Shipping Coordinator job description.
A shipping coordinator organizes and tracks outbound shipments to ensure orders are packed, documented, and delivered on schedule. They work with carriers, warehouse staff, and customer service to resolve shipping issues, maintain accurate records, and keep freight costs and delivery times within targets.
The Shipping Coordinator job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Shipping Coordinator Reports to: Warehouse Manager
A shipping coordinator organizes and tracks outbound shipments to ensure orders are packed, documented, and delivered on schedule. They work with carriers, warehouse staff, and customer service to resolve shipping issues, maintain accurate records, and keep freight costs and delivery times within targets.
- Schedule and coordinate outbound shipments with carriers and freight providers
- Prepare shipping documentation including bills of lading and packing slips
- Verify order accuracy before dispatch and resolve discrepancies
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
5 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Warehouse Manager
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Schedule and coordinate outbound shipments with carriers and freight providers
- Prepare shipping documentation including bills of lading and packing slips
- Verify order accuracy before dispatch and resolve discrepancies
- Track shipments and proactively communicate delays to customers or sales teams
- Coordinate with warehouse staff on packing, staging, and load scheduling
- Maintain shipping records and update order status in the system
- Compare carrier rates and select cost-effective shipping options
- Process shipping paperwork for international or hazardous shipments as required
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 1-2+ years experience in shipping, logistics, or warehouse operations
- Proficiency with shipping software and order management systems
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to lift and move packages as needed
- Experience with freight carrier negotiations
- Knowledge of international shipping and customs documentation
- Familiarity with ERP or warehouse management systems
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Shipping Coordinator job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Shipping Coordinator job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The entry band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Warehouse Manager) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- What software skills does a shipping coordinator need?
- Most employers expect familiarity with shipping or order management software, and larger operations often require experience with a warehouse management or ERP system.
- Is this a hands-on warehouse role?
- It combines desk work like scheduling and documentation with time on the warehouse floor coordinating packing and staging, so some physical activity is typical.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Shipping and Receiving Clerk
A shipping and receiving clerk manages the flow of goods into and out of a warehouse or facility.
Inventory Manager
An Inventory Manager oversees stock control across a warehouse, distribution network, or retail chain, balancing service levels against carrying cost.
Facilities Manager
A Facilities Manager oversees the maintenance, safety, and operational efficiency of a building or property portfolio.
This Shipping Coordinator job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.