Shipping and Receiving Specialist

Career Guide

A Shipping and Receiving Specialist manages the flow of products in and out of a facility. The role focuses on accurate counting, safe handling, proper labeling, and timely processing so orders ship correctly and deliveries are received and stored in the right place.

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Key Responsibilities

Receive inbound shipments and verify counts against purchase orders
Inspect packages for damage and report issues
Label and put away inventory using location rules
Pick, pack, and stage outbound orders for carrier pickup
Create shipping labels and required shipping paperwork
Load and unload trucks using safe lifting practices
Update inventory records in a warehouse system
Coordinate with drivers, carriers, and internal teams on delivery timing
Maintain a clean and organized dock and storage area
Follow safety rules for equipment, hazardous materials, and secure areas
Support cycle counts and physical inventory checks
Escalate shortages, overages, and mismatched items to supervisors

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Clear Communication

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Basic Math

Customer Service Mindset

Inventory Accuracy

Order Picking

Packing Quality

Shipping Label Creation

Bill of Lading Preparation

Warehouse Management System Use

Barcode Scanning

Forklift Operation

Pallet Jack Operation

Workplace Safety Compliance

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Warehouse Associate Inventory Clerk Material Handler

Transition Opportunities

Shipping and Receiving Lead Warehouse Supervisor Inventory Control Specialist Logistics Coordinator Operations Coordinator

Supply Chain Associate

Quality Control Inspector

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Warehouse Management System ProficiencyInventory ReconciliationForklift CertificationShipping Documentation AccuracyHazardous Material Awareness

Development SuggestionsAsk to be trained on the site warehouse system, practice scanning and transaction accuracy, complete forklift training if your workplace supports it, learn standard shipping paperwork used at your facility, and review safety procedures for lifting, loading, and storage.

Market Intelligence Report

Shipping and Receiving Specialist is part of the Logistics category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 32,000 to 40,000 per year

Mid LevelUSD 40,000 to 50,000 per year

Senior LevelUSD 50,000 to 62,000 per year

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring remains consistent in logistics, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare distribution, with added value for candidates who can use warehouse software and operate equipment safely.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AmazonUPS Supply Chain SolutionsFedEx Supply ChainDHL Supply ChainXPO LogisticsRyderWalmart DistributionTarget DistributionHome Depot DistributionGraingerMcKessonCardinal Health

Industry Sectors

Third party logisticsRetail distributionManufacturingHealthcare distributionFood and beverage distributionAutomotiveEcommerceConstruction supplies

Recommended Next Steps

Update your resume with measurable volume such as shipments processed per day and inventory accuracy results

Learn one warehouse system feature each week such as receiving, picking, cycle counts, and transfers

Request cross training in both shipping and receiving to broaden coverage

Complete a recognized forklift certification if it matches the job requirements

Build a simple checklist for receiving inspection and outbound packing to reduce errors

Track common issues such as damages and shortages and propose one improvement to your supervisor