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.

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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.

Market Intelligence Report

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

See the market intelligence report

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

Build a checklist for order verification to reduce shipping errors

Learn the most common carrier service levels and cutoff times used at your site

Improve speed and accuracy with scanning and label workflows

Track personal accuracy metrics such as mis-shipments and rework

Ask to shadow a Shipping Lead or Logistics Coordinator for one shift per week

Complete a basic warehouse safety course and refresh safe lifting practices

Update your resume with measurable results such as orders shipped per day and error reduction