Shipping Agent Business & Administration Technicians
SaveWhat Does a Shipping Agent Do?
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.
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Where Do I Start?
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.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Shipping Agent
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialInternational Import Export Regulations knowledge
Know the principles that govern the import and export of products and equipment, trade restrictions, health and safety measures, licenses, etc.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPort Regulation knowledge
Know port standards and legal regulations, based primarily on municipal laws, port laws or the Maritime Code.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialControl Trade Commercial Documentation skill
Monitor written records containing information related to commercial transactions such as invoice, letter of credit, order, shipping, certificate of origin.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Procedures To Ensure Cargo Complies With Customs Regulations skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialComply With Regulations Related To Export In Different Countries skill
Check that the labels of products and the packaging are compliant with different regulations in the countries where they are exported.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Compliance With Port Regulations skill
Enforce compliance with regulations in harbours and sea ports. Communicate with relevant authorities to identify potential risks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialKeep Up-to-date To Current Customs Regulations skill
Follow the latest developments and changes occurred in customs regulations and government policies related to international trade.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialLiaise With Port Users skill
Communicate and cooperate with port users such as shipping agents, freight customers and port managers.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMake Bids In Forward Auctions skill
Create and provide forward bids, taking into account possible special requirements such as refrigeration of goods or transport of potentially hazardous materials.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Import Export Licenses skill
Ensure the effective issuing of permits and licenses in import and export processes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProvide Advice To Clients In Terms Of Export Restrictions skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProvide Advice To Clients In Terms Of Import Restrictions skill
Inform clients about import restrictions such as import tariffs, licenses, quotas, currency restrictions, prohibition and other related regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 13 displayed)
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OptionalAdminister Multi-modal Logistics skill
Manage the flow of products through multi-modal transportation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate Import-export Commercial Documentation skill
Organise the completion of official documents such as letters of credit, shipping orders, and certificates of origin.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalBook Cargo skill
Book cargo for shipment following customer specifications.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCoordinate Export Transportation Activities skill
Coordinate all export transportation operations while considering export strategies and services.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCoordinate Import Transportation Activities skill
Oversee import transportation operations; optimise import processes and service strategies.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalHandle Shipment Paperwork skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalHave Access To Shipping Rates skill
Have the ability to access information about shipping rates and compare the information across providers. Use this information to prepare bids for clients.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInspect Freight skill
Inspect, document, and manage freight shipments; verify that all content complies with national, international and local regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalKeep Written Records Of Cargo skill
Keep written records of the quantity of goods loaded or unloaded. Track times, dates and tasks completed.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLiaise Between The Client And Various Transportation Services skill
Serve as an intermediary between the customer and various transportation services.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalObserve Freight Shipment Loaders skill
Observe process of freight loading; ensure that crew complies with all applicable regulations and procedures; stow heavy and potentially dangerous cargo.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOversee Arrival And Departure Of Ships Into Port skill
Communicate with the captain in relation to when the ship will arrive or depart the port. Notify and liaise with port authorities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrepare Bills Of Lading skill
Prepare bills of lading and associated shipping documentation in accordance with customs and legal requirements.
Course recommendations coming soon.