Shipping Agent Job Description

Shipping agents work for shipping companies to provide a liaison between the company and the clients that will be on board the ship. It is a demanding and rewarding career field that can provide the individual extensive travel experience around the world.

The primary responsibilities and job duties of shipping agents are as follows:  

• Creating the ship schedule and agenda to the exact specification and requests of the customers


• Coordinating all arrival and departure times of the ship on a daily basis


• Ensuring that all operations on the boat run smoothly during the boarding and disembarking of the ship


• Creating and maintaining the complex ship schedule


• Coordinating any shipping requirements with both international and domestic clients


• Inspecting safety equipment and dealing with any technical issues that arise onboard


• Assist in the transportation of clients to and from the ship as requested, assisting with any immigration needs or issues and coordinating medical care and transport if the need were to arise


• Provide good communication between the ship employees and the clients on board to ensure the clients are well versed in the daily schedule and expectations


• Ensure the ship is abiding by all government rules when in port


• Create files and documents necessary to provide proof of compliance to government authorities when requested


• Negotiating port schedules and port costs to provide the lowest cost options for the clients on board


• Be willing to travel the majority of the time employed by the shipping company