office clerk

Shipping Clerk

Shipping Clerks manage and coordinate the transport of goods by sea. They calculate freight rates, organize shipments, prepare documents, and communicate with customers and partners worldwide. The role combines logistics, business operations, and international collaboration in a fast-paced global environment.

Are you interested in the global economy? Would you like to learn a future-oriented and challenging profession in a growing industry?

Shipping clerks organize and manage the transport of goods by sea. They are in regular contact with people all over the world, allowing them to get to know other countries and their cultures.

Many details must be taken into account to ensure smooth transport.

 

 

 

  • Advising customers
  • Calculating freight rates
  • Organizing sea transport, pre- and post-carriage
  • Developing schedules
  • Organizing ship handling at seaports
  • Preparing cargo-related documents
  • Supporting the ship and crew
  • Managing container operations
  • Handling claims

 

 

  • Training duration: 3 years
  • Structured into a practical component (company) and a theoretical component (vocational school)
  • Approximately six-week assignment at one of our international offices
  • Berliner Tor Vocational School in Hamburg
  • Vocational school classes: 6 weeks per semester in block format
  • Vocational school curriculum: Shipping management / Geography / Technical English / Accounting / Economics and politics
  • High school diploma or vocational college entrance qualification
  • Good knowledge of English and geography
  • Interest in the international economy
  • Organizational skills
  • Teamwork and communication skills
Are you interested in applying for an apprenticeship as a shipping clerk with us and still have questions?
 

At Hapag-Lloyd, we offer the shipping clerk apprenticeship and have apprentices in all three years of the program. We’re all united by our interest in container shipping and our willingness to step out of our comfort zones to broaden our horizons.

As part of our diverse training program, we handle the organization of ocean shipments, calculate freight rates, and advise customers to offer them the best possible solution.

We’d love to tell you more about our company and how the apprenticeship at Hapag-Lloyd is structured. Schedule a Meet&Greet with us - we look forward to meeting you and answering your questions!

You can get a glimpse into the career of a shipping clerk in our employee stories down below.

Employee Stories

All "Apprentices & Dual Students" interviews