Shipping agent

Shipping agents represent the ship owner in a foreign port. They make sure customs is cleared in a timely manner so that the cargo doesn’t have to stay too long in the port. Shipping agents also ensure that insurance, licences and other formalities are in order.

The following job titles also refer to shipping agent:

ship representative
cargo agent
shipping representative
water clerk
ship local representative
port agent
shipping proxy
owners charterers agent
liner agent
ships agent
boarding clerk

Most companies require shipping agents to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some companies may require a college degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Logistics or Business Administration. These degrees provide foundational knowledge in business, finance, accounting, marketing and management.

Most shipping companies will provide on-the-job training for new hires. This training will teach you how to use the shipping company’s software and equipment. It will also familiarize you with the company’s shipping procedures and policies.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Shipping agent is a Skill level 3 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to shipping agent.

non-vessel operating common carrier
forwarding manager
international forwarding operations coordinator
customs and excise officer
marine cargo inspector

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of shipping agent. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of shipping agent with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

import export manager in china and other glassware
import export manager in computers, computer peripheral equipment and software
import export manager in electrical household appliances
import export manager in household goods
import export manager in office furniture

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of shipping agent.

• International import export regulations: Know the principles that govern the import and export of products and equipment, trade restrictions, health and safety measures, licenses, etc.
• Port regulation: Know port standards and legal regulations, based primarily on municipal laws, port laws or the Maritime Code.

These skills are necessary for the role of shipping agent.

• Ensure compliance with port regulations: Enforce compliance with regulations in harbours and sea ports. Communicate with relevant authorities to identify potential risks.
• Apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulations: Apply the different procedures required to meet customs obligations when transporting goods across borders and arriving via ports/airports or any other logistics hub, such as producing written customs declarations. Apply different procedures for different types of goods, and ensure compliance with shipping regulations.;
• Control trade commercial documentation: Monitor written records containing information related to commercial transactions such as invoice, letter of credit, order, shipping, certificate of origin.
• Make bids in forward auctions: Create and provide forward bids, taking into account possible special requirements such as refrigeration of goods or transport of potentially hazardous materials.
• Manage import export licenses: Ensure the effective issuing of permits and licenses in import and export processes.
• Comply with regulations related to export in different countries: Check that the labels of products and the packaging are compliant with different regulations in the countries where they are exported.
• Provide advice to clients in terms of export restrictions: Inform clients about the export restrictions, which consist of regulations about limitations on the quantity of exported goods imposed by a specific country or government.
• Provide advice to clients in terms of import restrictions: Inform clients about import restrictions such as import tariffs, licenses, quotas, currency restrictions, prohibition and other related regulations.
• Keep up-to-date to current customs regulations: Follow the latest developments and changes occurred in customs regulations and government policies related to international trade.
• Liaise with port users: Communicate and cooperate with port users such as shipping agents, freight customers and port managers.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of shipping agent. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Create import-export commercial documentation: Organise the completion of official documents such as letters of credit, shipping orders, and certificates of origin.
• Observe freight shipment loaders: Observe process of freight loading; ensure that crew complies with all applicable regulations and procedures; stow heavy and potentially dangerous cargo.
• Keep written records of cargo: Keep written records of the quantity of goods loaded or unloaded. Track times, dates and tasks completed.
• Prepare bills of lading: Prepare bills of lading and associated shipping documentation in accordance with customs and legal requirements.
• Oversee arrival and departure of ships into port: Communicate with the captain in relation to when the ship will arrive or depart the port. Notify and liaise with port authorities.
• Inspect freight: Inspect, document, and manage freight shipments; verify that all content complies with national, international and local regulations.
• Administer multi-modal logistics: Manage the flow of products through multi-modal transportation.
• Handle shipment paperwork: Handle paperwork containing information on shipments and attached to goods about to be shipped. Ensure that identification information is complete, visible, and in compliance with all regulations. Check labels showing product counts, final destination, and model numbers.
• Coordinate export transportation activities: Coordinate all export transportation operations while considering export strategies and services.
• Book cargo: Book cargo for shipment following customer specifications.
• Have access to shipping rates: Have the ability to access information about shipping rates and compare the information across providers. Use this information to prepare bids for clients.
• Coordinate import transportation activities: Oversee import transportation operations; optimise import processes and service strategies.
• Liaise between the client and various transportation services: Serve as an intermediary between the customer and various transportation services.

3331 – Clearing and forwarding agents

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References

1. Shipping agent – ESCO
2. Featured image: Photo by Kinsey on Unsplash