Shipping and Receiving Associate
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Receive incoming deliveries and verify items against purchase orders or delivery notes
- Inspect products for damage and report issues to a supervisor
- Label, sort, and store inventory in the correct locations
- Pick, pack, and stage orders for shipment
- Prepare shipping documents and attach labels to cartons and pallets
- Load and unload trucks using safe material handling practices
- Update inventory counts and shipment status in warehouse systems
- Support cycle counts and periodic inventory audits
- Keep work areas clean and follow safety procedures
- Coordinate with drivers, carriers, and internal teams to resolve shipping or receiving questions
Top Skills for Success
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Teamwork
Communication
Problem Solving
Order Picking
Packing
Receiving Procedures
Inventory Control
Shipping Documentation
Barcode Scanning
Warehouse Management Systems
Forklift Operation
Safety Compliance
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Shipping and Receiving Lead
Inventory Control Specialist
Warehouse Coordinator
Forklift Operator
Logistics Coordinator
Transition Opportunities
Warehouse Supervisor
Distribution Supervisor
Operations Supervisor
Supply Chain Analyst
Transportation Coordinator
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Warehouse Management SystemsInventory AccuracyShipping DocumentationForklift OperationHazard Awareness
Development SuggestionsAsk to be cross-trained on receiving and shipping tasks, practice error-proof checking steps, and request access to system training. If your site uses equipment, pursue operator training and prioritize consistent safety habits.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry Level$30,000 to $38,000 per year
Mid Level$38,000 to $48,000 per year
Senior Level$48,000 to $60,000 per year
Growth Trend
Stable demand driven by e-commerce, retail restocking, and ongoing warehouse operations. Hiring often increases seasonally and in regions with major distribution hubs.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
AmazonWalmartTargetFedExUPSDHLHome DepotCostcoSyscoUline
Industry Sectors
E-commerceRetailThird party logisticsManufacturingFood and beverage distributionHealthcare distributionAutomotive parts distributionConstruction supplyConsumer electronicsApparel
Recommended Next Steps
1
Update your resume with measurable results such as orders packed per shift, accuracy rate, and inventory counts completed2
Learn the basics of a warehouse system used at your job and practice common tasks like receiving, putaway, and shipment confirmation3
Volunteer for cycle counts to build inventory control experience4
Request training for powered equipment if relevant and available5
Strengthen reliability signals by tracking attendance, on-time completion, and quality checks6
Explore lead roles by asking to mentor new hires and help coordinate daily workload