Shippingman

What does a Shippingman do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Shippingman works on planning, coordinating, and monitoring the transportation of goods by sea, often in close collaboration with shipping companies, freight forwarders, and ports. Tasks include booking freight, preparing shipping documents, contacting clients and authorities, as well as handling customs and insurance matters. The role requires good organizational skills, precision, and the ability to manage multiple processes under time pressure. The work environment is primarily office-based but may also involve visits to ports or ships, especially during larger deliveries or problem-solving situations. The pace is often fast, with work characterized by deadlines and the need for quick solutions to unforeseen events.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for a Shippingman has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, increasing to 39 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 40 200 SEK in 2024. The total increase over the period is approximately 8.3%, surpassing the general salary development for many similar professional roles within the transport sector. The positive trend in salaries can be attributed to increased complexity in international supply chains, higher demands for digital skills, and a continued strong demand for efficient logistics solutions. The market's need for experienced transport and shipping specialists has thus contributed to strengthening salary levels for the profession.

Shippingman Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 38 400 SEK/month (94% of men's salary), men earn 40 900 SEK/month
• Regional differences: No clear statistics, but larger cities tend to have slightly higher levels

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Shippingman, a high school diploma with a focus on logistics, trade, or transportation is usually required, followed by postgraduate studies in shipping, international trade, or logistics. Additional merits include specialized courses in shipping, transport law, or freight forwarding. Practical experience through trainee programs or internships is highly valued by employers and can often be decisive in recruitment.

• Post-secondary education: For example, YH training (2 years) in logistics/shipping
• Certifications: Courses in transport law, dangerous goods, or international freight forwarding
• Internship: Internship or trainee programs within shipping companies, freight forwarders, or logistics firms
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably with a focus on transportation, trade, or logistics
• Language skills: Advanced English; additional languages are an advantage

Common Benefits and Compensation

The profession often offers benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pensions, opportunities for skills development, and sometimes bonuses linked to performance or results. Some employers also offer flexible working hours or remote work options depending on the nature of the tasks. International contacts and travel may occur, especially at larger shipping companies and logistics firms.

Competition and Challenges

The job market for Shippingmen is characterized by balance, with 412 available jobs in the profession of transportation coordinators and logistics managers. Competition for positions may vary regionally, with metropolitan areas and larger port cities typically offering more employers and opportunities. Challenges in the profession include a high pace, rapid changes in global trade, and demands for continuous skills development in digital tools and regulations. Changing trade flows and geopolitical events can influence the demand for sea transportation and thus the job market for Shippingmen.

Tips for Aspiring Shippingmen

To succeed as a Shippingman, it is beneficial to combine strong organizational skills with initiative and a structured work approach. Developing good communication skills, both in Swedish and English, facilitates cooperation with international partners and clients. Analytical thinking helps in planning and solving logistics problems, while resilience and flexibility are crucial when unforeseen situations arise. Early internships or summer jobs in the industry are recommended to gain valuable experience and networks. Keeping up-to-date with digital tools and regulations in the industry provides a competitive advantage, as does developing a professional network. Engagement, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new things often lead to a successful career in shipping.

Key Facts about Shippingman

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest/highest salary: 37,400–42,400 SEK/month
• Gender difference: Women earn 94% of men's salary
• Education level: Post-secondary education in logistics/shipping is most common
• Work environment: Office-based with international contacts

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, many Shippingmen advance to leadership roles such as transportation manager, logistics responsible, or business developer within the shipping sector. Some choose to specialize in areas like customs handling, insurance, or international logistics law. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates that opportunities for employment in the professions of transportation coordinator and logistics manager are considered moderate and that demand is expected to be unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is balanced, meaning there is neither a shortage nor an oversupply of labor. For those pursuing further education and broader skills, there are good opportunities for advancement and increased specialization in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shippingman

• What does a Shippingman earn?
  - A Shippingman has an average salary of 40 200 SEK per month, with a range between 37,400 and 42,400 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 38 400 SEK while men earn 40 900 SEK, which means women have 94% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a Shippingman?
  - Most commonly, a postgraduate education in logistics, shipping, or international trade, often supplemented with industry-specific courses and internships.
• What is the job market like?
  - The job market is considered balanced with moderate opportunities and 412 available jobs within the profession.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Organizational skills, stress resilience, good communication, and problem-solving abilities are especially valuable.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand for Shippingmen is expected to be unchanged over the next five years according to the Employment Service's forecast.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Salary levels may be slightly higher in metropolitan regions and larger port cities, but differences are generally small.