Shipping Agency or Shipping Agents is a person that handles shipments and cargo and also get customers interest on behalf of the ship owners. Shipping Agents are also called port agents or cargo brokers in some parts of the world. A shipping agent is a person who deals with the transactions of a ship in every port that the ship visits or docks.
Shipping Agent takes care of the daily company routine efficiently and gets requirement like local currency, mail, essential supplies, crew transfers, customs documentation, solving problems across countries, waste declaration and fit-in every up-gradation to the ship.

Functions of Shipping Agents
· Ensuring a berth for the incoming ship
· Arranging for the pilot and the tugs if necessary
· Drawing up the documents for the customs and harbour services
· Arranging for the necessary ship fresh water / provisions
· Arranging for the necessary doctor for the crew for any medical assistance
· Arranging for storage bunkers if these are needed
· Arranging for necessary repairs
· Conveying instructions to and from the shipowner
· Organizing the supply, transport and the handling of the goods
· Organizing the necessary contacts with the stevedores
· Collecting freights, cargoes
· Contacting shippers and the receivers of the goods

How to become a Shipping Agent
A Shipping Agent is the means between who need to move cargo and who will carry the cargo. The agent does research on everything before it is set to the shipping. They are various ways to become a shipping agent, which are:
• Cargo representative job description: A shipping agent must know the shipping laws and regulations. The agent must understand customer needs. A shipping agent must be a creative problem solver and ensure goods are delivered safely to their final destination.
• Learn the industry: To become a shipping agent you need to understand the industry works, learning the practical skills of the day-to-day works of the industry.
• Obtain required certification: To start as a shipping agent you need to get official government authorization.
• Network with carriers: Developing relationships and following through with your business deal. To make money as a shipping agent is based on people skills.
• Choose a location and supplies: Physical location may not be needed for your business but marketing your services and meeting the right people is a better way to start a shipping business.
• Get the word out: Social media and face to face conversations are the key to your success. Start with free or low-cost options. Once you land your first successful deal, you’ll have an instant reference that will help you develop your business further.