Shipping Coordinator

Career Guide

A Shipping Coordinator keeps outgoing and incoming shipments moving on time and with the right paperwork. The role works with warehouses, carriers, and customer service to track orders, resolve delays, and ensure shipments meet company and customer requirements.

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Key Responsibilities

Create shipping orders and schedule pickups
Prepare shipping documents such as packing lists and labels
Confirm item counts, weights, and packaging details
Coordinate with carriers to select service levels and delivery windows
Track shipment status and share updates with internal teams and customers
Resolve shipping issues such as delays, damages, and address changes
Maintain accurate shipment records in shipping and inventory systems
Support customs paperwork for international shipments when needed
Follow safety, quality, and handling guidelines for packaged goods
Assist with cycle counts and inventory reconciliation related to shipments

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Communication

Time Management

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Data Entry Accuracy

Shipment Tracking

Shipping Documentation

Carrier Coordination

Warehouse Coordination

Inventory System Use

Basic Excel Skills

International Shipping Basics

Customs Documentation Basics

Hazardous Materials Awareness

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Shipping Lead

Logistics Coordinator

Transportation Coordinator

Warehouse Supervisor

Customer Service Lead

Transition Opportunities

Logistics Analyst

Supply Chain Coordinator

Operations Supervisor

Freight Forwarding Specialist

Import Export Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Excel ReportingInventory ReconciliationRoot Cause AnalysisProcess ImprovementInternational Shipping DocumentationCarrier Rate ComparisonSystem Setup for Shipping RulesProfessional Email Writing

Development SuggestionsBuild confidence in spreadsheets, learn how to validate shipment data against inventory records, and practice structured issue resolution. Ask to own a weekly shipment performance summary and document repeat shipping issues with causes and fixes.

Market Intelligence Report

Shipping Coordinator is part of the Logistics category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 38,000 to 48,000

Mid LevelUSD 48,000 to 60,000

Senior LevelUSD 60,000 to 75,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by e-commerce fulfillment, distribution expansion, and ongoing need for reliable logistics coordination. Hiring remains consistent, with spikes during peak seasons and in major distribution hubs.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AmazonUPSFedExDHLXPO LogisticsRyderC.H. RobinsonMaerskTargetWalmart

Industry Sectors

E-commerce and retailThird party logisticsManufacturingFood and beverage distributionHealthcare and medical suppliesAutomotiveApparel and consumer goodsFreight forwarding and customs services

Recommended Next Steps

Create a simple daily checklist for shipment accuracy and handoffs

Learn the top shipping terms used by your carriers and internal teams

Track five common shipping issues and write a short prevention step for each

Practice Excel skills focused on sorting, filtering, and basic pivot tables

Request cross training on receiving and inventory to understand end to end flow

Shadow a carrier pickup process to learn how delays start and how to prevent them

If relevant, complete an introductory course on international shipping and customs basics

Update your resume with measurable outcomes such as on time shipment rate and error reduction