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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT →

Shipbroker

Shipbrokers arrange deals to transport goods by sea. They match people who have things to ship with people who have cargo ships available, negotiate the price and terms, and keep deals moving smoothly from start to finish.

Shipbroker

35

Business and Management

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY35
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST60%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
RELATIONAL MOATPeople want a real person for this. That preference is the protection.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is modest on our index (35), and people want a real person for this. That preference is the protection. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

The role

As a shipbroker, you're the person who connects businesses needing to ship goods across the ocean with ship owners who have the space available. You work in a fast-moving industry where prices change every day and deals need to happen quickly. Your job is to know the market - where ships are, what they charge, what's in high demand - and use that knowledge to strike deals that work for everyone.

Much of your day is spent on the phone or computer talking to clients - anything from huge companies moving thousands of tonnes of cargo to smaller businesses shipping a single container. You listen to what they need (when, where, how much), then you hunt for the right ship at the right price and negotiate the contract. You'll review shipping routes, keep track of fuel costs and global events that change the market (like storms that close ports), and make sure once a deal is made, the paperwork is done properly. It's about reading people and markets, staying sharp on details, and building relationships so people come back to you next time they need to ship something.

Daily responsibilities

  • Negotiate freight rates and charter agreements between ship owners and cargo interests.
  • Research market trends and shipping routes to provide clients with strategic advice.
  • Prepare and review contracts, ensuring compliance with maritime laws and regulations.
  • Maintain relationships with clients, ship owners, and port authorities to ensure smooth operations.
  • Monitor vessel movements and provide updates to clients on shipping schedules.
  • Utilize shipping software and databases to track market dynamics and vessel availability.
  • Attend industry conferences and networking events to build professional relationships.
  • Resolve disputes or issues that arise during the shipping process.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree, particularly in maritime studies, business, or logistics, provides candidates with a robust understanding of the shipping industry, regulatory frameworks, and international trade practices. This academic foundation, combined with the UK's strong maritime heritage, positions graduates as highly desirable candidates in the competitive shipbroking market.