Shipping Clerk
Career GuideKey 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 errors2
Learn the most common carrier service levels and cutoff times used at your site3
Improve speed and accuracy with scanning and label workflows4
Track personal accuracy metrics such as mis-shipments and rework5
Ask to shadow a Shipping Lead or Logistics Coordinator for one shift per week6
Complete a basic warehouse safety course and refresh safe lifting practices7
Update your resume with measurable results such as orders shipped per day and error reduction