role in the United Kingdom is expected to witness steady growth in the market. With increasing globalization and expansion of the logistics industry, the demand for shipping coordinators is likely to rise over the next 10 years. This growth is attributed to the continuous flow of goods across nations, necessitating efficient coordination and management of shipping operations. Consequently, the number of employment opportunities in this field is projected to increase significantly in the coming years.