What Can I Do with a Degree in Shipping?
Industries all over the world rely on the shipping industry to get goods, materials and other cargo where it needs to go. After earning a degree in a shipping-related field you could go on to careers such as a cargo and freight agent or a shipping and receiving clerk. Keep reading to learn more about the shipping degrees that can prepare you for these careers. Schools offering Global Operations & Supply Chain Management degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Shipping Degree Options
Whether you want to work in land, sea or air transportation, many industries rely on transportation to get goods, materials and other cargo from one place to the other. Although degree programs specifically in shipping aren't available, you have a few options to prepare for careers in this area, such as programs like the Associate of Science in Transportation, Distribution and Logistics or Bachelor of Science in Logistics Management. Through programs like these, you can study computer applications as they pertain to business, economics, management, logistics and ethics. Your courses may also provide studies on transportation theories, management, operations and marketing.
Careers Options
Generally, a high school degree is the only necessary educational requirement for many shipping careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree could increase job opportunities. Programs in transportation and logistics can help prepare you for a career as a cargo and freight agent. Studying supply chain operations could prepare you to work with the logistics of inventory and transportation.
Cargo and Freight Agent
As a cargo and freight agent, you may find yourself working in a variety of outdoor environments or in a warehouse. The company you work for determines the type of cargo you work with, but ultimately you are responsible for developing shipping methods for such cargo. This may include picking up and receiving cargo and freight. You may also be in charge of managing shipping costs, as well as invoices and other records.
Freight agents also work with their customers to negotiate shipping costs and fees. Tracking cargo, in the event something is lost or off shipment, is yet another duty you can expect to have. You may work with a variety of shipping methods, including air and ground. Coordinating information with dispatchers and customers to ensure cargo arrives in a timely manner is also typically one of your duties. Record keeping is also essential, so you can expect to work with computers and various types of software.
Shipping and Receiving Clerk
As a shipping an receiving clerk, you are responsible for tracking shipping information; keeping accurate records of invoices, shipments, cargo received and bills; ands making sure packages have the correct shipping labels attached. Some positions require that you have knowledge of shipping costs regarding both ground and air to prepare invoices. This could be a physical job to some degree since you may load and unpack cargo.
Having knowledge of shipping methods and what methods are most beneficial to handing cargo are key to this position. You should know delivery routes and costs involved with shipping and receiving. Customer service skills, in addition to communication skills, are necessary to this position because you need to communicate with ground and air representatives regarding the shipment or arrival of cargo.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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