Shipping clerk

What does a shipping clerk do? – tasks and work environment

A shipping clerk is responsible for coordinating and managing transport and shipping processes within companies handling goods, import, and export. The work includes booking transports, preparing freight documents, communicating with freight forwarders and customs authorities, as well as following up on deliveries. The role requires accuracy, good organizational skills, and communication with both internal and external parties. The work environment is mainly office-based but can also involve visits to warehouses, terminals, or ports depending on the company's operations.

Salary development over time

The salary of a shipping clerk has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month. In 2023, it rose to 39 000 SEK, representing an increase of about 5%. In 2024, the trend continued with a further rise to 40 200 SEK, an increase of just over 3% compared to the previous year. This positive salary trend can partly be explained by increased demand for logistics skills as international trade and the complexity of transport flows grow. Technological development in the industry and the requirement for specialized competence have also contributed to raising salary levels for the profession.

Shipping clerk salary – comprehensive 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 3+ years)
• Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 94% of what men do (men 40 900 SEK, women 38 400 SEK)
• Regional differences: No specific data, but variations may occur depending on industry and geographic location

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a shipping clerk usually goes through high school education in transport, logistics, or trade, often supplemented with post-secondary studies. Many employers value experience from similar roles or internships within the transport and logistics sector. Certifications in customs handling or international freight can provide advantages, as can good language skills and the ability to work with digital systems.

• High school education: Business and administration programs, Transport programs (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH training in logistics, forwarding, or international trade (1–2 years)
• Certifications: Customs handling, dangerous goods, or IATA/IMO courses
• Internships: Meritorious and often integrated into education
• Language skills: English is required; additional languages are advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for shipping clerks include wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, occupational pension, and sometimes flexible hours or remote work. Some employers also offer training grants, employee discounts, or reimbursement for travel and overtime depending on the size of the workplace and collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The market for shipping clerks is characterized by a balance between supply and demand. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, opportunities for employment in the profession are moderate, with unchanged demand over the next five years. Challenges mainly involve quickly adapting to new digital systems, changing regulations in international trade, and increased demands for efficiency. Competition for positions may be higher in metropolitan areas where more employers operate, but specialized competence is often required to stand out among applicants.

Tips for those who want to become a shipping clerk

To succeed as a shipping clerk, it is good to be both meticulous and stress-resistant, as the work often involves managing multiple deliveries simultaneously and quickly solving problems that may arise. Developing strong communication skills is crucial, especially since the role requires contact with many different parties both nationally and internationally. A strong interest in logistics and transport helps, as does an analytical mindset that makes it easier to understand and follow complex delivery flows. The ability to work independently and take responsibility allows tasks to be handled efficiently even during high workload periods. Keeping updated on new regulations and digital tools is a big advantage, and flexibility when conditions change rapidly is important. Finally, a positive attitude and willingness to collaborate are appreciated, as much of the work is team-based or in close dialogue with colleagues and external actors.

Key facts about shipping clerks

• Educational level: High school or post-secondary education in logistics/trade
• Work environment: Office-based, sometimes with warehouse or terminal visits
• Work form: Full-time is most common; part-time and hourly positions also occur
• Demand: Moderate, with a stable forecast according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
• Special skills: Customs handling, digital logistics systems, good language skills

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a shipping clerk, opportunities open to advance to roles such as transportation manager, logistics coordinator, or freight forwarder, especially for those actively developing their skills in international trade and digital systems. The Swedish Public Employment Service anticipates that demand for the profession of transportation manager and logistics coordinator, which includes shipping clerks, will remain unchanged over the next five years, with a balanced recruitment situation. With experience and further education, careers can also lead to specialist roles within customs, supply chain management, or leadership positions in logistics and distribution. Currently, there are 412 available jobs in the profession, indicating a stable job market for those with the right skills.

Frequently asked questions about shipping clerks

• What is the average salary of a shipping clerk?
  - The average salary is 40 200 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a shipping clerk?
  - High school education in trade or logistics, preferably supplemented with YH training or certifications.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 94% of what men do within the profession.
• What does the job market look like for shipping clerks?
  - The job market is stable with moderate opportunities and approximately 412 available jobs nationwide.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, stress resistance, good communication skills, and flexibility are important qualities.
• Can I work part-time or as a temporary employee?
  - Yes, part-time and hourly positions exist, with an average hourly wage of 242 SEK.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a shipping clerk?
  - The highest salary is 42,400 SEK/month, and the lowest is 37,400 SEK/month.