What Does a Packer Do?
Packers work at fulfillment centers, drop-shipping locations, manufacturing facilities and other warehouse environments to move products from storage and get them ready for delivery to their next location. Their primary role is to gather inventory and wrap it up for shipping, but they may also assist with other warehouse tasks like putting items in the correct place back on the shelves or loading finished packages into delivery trucks.
Packers consider the most space-efficient way to send a variety of items of different shapes, sizes and weights. They collect the necessary shipping materials like packing foam, bubble wrap, cling wrap and tape to create a shipping package that will protect the items inside. Packers also note any special considerations about the order by labeling the shipping container with information about any perishable, fragile or potentially dangerous items inside.
Packer Skills and Qualifications
A suitable Packer needs to have the following skills and qualifications in order to be qualified for the role:
- In-depth knowledge of packing and shipping procedures
- Ability to operate shipping vehicles
- Good knowledge of basic arithmetic: addition, subtraction, division and multiplication
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment for long hours
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Good communication skills
Packer Salary Expectations
On average, a Packer earns $12.04 per hour in the United States. Working 40 hours a week all year round, this comes to an annual average of $25,043.20. However, Packers regularly work overtime, with an average annual overtime pay of $4,312 per year. These figures are based on Indeed estimates collected from former and current Packers, or job advertisements, and may vary with geographical location, years of experience and type of work contract.
Packer Education and Training Requirements
Packers are not usually required to have any advanced educational qualifications. A high school diploma or a general educational diploma (GED) is usually sufficient. This shows that the Packer understands the basic rules of arithmetic and communicating in the English language. For Packers who actually drive the shipping vehicles, they may be required to get a commercial driving license (CDL) before starting the job. A forklift license may also be required. Other than these, being a Packer does not require much in terms of training and education. All training will be received on the job.
Packer Experience Requirements
Typically, a Packer requires a minimum of one year’s experience working in this role, or in a similar role such as order picker, truck loader, etc. They should be comfortable working on their feet for a considerable amount of time. Packers should have some experience working in a warehouse or factory, packaging goods for shipment. Experience as a warehouse operative apprentice is also suitable. They need to be familiar with using packing material such as bubble wrap. It will also be good to have experience using computers to log in items and manage an inventory.
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