AccountancyISCO 3331

Shipping agent

A shipping agent is a person who represents a shipowner in a foreign port, seeing that customs clearance happens in good time so the cargo does not sit in the port longer than it must, and arranging the insurance, licences and other formalities a call requires. On the spot, the agent acts on the owner's behalf.

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Rate 5 of the 12 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

ensure compliance with port regulations

apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulations

make bids in forward auctions

manage import export licenses

comply with regulations related to export in different countries

About shipping agent

Clearance is the central task. The agent applies the procedures that bring the cargo into compliance with customs regulations, manages the import and export permits, and ensures compliance with the export rules of the different states involved, which are not the same and do not always agree with one another.

Advising the client is the second task. The agent advises on import restrictions and on export restrictions. A restriction discovered only in the port means extra cost.

Working with the port is the third part. The agent cooperates with port users, from stevedores and terminal operators to pilots and surveyors, and works from a knowledge of port regulations, which differ from one port to the next. What counts is turning a ship round quickly without skipping any formalities.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (12)

international import export regulationsinternational import export regulationsThe principles that govern the import and export of products and equipment, trade restrictions, health and safety measures, licenses, etc.port regulationport regulationThe legal standards and regulations applicable to ports, based primarily on municipal laws, port laws or the Maritime Code.ensure compliance with port regulationsensure compliance with port regulationsEnforce compliance with regulations in harbours and sea ports. Communicate with relevant authorities to identify potential risks.apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulationsapply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulationsApply 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...control trade commercial documentationcontrol trade commercial documentationMonitor written records containing information related to commercial transactions such as invoice, letter of credit, order, shipping, certificate of origin.make bids in forward auctionsmake bids in forward auctionsCreate and provide forward bids, taking into account possible special requirements such as refrigeration of goods or transport of potentially hazardous materials.manage import export licensesmanage import export licensesEnsure the effective issuing of permits and licenses in import and export processes.comply with regulations related to export in different countriescomply with regulations related to export in different countriesCheck that the labels of products and the packaging are compliant with different regulations in the countries where they are exported.provide advice to clients in terms of export restrictionsprovide advice to clients in terms of export restrictionsInform clients about the export restrictions, which consist of regulations about limitations on the quantity of exported goods imposed by a specific country or government.provide advice to clients in terms of import restrictionsprovide advice to clients in terms of import restrictionsInform clients about import restrictions such as import tariffs, licenses, quotas, currency restrictions, prohibition and other related regulations.keep up-to-date to current customs regulationskeep up-to-date to current customs regulationsFollow the latest developments and changes occurred in customs regulations and government policies related to international trade.liaise with port usersliaise with port usersCommunicate and cooperate with port users such as shipping agents, freight customers and port managers.

Optional (13) — show

create import-export commercial documentationcreate import-export commercial documentationOrganise the completion of official documents such as letters of credit, shipping orders, and certificates of origin.observe freight shipment loadersobserve freight shipment loadersObserve process of freight loading; ensure that crew complies with all applicable regulations and procedures; stow heavy and potentially dangerous cargo.keep written records of cargokeep written records of cargoKeep written records of the quantity of goods loaded or unloaded. Track times, dates and tasks completed.prepare bills of ladingprepare bills of ladingPrepare bills of lading and associated shipping documentation in accordance with customs and legal requirements.oversee arrival and departure of ships into portoversee arrival and departure of ships into portCommunicate with the captain in relation to when the ship will arrive or depart the port. Notify and liaise with port authorities.inspect freightinspect freightInspect, document, and manage freight shipments; verify that all content complies with national, international and local regulations.administer multi-modal logisticsadminister multi-modal logisticsManage the flow of products through multi-modal transportation.handle shipment paperworkhandle shipment paperworkHandle 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. Che...coordinate export transportation activitiescoordinate export transportation activitiesCoordinate all export transportation operations while considering export strategies and services.book cargobook cargoBook cargo for shipment following customer specifications.analyse shipping ratesanalyse shipping ratesAccess information about shipping rates and compare the information across providers. Use this information to prepare bids for clients.coordinate import transportation activitiescoordinate import transportation activitiesOversee import transportation operations; optimise import processes and service strategies.liaise with transportation servicesliaise with transportation servicesServe as an intermediary between the customer and various transportation services.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

non-vessel operating common carrier5 shared essential skills port coordinator4 shared essential skills water traffic coordinator4 shared essential skills customs and excise officer3 shared essential skills international forwarding operations coordinator3 shared essential skills customs officer2 shared essential skills import export manager2 shared essential skills import export manager in agricultural machinery and equipment2 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What 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.

What skills does a shipping agent need?

A shipping agent needs 12 essential skills, including international import export regulations, port regulation, ensure compliance with port regulations, apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulations, control trade commercial documentation.

Will AI replace shipping agent jobs?

The AI disruption score for shipping agent is 75/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: prepare bills of lading, handle shipment paperwork, control trade commercial documentation. Most resilient: liaise with port users, oversee arrival and departure of ships into port, liaise with transportation services.

AI Replacement Risk

75/ 100

Very High Risk

Low riskHigh risk

Skills most at risk from AI

prepare bills of lading handle shipment paperwork control trade commercial documentation

Skills resilient to automation

liaise with port users oversee arrival and departure of ships into port liaise with transportation services

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Quick Facts

SectorAccountancy

ISCO GroupBusiness and administration associate professionals

Essential Skills12

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