What is a Schifffahrtskaufmann/-frau (shipping clerk)?

A Schifffahrtskaufmann/-frau is a specialist in organising and managing sea freight operations.
They plan and coordinate cargo transports by sea, book space on vessels, arrange loading and unloading, and communicate with international customers, carriers, ports and logistics partners.
Their main goal is to ensure that goods reach their destination safely, on time and at optimal cost.

How does the vocational training work?

• Dual vocational training (Ausbildung) with a duration of 3 years

• Combination of:

  • Practical training in shipping companies, sea freight agencies or logistics providers

  • Theoretical lessons at a vocational school (Berufsschule)

• Completed with an official final exam recognised by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)

What are the daily tasks?

1. Organising sea freight shipments

• Planning routes and schedules for vessels and container shipments

• Booking cargo space on ships and coordinating loading and discharge in ports

• Arranging pre- and on-carriage by road or rail where necessary

2. Negotiating with customers

• Communicating with national and international customers

• Preparing and negotiating freight quotations and transport offers

• Advising customers on optimal shipping options, transit times and required documents

• Clarifying special requirements such as hazardous cargo, refrigerated containers or oversized cargo

3. Preparing documentation

• Issuing shipping documents, such as the Bill of Lading

• Preparing customs documents, certificates of origin and commercial invoices in cooperation with customers

• Arranging appropriate cargo insurance and documenting coverage details

4. Logistical coordination

• Liaising with ports, terminals, shipping lines, trucking companies, rail operators, customs and insurers

• Tracking vessel positions and monitoring the status of shipments

• Handling delays, rerouting and disruptions within the supply chain

5. Cost and quality control

• Analysing and comparing freight rates, surcharges and offers from service providers

• Selecting the most suitable options in terms of price, reliability and transit time

• Ensuring that delivery deadlines and agreed service levels are met

Where do Schifffahrtskaufleute work?

• Shipping companies and sea freight service providers

• Logistics and global supply chain companies with a focus on sea transport

• Freight forwarding and customs brokerage agencies

• Companies active in ship management and port operations

• Large exporting and importing companies that regularly use sea freight

Which skills are important?

• Strong organisational skills and analytical thinking

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, especially in an international context

• Good foreign language skills, in particular English

• Solid understanding of customs, logistics and international trade regulations

• Ability to work under time pressure, handle changes flexibly and solve problems quickly

What are the career development opportunities?

• Promotion to sea freight department manager or logistics project manager

• Specialisation in supply chain management, global logistics or port management

• Further studies in logistics, international trade or business administration

• Working abroad for international shipping or logistics companies

• Setting up your own shipping or forwarding agency

Difference between Schifffahrtskaufmann/-frau and Speditionskaufmann/-frau

Summary

The profession of Schifffahrtskaufmann/-frau places you at the very heart of global trade:

• You help to move goods around the world by sea.

• The job offers wide-ranging opportunities in Germany and abroad.

• It opens the door to diverse careers in logistics, port management and international business.

• The role combines commercial skills, logistics know-how and customer service in a dynamic, international environment.

The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and various sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may remain incomplete. Please regard the information presented as an initial reference and always contact the relevant authorities for binding and up-to-date information.