17 Shipping Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

The role of shipping specialist is critical to the success of any business that ships products to customers. A shipping specialist is responsible for ensuring that orders are filled and shipped in a timely and accurate manner. They also track shipments, resolve shipping issues, and maintain shipping records.

If you’re looking for a job as a shipping specialist, you’ll need to be able to answer a variety of shipping interview questions. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some of the most common shipping specialist interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your next interview.

Are you familiar with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards for shipping goods by air?

The IATA is an international organization that sets standards for the shipping industry. Employers ask this question to see if you are familiar with their standards and how they apply to your work. Use your answer to show that you know what these standards are and how they affect your job.

Example: “I am very familiar with the IATA’s standards for shipping goods by air. In my last role, I was responsible for ensuring our shipments met all of the association’s requirements. This included making sure we used a reputable shipping company and that our packages were properly labeled and packaged according to weight and size restrictions. It also meant checking in with customs officials before each shipment left the country.”

What are the most important things to consider when packing delicate items for shipping?

This question can help the interviewer assess your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions. Use examples from past experience or explain what you would do if you had no prior experience with packing fragile items for shipping.

Example: “The most important thing is to use plenty of padding, especially around corners and edges. I also make sure that all boxes are sealed tightly so nothing falls out during transit. Another consideration is making sure the box is large enough to fit the item without crushing it. If a box is too small, the contents could shift during transit and get damaged.”

How would you handle a situation where a shipment was delayed due to bad weather?

Weather can be unpredictable, and it’s important to have a plan in place for when delays occur. Employers want to know that you’re able to handle unexpected situations with ease. In your answer, explain how you would react to the situation and what steps you would take to ensure the shipment arrived on time.

Example: “If I was shipping goods during bad weather, I would contact my client immediately to let them know about the delay. Then, I would call the trucking company to see if there were any alternate routes we could take to get the shipment there as quickly as possible. If not, I would wait until the storm passed before resuming delivery.”

What is your process for preparing a shipment for pickup?

This question can help the interviewer understand your work style and how you approach a task. Your answer should include steps that show attention to detail, organization skills and time management abilities.

Example: “I start by reviewing the customer’s order and confirming all details with them. I then check inventory for items needed for the shipment and make sure they are available. Next, I pack the items in boxes according to their size and weight and label each box accordingly. Finally, I load the boxes onto a truck or other vehicle for pickup.”

Provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to help a customer and solve a problem.

Employers ask this question to see if you are willing to go the extra mile for their company. They want someone who is motivated by helping others and making customers happy. When answering, think of a time when you helped a customer solve a problem or find what they were looking for. Try to make it specific so that it shows your skills as a shipping specialist.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a customer who was looking for a very rare item. We searched everywhere but couldn’t find it anywhere. Finally, after weeks of searching, we found one in another state. The customer was thrilled and said she would tell all her friends about us. It felt good to help her out.”

If you could only choose one, which would you find more rewarding: working with shipments or working with customers?

This question is designed to assess your personal preferences and how they might affect your work performance. Your answer should reflect the type of job you want, rather than what the interviewer wants you to do.

Example: “I find working with customers more rewarding because I enjoy helping people solve problems. However, I also understand that shipping requires a lot of attention to detail, so I would be willing to focus on shipments if it meant I could help my company meet its goals.”

What would you do if a customer called with a question about a shipment that you were unable to answer?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle customer service issues. Use your answer to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to learn quickly.

Example: “If a customer called with a shipping question that I couldn’t answer, I would first apologize for my lack of knowledge and then ask them if they could hold while I looked up their shipment information. If I still didn’t have an answer after looking it up, I would call my supervisor or another colleague who might know the answer. I would do everything in my power to find the right answer so that I could provide excellent customer service.”

How well do you handle stress when dealing with multiple deadlines and urgent requests?

Shipping is a fast-paced industry, and employers want to know that you can handle the pressure of working in this type of environment. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.

Example: “I thrive under pressure because I am able to stay organized and focused on my work. In my previous role as a shipping specialist, I often had multiple deadlines and urgent requests at once. I was able to manage all of these responsibilities by prioritizing them based on their urgency and importance. This helped me ensure that I completed each task efficiently while still meeting the needs of my clients.”

Do you have experience using shipping software? Which programs are you most familiar with?

Shipping software is a common tool used by shipping professionals. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience using these programs and how you apply them in your daily work. If you have experience with shipping software, describe the type of program you use and what you like most about it. If you don’t have experience with shipping software, you can still answer this question by describing any other software you’ve used in the past.

Example: “I am familiar with several different types of shipping software. I find that ShippingEasy is my favorite because it’s so easy to use. It has all the features I need for my job, including integrations with major carriers and the ability to create custom labels. I also really enjoy its dashboard, which makes it simple to track shipments.”

When is it appropriate to offer customers free shipping?

Shipping costs can be a major factor in the purchasing decision for customers. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to offer free shipping to customers without losing money on the transaction. Use your answer to show that you understand when it’s appropriate to offer free shipping and what factors influence whether or not you should do so.

Example: “I only offer free shipping if I’m confident we’ll still make a profit on the sale. For example, if I have a customer who is buying $100 worth of merchandise, but they live close enough to our warehouse that we can ship their order for less than $5, then I would offer them free shipping. However, if they were ordering $1,000 worth of merchandise, then I wouldn’t feel comfortable offering free shipping because it would cost us too much.”

We want to improve our customer service scores. What ideas do you have to help us do this?

This question is a great way to see how you can improve the company’s customer service scores. It also shows that the interviewer wants to know your ideas for improving their business and not just what you’re doing as an employee.

Example: “I think one of the best ways to improve our customer service scores is by having more employees available during peak hours. I’ve noticed that many companies have this problem, but it’s usually because they don’t have enough shipping specialists or customer service representatives on staff. If we could add another shipping specialist to each shift, we would be able to reduce wait times and increase satisfaction.”

Describe your experience working with international shipments.

Shipping specialist jobs often require employees to work with international shipments. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with foreign clients and can complete the job duties of a shipping specialist. In your answer, share two or three examples of how you worked with international clients in previous positions. Explain what steps you took to ensure these shipments were delivered on time.

Example: “I’ve had several experiences working with international shipments. For my last position, I was responsible for managing all incoming and outgoing shipments. This included both domestic and international shipments. When working with foreign shipments, I always made sure to communicate with our client about any delays that occurred during transit. I also ensured we used the correct documentation when sending out shipments so they could clear customs.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this shipping specialist position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the job. They want to know what makes you a good fit for their company and how you can contribute to its success. Before your interview, make a list of all your relevant skills and experiences that relate to this position. Think about which ones are most important for shipping specialists. Share these with your interviewer so they can see why you’re qualified for the role.

Example: “I have several years of experience working as a shipping specialist. I’ve worked in both small and large companies, so I understand the importance of meeting deadlines while also maintaining high quality standards. My communication skills are excellent, and I’m always willing to help others. These skills make me an ideal candidate for this position.”

Which shipping methods do you prefer to use when shipping large or heavy items?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with shipping large or heavy items and how you prefer to do it. Use examples from past projects that highlight your skills in this area, such as knowledge of different shipping methods and how they work.

Example: “I have extensive experience using both ground and air shipping methods for my last company. I prefer to use air shipping when shipping larger items because it’s more cost-effective than ground shipping. However, if there are no time constraints, I will always choose ground shipping over air shipping because it is safer for the item being shipped.”

What do you think is the most important trait for a successful shipping specialist?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you view success. They want someone who is hardworking, dedicated and passionate about the job. When answering this question, think of a specific trait that helped you succeed in shipping or another industry.

Example: “I believe the most important trait for a successful shipping specialist is attention to detail. Shipping involves many different tasks, from loading trucks to organizing shipments. If you miss one small detail, it can cause delays later on. I am very good at noticing details and making sure everything is correct before moving forward with my task.”

How often do you think you should update a shipment’s status report?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you prioritize your work and whether you are able to meet deadlines. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of keeping clients informed about their shipments.

Example: “I think it’s important to update a shipment’s status report at least once every 24 hours, especially if there is any change in the delivery date or time. This helps me keep my client informed and ensures they know what to expect from the shipment. If I have no changes to report, I will still send an email letting them know the shipment is on schedule.”

There is a discrepancy in the weight of a shipment compared to the shipping label. What is your next step?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. Your answer should include a step-by-step process of how you would handle this situation.

Example: “I would first weigh the shipment again, making sure that I am using the same scale as before. If there is still a discrepancy in weight, I would then contact my supervisor or manager for further instructions. After weighing the shipment again, if it’s still off by the same amount, I would call the customer service department to see if they have any additional information about the shipment.”