Shipping and Receiving Coordinator

Career Guide
A Shipping and Receiving Coordinator keeps products moving in and out of a warehouse or facility accurately and on time. This role tracks incoming deliveries, prepares outgoing shipments, updates inventory records, and coordinates with carriers and internal teams to prevent delays and errors.

Key Responsibilities

  • Receive incoming shipments and verify quantities and condition
  • Match deliveries to purchase orders and packing lists
  • Prepare outgoing shipments including labels and documentation
  • Schedule pickups and deliveries with carriers
  • Update inventory records and shipment status in warehouse systems
  • Coordinate with warehouse staff to prioritize urgent orders
  • Investigate and resolve shipping errors, shortages, and damages
  • Maintain organized staging areas for inbound and outbound freight
  • Follow safety procedures and support compliance requirements
  • Support cycle counts and basic inventory checks

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail
Time Management
Written Communication
Problem Solving
Customer Service Mindset
Inventory Basics
Warehouse Safety Practices
Freight Documentation
Shipment Tracking
Labeling and Packaging Standards
Warehouse Management Systems
Microsoft Excel

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Shipping and Receiving Lead
Warehouse Lead
Inventory Coordinator
Logistics Coordinator
Dispatch Coordinator
Transition Opportunities
Warehouse Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist
Transportation Coordinator
Procurement Coordinator
Supply Chain Analyst

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Warehouse Management SystemsFreight DocumentationInventory ReconciliationCycle CountingExcel ReportingRoot Cause AnalysisCarrier Coordination
Development SuggestionsBuild confidence in warehouse systems and inventory accuracy tasks by taking ownership of daily receiving logs, learning the key shipment documents, and creating a simple Excel tracker for exceptions such as damages, shortages, and late pickups. Ask to shadow inventory control or transportation teams to learn how issues are investigated and prevented.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$38,000 to $48,000
Mid Level$48,000 to $60,000
Senior Level$60,000 to $75,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, driven by continued warehouse and distribution activity in retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
AmazonFedExUPSDHLWalmartTargetHome DepotCostcoPepsiCoSysco
Industry Sectors
E-commerceRetailManufacturingFood and Beverage DistributionHealthcare SupplyTransportation and LogisticsThird-party WarehousingConstruction Materials

Recommended Next Steps

1
Learn the core shipment documents used at your workplace and practice completing them accurately
2
Get hands-on experience in a warehouse management system and focus on clean data entry
3
Improve Excel skills for tracking, sorting, and basic reporting on inbound and outbound activity
4
Create a personal checklist for receiving and shipping to reduce errors
5
Track common problems and propose one process improvement each month
6
Pursue equipment or safety training that is valued in warehouses at your site