what is a shipping and receiving clerk?

Shipping and receiving clerks play essential roles in the supply chain. The process starts when warehouses order products or raw materials. Once the delivery arrives, you'll receive and process the shipment, then check the inventory for lost or damaged goods. If everything looks right, you'll distribute the delivery to the right departments. Sometimes, this means using heavy machinery to transport packages yourself.

Similarly, shipping and receiving clerks keep extensive records so that you can check inventory counts, review past orders and request replacements for damaged items. If your numbers don't add up with the supplier's, you'll figure out what went missing. This ensures a full inventory stocked with usable products.

When customers place an order, you'll remove the stock from the inventory, then double-check the purchase before preparing postage, packing slips, and other paperwork. You may authorize payment and arrange transportation. If customers request a refund, you'll arrange for a return and record the transaction.

Sometimes, employers hire assistants, order pickers, or machine operators. You'll train workers to locate inventory, package items, and prepare deliveries on schedule. Likewise, you'll undergo training when the warehouse adopts new technologies. Overall, your coworkers count on your strong recordkeeping and up-to-date knowledge.

Would working as a shipping and receiving clerk suit your organizational skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a shipping and receiving clerk role.

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average shipping and receiving clerk salary

Would you like to know what a shipping and receiving clerk earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for a shipping and receiving clerk? Then check out this shipping and receiving clerk salary page and find out all about the salary of a shipping and receiving clerk in the USA.

male working on a maleufacturing site, pulling a trolley.
male working on a maleufacturing site, pulling a trolley.
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types of shipping and receiving clerk

Shipping and receiving clerks work in various industries, including manufacturing, retail, food and beverage, transportation and wholesale goods. Your options range from major corporations to small businesses that ship their products to local buyers. If you worked in the industry before, you'll have an advantage when you apply for a job.

Each industry requires a specific skill set. For example, if you work for a bookstore, you might enter new books into the system, add price tags, return unsold books to the supplier, and transport books to different locations.

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working as a shipping and receiving clerk

Every day looks different for shipping and receiving clerks. Learn about the qualifications and what to expect from a typical shift.

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shipping and receiving clerk skills and education

Generally, shipping and receiving clerks only need a high school diploma or GED. Employers don't ask for extensive qualifications because this is an entry-level position. You could transition from a starter job, such as working in retail, to a full-time job with a regular schedule.

At most, the manager might request an associate's degree and a year or two of experience. Fortunately, you could earn experience with one job and transition to a company with a higher salary. You can also leverage your past experience by choosing a relevant industry. For example, if you have only retail jobs on your resume, find a business involved in the retail trade.

Shipping and receiving clerks have to maintain machine-operating licenses. Your employer may recommend an OSHA-approved training program that includes lectures, a written test, hands-on experience, and a practical exam. Once you pass, you can use machinery safely and legally until the license expires.

Your employer may provide training about data entry software, barcode scanners, AI programs, and other technology that you'll use on the job. Supervisors also teach you about protective equipment, hazardous situations, and staying safe on the factory floor.

skills and competencies

Shipping and receiving clerks need to be mobile and active so that they can stand for long periods of time, walk long distances, and lift heavy loads. You don't have to be a bodybuilder, but managers prefer workers in decent shape. This also means knowing your limits and asking for help instead of potentially injuring yourself.

In the office, shipping and receiving clerks are organized and detail oriented. You track every item to maintain accurate inventory counts. When you have damaged or missing items, you act quickly to maintain your business's sales flow. You can also pull up records in minutes when your supervisor needs to review a shipment, delivery, or inventory count.

Suppliers enjoy working with you because you're professional and courteous. You greet them, help them unload, and politely bring up issues, such as damaged packaging, without blaming anyone. Since you maintain a good working relationship, suppliers go out of their way to assist you.

Customers also appreciate your communication skills. You listen to their concerns and make returns as quick and easy as possible. Likewise, you track their orders to ensure that everything arrives on time. If a problem arises, you think quickly and use your problem-solving skills to find the best solution.

two men talking in a warehouse
two men talking in a warehouse
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FAQs about working as a shipping and receiving clerk

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about shipping and receiving clerks.

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