Shipping Clerk

Career Guide
A Shipping Clerk prepares outgoing orders, creates shipping documents, coordinates pickups, and helps ensure packages leave the facility accurately and on time. The role sits between the warehouse floor, carriers, and customer service to keep shipments moving smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

  • Pick and verify items for shipment against orders
  • Pack products using appropriate materials and labeling
  • Create shipping labels and shipping documents
  • Schedule carrier pickups and hand off shipments
  • Enter shipment details into warehouse or shipping systems
  • Track shipments and respond to delivery exceptions
  • Inspect outgoing packages for damage and correct counts
  • Follow safety rules and handle materials properly
  • Maintain an organized shipping area and supplies
  • Support returns processing when needed

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail
Time Management
Communication
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Order Verification
Packaging
Labeling
Shipment Tracking
Data Entry
Inventory Basics
Warehouse Management Systems
Shipping Software
Carrier Coordination
Safety Compliance

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Shipping Lead
Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Warehouse Associate
Inventory Clerk
Transition Opportunities
Warehouse Supervisor
Logistics Coordinator
Inventory Control Specialist
Transportation Coordinator
Operations Supervisor

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Warehouse Management SystemsShipping SoftwareInventory AccuracyHazardous Materials AwarenessRoot Cause Analysis
Development SuggestionsAsk for training on the shipping system used at your site, practice accurate scanning and data entry, learn basic inventory processes, and study carrier requirements. Volunteer to help with cycle counts or exception handling to build stronger problem-solving skills.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUS$32,000 to US$40,000
Mid LevelUS$40,000 to US$50,000
Senior LevelUS$50,000 to US$62,000
Growth Trend
Stable demand, with steady hiring in warehousing, manufacturing, retail distribution, and e-commerce. Growth is strongest in regions with large logistics hubs and high online order volume.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
UPS Supply Chain SolutionsFedEx Supply ChainDHL Supply ChainAmazonWalmartTargetHome DepotGraingerUlineXPO Logistics
Industry Sectors
E-commerce fulfillmentRetail distributionThird-party logisticsManufacturingFood and beverageHealthcare supply chainAutomotiveConsumer packaged goods

Recommended Next Steps

1
Build a checklist for order verification to reduce shipping errors
2
Learn the most common carrier service levels and cutoff times used at your site
3
Improve speed and accuracy with scanning and label workflows
4
Track personal accuracy metrics such as mis-shipments and rework
5
Ask to shadow a Shipping Lead or Logistics Coordinator for one shift per week
6
Complete a basic warehouse safety course and refresh safe lifting practices
7
Update your resume with measurable results such as orders shipped per day and error reduction