Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Receive incoming shipments and verify items against purchase orders
- Inspect goods for damage and report issues to supervisors or vendors
- Label, sort, and store products in the correct locations
- Pick and pack items for outgoing orders based on shipping requirements
- Prepare shipping documents such as packing lists and bills of lading
- Schedule pickups and communicate shipment details to carriers
- Update inventory counts in warehouse systems and spreadsheets
- Operate basic warehouse equipment such as pallet jacks and hand trucks
- Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow safety procedures
- Support cycle counts and assist with inventory audits
Top Skills for Success
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Communication
Problem Solving
Customer Service
Inventory Management
Order Picking
Packing
Shipping Documentation
Receiving Procedures
Warehouse Safety
Barcode Scanning
Warehouse Management Systems
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Warehouse Associate
Order Picker
Inventory Clerk
Material Handler
Transition Opportunities
Lead Shipping Clerk
Inventory Control Specialist
Warehouse Supervisor
Logistics Coordinator
Transportation Coordinator
Receiving Supervisor
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Warehouse Management SystemsInventory AccuracyShipping DocumentationHazard AwarenessProcess Improvement
Development SuggestionsAsk to be cross-trained on both receiving and shipping tasks, practice using handheld scanners and warehouse systems, learn common shipping paperwork, and track simple accuracy metrics such as mis-shipments and receiving discrepancies to show measurable improvement.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 32,000 to 38,000
Mid LevelUSD 38,000 to 46,000
Senior LevelUSD 46,000 to 55,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, supported by ecommerce and ongoing warehouse and distribution hiring. Hiring levels can vary by season and local shipping volume.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
AmazonUPSFedExWalmartTargetHome DepotCostcoDHL Supply ChainXPO LogisticsRyder
Industry Sectors
RetailEcommerceThird-party logisticsManufacturingFood and beverage distributionHealthcare supplyConstruction materialsAutomotive parts distribution
Recommended Next Steps
1
Build a resume that highlights shipment volume, accuracy rate, and on-time shipping performance2
Learn the basics of warehouse systems and barcode scanning through employer training or online courses3
Request cross-training in inventory counts and returns processing to broaden experience4
Earn a forklift certification if it is relevant to the roles in your area5
Practice clear handoff communication with carriers and internal teams to reduce delays6
Apply to roles in high-volume distribution centers for faster skill growth and advancement