Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Career Guide

A Shipping and Receiving Clerk keeps products moving in and out of a warehouse or store location. They receive deliveries, check items for accuracy and damage, prepare outgoing shipments, update inventory records, and coordinate with carriers and internal teams to ensure orders are handled correctly and on time.

Key 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

Build a resume that highlights shipment volume, accuracy rate, and on-time shipping performance

Learn the basics of warehouse systems and barcode scanning through employer training or online courses

Request cross-training in inventory counts and returns processing to broaden experience

Earn a forklift certification if it is relevant to the roles in your area

Practice clear handoff communication with carriers and internal teams to reduce delays

Apply to roles in high-volume distribution centers for faster skill growth and advancement