Shipping Clerk Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Shipping Clerk, or Shipping and Receiving Clerk, is responsible for preparing outgoing shipments and receiving incoming shipments. Their duties include organizing inventory for easy retrieval as new orders come in, reviewing incoming and outgoing shipment schedules to maintain productive operations and documenting damages to inventory.

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Shipping Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

A successful Shipping Clerk should be able to fulfill certain duties and responsibilities. Shipping Clerks are able to perform efficiently in a warehouse and dispatch environment by handling incoming and outgoing deliveries. The following are some duties and responsibilities for a Shipping Clerk that you should look out for in your candidate. 

  • Obtain and process product orders, including receiving deliveries, registering them and distributing packages and letters within the company
  • Maintain the company stockroom through organizing, cleaning and cataloging items on a regular basis
  • Schedule large shipments and plan logistics to ensure that there is sufficient storage space for incoming items and staff on hand to manage the shipments
  • Keep files of goods shipped and received by preparing regular shipping and receiving reports for managers 
  • Handle issues arising in shipping or inventory handling
  • Ensure adherence to environmental management and systems
  • Trouble shoots shipping issues and customer complaints that arise and work to solve them 
  • Place merchandise in a warehouse or storage facility by packaging, lifting items as necessary, operating forklifts and pallet jacks for large goods

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Shipping Clerk Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Shipping Clerk

Reports To:Production Warehouse Manager

Job Overview:The Shipping Clerk is responsible for retail and wholesale shipping and fulfillment responsibilities. They will follow all documented processes for the shipping area and are expected to help maintain a focused, safe, and respectful environment. All responsibilities will be performed in a timely manner while maintaining Kalm with Kava’s quality standards. The Shipping Clerk works well in a team setting and prioritizes clear communication.

Shipping Clerk Responsibilities:
  • Fulfill all retail and wholesale orders Utilize Shipstation to generate USPS, FedEx, and UPS shipping labels Neatly and safely package orders in the correct boxes and envelopes Email and call retail and wholesale customers as needed Communicate with Production Team about product stock and demand Restock shelves with the correct products Follow cleaning SOP’s Update Retail and Bulk Production Log Assist with production tasks such as labeling and filling containers Maintain a neat and organized shipping station Other tasks as assigned by the Production Warehouse Manager

    Skills: Following instruction Basic computer skills Time management Ability to learn quickly Team work Professionalism Strong communication skills Being physically fit to lift up to 50 pounds

    Job Type: Part-time

    Pay: From $16.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

    Education:
  • High school or equivalent Location: One location
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    Example 2

    Become one of the 80,000+ employees that make the Wurth Group such a successful global presence in the distribution industry. The Wurth Group has been supporting the needs of manufacturers for over 75 years and continues to grow as a global distributor with sales in excess of $14 Billion annually. Currently, the Wurth Group consists of over 400 companies in more than 80 countries. As part of the Wurth corporate culture, we are continually looking to expand our business. Intelligent, creative, knowledgeable and talented employees are the foundation of Wurth's growth and continued success. To learn more about Wurth, explore us at [website]

    Wurth Revcar Fasteners, Inc.*, a global components distribution company with headquarters in Roanoke, VA is looking for a highly motivated, career-minded individual for the Warehouse Shipping Clerk position at the Frederick, MD branch. This position requires a candidate to have experience in a warehouse/production environment – and have the ability to multi-task and coordinate complex production schedules and requirements. The candidate should be familiar with and be able to interpret packing slips and enter into the computer the correct information. Applicants must be familiar with proper packaging methods and able to interpret visual aids used to convey specific packaging requirements. Experience with the Shiplinx program (shipping UPS, FedEx and Motor Freight) is considered a bonus and familiarity with the most common material handling equipment is preferred. A successful work history that demonstrates commitment and dependability is required. Only individuals seeking a long-term career with opportunity for advancement need apply.

    Essential Duties AND Responsibilities

    Scanning:

    · Use of portable scanner.

    · Captures all inventory needs at customer site.

    · Transmit inventory order to branch location for filling/shipping.

    Stocking:

    · Verifies product and quantity going into stock.

    · Puts product in correct location utilizing FIFO.

    · Accurately marks overstock and main locations.

    · Packages product in appropriate quantities and containers.

    · Labels bags/boxes/bins.

    Shipping/Receiving/Miscellaneous:

    · Corrects and/or reports any inventory inaccuracy or problem resulting in customer dissatisfaction.

    · Support the shipment of goods produced and the received goods and supplies to be used in or to aid in the production/storage of goods destined for sale to our customer base.

    · Performs cycle counts.

    · Performs cleaning routinely or when asked.

    · Continuously improve productivity and efficiency of processes throughout the operational organization.

    · Other duties as assigned.

    Qualifications, Skills & Abilities

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Ability to maintain a valid Driver’s License and clean driving record (reported annually)
  • Material Handling, forklift or previous warehouse experience preferred.
  • Ability to read, interpret and comprehend documents such as training instructions, shipping tickets, procedure manuals, etc. at a fast pace.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide accurately and efficiently.
  • Must pass forklift training and maintain forklift certification.
  • Requires lifting ability of up to 60 pounds, with frequent lifting of 30-50 pounds. Requires a lot of walking on a concrete surface.
  • Ability to understand and apply instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
  • Ability to solve problems involving several variables in standardized situations.
  • Basic computer knowledge..

    We Offer:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Company paid Life and Disability
  • 401K plan w/ company match
  • Quarterly Bonus Plan
  • PTO / Holidays
  • Wellness Reimbursement
  • GREAT Work Environment

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
    Supplemental Pay:
  • Bonus pay

    Application Question(s):
  • What are your salary requirements(hourly rate)?

    Experience:
  • Forklift: 1 year (Preferred)

    Language:
  • English Location: One location
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    Example 3

    The shipping clerk is responsible to handle incoming and outgoing shipments for Dakotaland Manufacturing. This could include creating shipping documents and pulling inventory from the shelves. Once the order has been filled you are responsible for monitoring each shipment to make sure that outgoing packages are packed correctly and accurately. You may then need to print shipping labels and schedule pickups.
    Essential Functions

  • Examine incoming and outgoing shipment contents and comparing with records, (such as manifests, invoices or orders) to verify accuracy
  • Prepare documents, such as purchase orders, bills of lading, pack slips and shipping orders to route product
  • Determine shipping method for products using knowledge of shipping procedures, routes and rates
  • Record shipment data, such as weight, charges, space availability and damages and discrepancies for purposes of reporting, accounting and record keeping
  • Contact carrier representative to make arrangements and to issue instructions for the shipping and delivery of product
  • Confer and correspond with Shipping Supervisor to rectify problems, such as damages, shortages and nonconformance to specifications
  • Pull orders from warehouse racks using a log and possibly an RF scanner gun
  • Stage and palletize product in warehouse
  • Perform light Quality Control to ensure that products are going to the correct general cleanup and maintenance of your work area

    Job Type: Full-time
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    What Does a Shipping Clerk Do?

    Shipping Clerks typically work for warehouses or storage facilities to fulfill customer orders and maintain product inventory levels. They work closely with other Shipping Clerks to review invoices, retrieve products, package products and place labels on outgoing packages. Their job is to keep detailed records of incoming and outgoing shipments for management to review at the end of each month. They may also be responsible for operating warehouse equipment like scales, forklifts or conveyor belts.

    Shipping Clerk Skills and Qualifications

    A professional Shipping Clerk will have certain prerequisite skills and qualifications. These skills and qualifications guarantee the competitiveness of a candidate. Since Shipping Clerks are responsible for sorting, organizing, and transferring goods, they must have the following skills and qualifications:

    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
    • Excellent organization and administrative skills
    • Integrity and leadership skills
    • Exemplary customer care skills
    • Good analytical and problem solving skills
    • Strong computer skills
    • Ability to operate warehouse machinery such as forklifts
    • Detail-oriented and multitasking skills

    Shipping Clerk Salary Expectations

    The average salary for a Shipping Clerk is $13.75 per hour. This rate is subject to variation depending on the location of a company and its size of operation. When coming up with a fair compensation for a Shipping Clerk in your firm, be sure to review salaries from your geographical area and similar sized companies.

    Shipping Clerk Education and Training Requirements

    Education and training requirements are important in a Shipping Clerk’s job description. They prove that a candidate has the necessary academic and training requirements to complete the job. In this regard, a Shipping Clerk candidate should have a basic diploma or GED equivalent. They should have knowledge of computer applications and basic mathematics and computer skills. An associate’s degree in business or related field is an added bonus to a candidate seeking promotion opportunities. 

    Shipping Clerk Experience Requirements

    A Shipping Clerk’s experience requirements are crucial to obtaining a qualified candidate. A Shipping Clerk should have some experience in dispatch and warehouse activities in order to perform at the job. The candidate should have experience with spreadsheet and database software like Microsoft Excel. A Shipping Clerk should have one or two year’s experience working in the same position. The candidate should also have at least one year supervisory experience in a warehouse environment. It is also important for a Shipping Clerk to have experience working and standing for long periods. Experience in retail, manufacturing or a relevant is an added advantage for the candidate.

    Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

    In case this is not exactly what you are looking for, we have other similar job description samples. These include:

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    Frequently asked questions about Shipping Clerks

     

    What is the difference between a Shipping Clerk and a Shipping Supervisor?

    The difference between a Shipping Clerk and a Shipping Supervisor is seniority and respective job responsibilities. For example, Shipping Clerks are entry-level professionals who work under the guidance of Shipping Supervisors during their shifts. They help organize inventory, unload or load delivery trucks and package items for outgoing shipments. In contrast, Shipping Supervisors usually have previous experience as Shipping Clerks, which qualifies them to perform more senior roles in a warehouse setting. They work closely with the Shipping Manager to create work schedules, address shipping issues or hire and train Shipping Clerks.

     

    What are the daily duties of a Shipping Clerk?

    On a typical day, a Shipping Clerk starts by reviewing the incoming and outgoing shipments they’re responsible for. With delivery times in mind, Shipping Clerks package orders, weigh packages, assign labels and organize packages accordingly. Throughout their shift, Shipping Clerks assist their coworkers in loading and unloading delivery trucks. Shipping Clerks verify incoming shipments by cross-checking invoices against incoming deliveries. They also use forklifts and other machinery to transfer pallets to shelving or storage locations. 

    Before the end of their shift, Shipping Clerks help prepare orders for upcoming shifts and speak with the shift Supervisor to inform them of the tasks they were able to complete.

     

    What qualities make a good Shipping Clerk?

    A good Shipping Clerk is someone who enjoys working as part of a team. This quality enables them to make positive, professional connections with their coworkers to support their work activities. They have excellent physical stamina, allowing them to lift or carry packages and stand for long periods. Further, a good Shipping Clerk has a keen attention to detail, helping them package product orders and label packages correctly. A good Shipping Clerk also values organization and works hard to ensure that inventory goes to the right shelves after unloading deliveries.

     

    Who does a Shipping Clerk report to?

    A Shipping Clerk usually reports to the Shipping Manager within a warehouse facility. The Shipping Manager acts as a point of communication for Shipping Clerks when they receive damaged shipments or experience shipping delays. They also provide Shipping Clerks with daily incoming and outgoing delivery schedules. In the absence of a Shipping Manager, a Shipping Clerk may also report to the Warehouse Manager or the Logistics Manager.

    Job Description Examples

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      Last updated: Apr 28, 2021