A shipping and receiving job involves handling incoming and outgoing goods, verifying shipments, maintaining inventory records, and preparing packages. Workers inspect deliveries, operate forklifts or pallet jacks, and ensure accurate labeling and documentation. The role requires attention to detail and physical stamina.
Shipping and receiving clerks are essential in the warehouse setting, helping companies meet customer expectations by ensuring materials move in and out accurately and on time. These roles are crucial for maintaining inventory levels, supporting the production process, and contributing to overall business operations.
Whether you’re a hiring manager writing a job description, or a job seeker considering a career in logistics, understanding the core duties, qualifications, and tools used in shipping and receiving roles can help you make more informed decisions.
What Does a Shipping and Receiving Clerk Do?
Shipping and receiving clerks handle incoming and outgoing shipments, track deliveries, and maintain accurate records to ensure timely processing of materials.
Their work begins at the open dock inbound area, where they check incoming shipments, log materials using barcodes, and update the inventory management system. They also prepare and package outgoing shipments, verify packing slips, print address labels, and coordinate with carriers.
Common Responsibilities:
- Inspect incoming items for damage or errors
- Track shipment status and update google sheets or internal systems
- Print load tags and apply incorrect tags corrections if needed
- Help organize the member ready area for daily dispatch
- Communicate with customer service representatives and logistics technicians
Clerks also assist the receiving department by unloading trucks, scanning inventory, and reviewing delivery receipts. All tasks must meet quality and customer expectations, making accuracy and speed critical.
Daily Responsibilities and Core Functions
The primary responsibilities of a shipping and receiving clerk focus on maintaining clear, accurate workflows from receiving to dispatch.
Each day begins with checking the open dock inbound website, reviewing scheduled incoming trucks, and preparing to expedite incoming materials. This includes counting accurately, validating part numbers, and logging materials into an accurate log sheet.
Typical Daily Tasks:
- Accept deliveries and verify contents against purchase orders
- Enter information into inventory software and maintain records
- Schedule outgoing shipments and generate bill of lading documents
- Provide additional backup support to receiving departments during high volume
- Monitor and ensure quality control measures are followed
Shipping clerks are often regularly required to adapt based on incoming volume, adjust priorities, and assist receiving personnel with discrepancies or late arrivals. They play an essential function in avoiding costly delays and errors in the supply chain.
Key Skills and Qualifications for the Role
Most shipping and receiving jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, physical stamina, and experience using warehouse systems.
Candidates are expected to have strong basic math skills, time management, and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form. Forklift experience is often required, and forklift certification may be mandatory depending on the industry.
Required Skills:
- Ability to adjust focus and meet specific vision abilities required for scanning, labeling, and inventory inspection
- Experience with radio frequency (RF) systems or barcode scanners
- Knowledge of tracking systems to track shipment status and manage routing
- Proven ability to organize inventory, prioritize tasks, and reliably commute to job site
- Willingness to work in a team environment and show a positive attitude
Hiring managers value candidates who demonstrate punctuality, detail orientation, and the flexibility to work under tight schedules or during peak periods with overtime pay.
Common Tools and Technology Used
Shipping and receiving clerks use digital systems, warehouse machinery, and tools to track goods and manage inventory efficiently.
As warehouse operations modernize, digital systems have become central to the shipping clerk job description. In addition to physical tools like pallet jacks or forklifts, workers interact with ERP systems, google sheets, barcode scanners, and warehouse management software.
Key Tools and Equipment:
- Forklifts and pallet jacks
- RF scanners and handheld barcode devices
- Label printers and thermal scanners for address labels
- ERP software or inventory apps to manage incoming and outgoing shipments
- Shared digital tools for updates, such as google sheets and email systems
A good shipping clerk must know how to operate this equipment safely and efficiently. They also need to support quality control through clear documentation and labeling to minimize issues with misplaced or mislabeled shipments.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The work environment for a shipping and receiving job is physically demanding, requiring workers to lift, move, and track shipments while standing for extended hours.
Clerks work in a warehouse setting, sometimes exposed to weather changes at the dock or temperature-controlled areas. The work is fast-paced, repetitive, and involves strict deadlines.
Physical Requirements:
- Must lift and move items up to 50–100 lbs
- Stand/walk for long periods on hard surfaces
- Maintain specific vision abilities and manual dexterity
- Handle high-volume intake during daily inbound receiving
- Stay alert and responsive in a supportive work environment with high team reliance
This role typically involves continuous interaction with trucks, drivers, suppliers, and internal teams, and calls for high alertness, especially in managing incoming materials and outgoing accuracy.
Career Path and Advancement Opportunities
Experienced shipping and receiving clerks can advance to supervisor roles, inventory specialists, or logistics coordinators by developing key warehouse and management skills.
The hiring process often favors internal promotion for dependable workers. Those who show initiative, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills can move into team lead or shipping supervisor roles. Some go on to become material handlers, logistics technicians, or inventory managers.
Advancement Pathways:
- Start as receiving clerk or shipping clerk with entry-level duties
- Cross-train in departments like inventory management, purchasing, or order fulfillment
- Earn credentials such as OSHA safety training or forklift certification
- Lead teams in receiving departments or become a shift supervisor
- Take on administrative roles involving google sheets, ERP systems, and vendor coordination
Full-time positions often come with competitive pay, hour benefits, and health insurance, creating strong incentive for long-term growth in logistics careers.
Example Shipping and Receiving Job Description
Below is a sample job description that summarizes a typical role for employers or job seekers:
Shipping & Receiving Clerk Job Description
| Job Title | Key Responsibilities | Required Skills/Qualifications | Physical Demands/Work Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipping & Receiving Clerk | – Manage and record incoming/outgoing shipments– Inspect, verify, and document goods- Prepare shipping documents– Coordinate with carriers and vendors- Maintain inventory records– Operate forklifts/warehouse equipment- Maintain clean, safe workspace | – High school diploma or equivalent qualification– 1–2 years warehouse/logistics experience- Attention to detail- Computer/data entry skills- Communication skills- Forklift certification (often required) | – Lift/move up to 50–100 lbs- Stand/walk for long periods- Work in warehouse/outdoor settings– Manual dexterity required |
Employers can tailor this job description based on the size of the operation, shipping volume, and industry. For example, roles in food or hazardous goods require additional compliance knowledge.
Questions We Get Asked the Most
These are the most common questions we receive about shipping and receiving job duties, technology, safety, and career progression.
How do shipping and receiving clerks handle irregular or oversized shipments?
Clerks use specialized packing materials, contact freight services, and follow custom documentation steps for oversized items. They must follow safety protocols and work with supervisors or carriers to complete these deliveries efficiently.
What software or technology is commonly used in modern shipping and receiving roles?
Clerks use warehouse systems like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite. Tools also include handheld RF scanners, digital tracking shipments apps, and shared tools like google sheets for data updates. RFID systems are also becoming more common.
Are there advancement opportunities from shipping and receiving positions?
Yes. Workers can move into roles such as shipping supervisor, logistics planner, or inventory manager. Cross-training in inventory or supply chain roles, combined with consistent performance, helps you progress faster.
How do clerks ensure compliance with hazardous material shipping regulations?
Workers handling hazardous goods must be trained in labeling, storage, and transportation rules. Compliance involves quality control, documentation, and sometimes certification in hazmat handling as per OSHA or international standards.
What are the most common causes of errors in shipping and receiving, and how are they prevented?
Errors happen from data entry mistakes, missed inspections, or wrong labels. Prevention includes use of barcode scanners, counting accurately, regular audits, and creating clear written forms for order confirmation.
How do shipping and receiving clerks contribute to sustainability initiatives?
Clerks reduce waste by minimizing packaging, choosing eco-friendly carriers, recycling materials, and tracking progress using internal systems. Sustainability is increasingly built into logistics reporting and performance.
