Shipping planner

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

A shipping planner is responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervising the transportation of goods, often on an international level. The role involves contacting carriers, customers, and suppliers to ensure deliveries are on schedule, at the right location, and with proper documentation. Tasks also include optimizing routes, booking transports, handling customs and freight documents, and solving logistical issues that may arise during transit. The work is primarily office-based, but visits to warehouses or terminals may also occur. The pace is often fast, requiring good multitasking skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for a shipping planner has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, rising to 37,900 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has increased further to 41 100 SEK, representing a salary increase of approximately 10.8% over three years. This development is linked to increased demand for logistics skills, globalization of trade flows, and higher requirements for efficient transport planning. Digitalization and new technological tools have also raised expectations for the profession's qualification level, positively affecting salaries. The profession has also been influenced by economic fluctuations and changing trade patterns, which may cause temporary variations in salary ranges between years.

Shipping planner salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,900 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 50,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education)
• Highest for women: 44,400 SEK/month
• Lowest for men: 40,700 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 247 SEK
• Women: 38900 SEK/month
• Men: 43 000 SEK/month
• Women's salary as a percentage of men's: 90%

Education and qualifications

To work as a shipping planner, a high school education with specialization in logistics, transportation, or economics is usually required, but many employers prefer candidates with post-secondary education in logistics, international trade, or supply chain management. Practical experience in the transportation industry or similar roles is often advantageous, and there are opportunities to supplement with specialized courses or certifications. Good IT skills and knowledge of English are generally required.

• High school education: Logistics, transportation, or economics, at least 3 years
• Post-secondary education: YH education (2 years) or university degree (3 years) in logistics/supply chain
• Certifications: Courses in forwarding, customs handling, or international trade
• Internship: Recommended to increase employability
• Language skills: English and preferably additional languages

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for shipping planners include wellness allowances, pension schemes, and insurance. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and access to staff discounts or subsidized meals are also common. Some employers offer further training and professional development support.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a shipping planner varies depending on region and economic conditions. Major logistics hubs and port cities often have a larger supply of jobs, while competition may be tougher in smaller towns. Challenges in the profession mainly involve handling rapid changes in supply chains, global disruptions, and increased demands for efficiency. Digitalization and automation also impact the role, requiring higher technical competence and adaptability. To stand out in the job market, experience and a willingness to continuously develop skills are essential.

Tips for aspiring shipping planners

To succeed as a shipping planner, it is good to develop strong problem-solving skills and be flexible to changing conditions. Precision is crucial for managing complex freight documents and delivery terms, while communication skills are vital for interacting with customers and partners worldwide. Gaining experience through internships or part-time jobs in transport and logistics provides a valuable advantage. A genuine interest in technology and digital tools simplifies working with modern planning systems. Finally, resilience under stress and the ability to prioritize among many tasks are important qualities for thriving and succeeding in the role.

Key facts about Shipping Planners

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Education level: High school or post-secondary education in logistics
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 90% of men's salary
• Work environment: Office-based, often fast-paced
• Job vacancies: 550 within the profession of freight forwarders and transport brokers

Career paths and future outlook

After 3–5 years in the profession as a shipping planner, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as logistics manager, transportation coordinator, or specialist in customs handling and international trade. Some progress to project management or advisory roles within larger transport companies and freight forwarders. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no specific assessment for shipping planners, but within the profession of freight forwarders and transport brokers, 550 job openings were noted in Sweden, indicating continued demand. Opportunities are influenced by economic conditions, changes in global trade patterns, and the ongoing digitalization within the transport sector.

Frequently asked questions about Shipping Planners

• What does a shipping planner earn?
  - The average salary is 41 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and gender.
• What education is required to become a shipping planner?
  - Usually, high school education in logistics or economics is required, but post-secondary education is advantageous.
• What are the gender differences in salary for shipping planners?
  - Women earn approximately 90% of what men do in the profession.
• Are there many job openings for shipping planners?
  - Currently, there are 550 job vacancies in Sweden within the profession.
• What are the tasks of a shipping planner?
  - Planning, booking, and supervising transports, communicating with customers and suppliers, and handling documentation.
• What are the career paths?
  - After a few years of experience, one can progress to roles such as logistics manager, transportation coordinator, or specialist.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a shipping planner?
  - The highest salary is 50,000 SEK for men, 44,400 SEK for women, and the lowest is 37,900 SEK for women.