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.

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.

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

1
Create a simple daily checklist for shipment accuracy and handoffs
2
Learn the top shipping terms used by your carriers and internal teams
3
Track five common shipping issues and write a short prevention step for each
4
Practice Excel skills focused on sorting, filtering, and basic pivot tables
5
Request cross training on receiving and inventory to understand end to end flow
6
Shadow a carrier pickup process to learn how delays start and how to prevent them
7
If relevant, complete an introductory course on international shipping and customs basics
8
Update your resume with measurable outcomes such as on time shipment rate and error reduction