Shipping Assistant

What does a shipping assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A shipping assistant works with coordinating and administering freight flows within shipping, logistics, and transportation. Main tasks include planning shipments, booking freight, handling documentation, and communicating with shipping companies, freight forwarders, and customers. The role often also involves responsibility for customs procedures, invoicing, and follow-up of deliveries to ensure transportation complies with agreed terms and schedules. The work takes place in a dynamic environment, usually in an office but with frequent contact with ports, warehouses, and other parts of the logistics chain. The pace can be high, especially during periods with many simultaneous deliveries and rapid changes in transport planning.

Salary development over time

The salary development for shipping assistants has been steadily positive in recent years. In 2022, the average monthly salary was 37,100 SEK. During 2023, the average increased to 39 000 SEK, corresponding to approximately 5% growth. In the latest year, 2024, the average salary has continued upward to 40 200 SEK, an increase of another 3%. This trend reflects an increased demand for logistics-skilled employees, especially as trade and transportation become more globalized and digitalized. Salary increases can also be linked to a greater need for specialized skills in customs, logistics systems, and international regulations. Despite the growth, salary levels remain relatively consistent and follow developments in related transport and logistics professions.

Shipping assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 242 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men 40 900 SEK, women 38 400 SEK (women earn 94% of men's salary)

Education and qualifications

To work as a shipping assistant, a high school education in transportation, logistics, or administration is usually required. Increasingly, employers also prefer post-secondary studies in logistics or similar fields, especially for more qualified roles. Practical experience through internships or trainee programs is valued, as are good IT skills and language skills in English.

• High school education: Transportation, trade, or economics (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH training or university courses in logistics, transportation, or forwarding (1–3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in customs handling, ADR, or forwarding can be advantageous
• Internships: Internship periods or trainee programs in the logistics industry increase chances of employment
• Language skills: English and sometimes additional languages are an advantage

Common benefits and compensations

Shipping assistants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, subsidized lunch, and options for flexible hours or remote work. Bonus programs and training initiatives are common, especially with larger employers in the logistics sector. Overtime or evening work may also include additional pay.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a shipping assistant is considered moderate, with a balance between supply and demand in the labor market. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for the profession of transportation manager and logistics coordinator, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession mainly relate to rapid changes in transport flows, digitalization of logistics processes, and increased documentation requirements. To stand out, good problem-solving skills, language proficiency, and experience with digital tools are important. Since the tasks often involve extensive contact with customers and partners, communication skills and stress resilience are key qualities.

Tips for aspiring shipping assistants

To succeed as a shipping assistant, it is beneficial to be meticulous and organized, as the role requires managing many details and documents simultaneously. Being able to handle stress during periods of high activity and rapid changes in transport planning is helpful. Flexibility is valuable when unforeseen events occur, such as delays or changed customs regulations. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with colleagues, customers, and partners worldwide. An interest in digital tools is also an advantage, as much of the work is performed in advanced logistics systems. A continuous desire to learn and stay updated on regulations and industry trends is appreciated by employers. Finally, initiative is important, as shipping assistants often need to make quick decisions to solve problems effectively.

Key facts about shipping assistants

• Salary range: 37,400–42,400 SEK/month
• Education level: High school or post-secondary logistics (YH/university)
• Typical work environment: Office with close cooperation with transport and warehouse staff
• Demand: Moderate, 412 job openings within the profession
• Gender differences: Women earn 94% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a shipping assistant, opportunities for advancement within logistics open up, such as transportation manager, freight forwarder, or logistics coordinator. For those wishing to specialize, work with international transports, customs issues, or project logistics is possible. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the future outlook is stable with moderate employment opportunities. The demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years, providing good prospects for those with the right education and experience. However, digitalization and increased sustainability requirements may alter skill needs in the future.

Common questions about shipping assistants

• What is the average salary of a shipping assistant?
  - A shipping assistant has an average salary of 40 200 SEK/month in 2024.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 40 900 SEK, while women earn 38 400 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a shipping assistant?
  - High school education in transportation, logistics, or economics is most common, but post-secondary studies in logistics or forwarding are advantageous.
• What are the job responsibilities of a shipping assistant?
  - Planning shipments, booking freight, handling documents, customs procedures, and customer contact are included in the job duties.
• What are the future prospects for shipping assistants?
  - The outlook is moderate with a balanced job market and unchanged demand over the next five years.
• What is the hourly wage for a shipping assistant?
  - The hourly wage is 242 SEK per hour.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - It is common to advance to roles such as transportation manager, freight forwarder, or logistics coordinator.