What Does a Shipping and Receiving
Clerk Do?
A shipping and receiving clerk plays an essential role in keeping goods moving efficiently in and out of warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. They are responsible for checking incoming shipments, verifying order accuracy, inspecting materials for damage, and ensuring inventory records are updated. Outgoing shipments also fall under their scope, which involves packaging, labeling, and coordinating with carriers to ensure timely delivery.
Beyond the physical movement of goods, these clerks maintain accurate documentation, track shipments using software systems, and communicate with vendors, drivers, and internal teams. Their work helps prevent costly errors, supports smooth supply chain operations, and ensures customer satisfaction. This role is detail-oriented and fast-paced, requiring reliability and strong organizational skills to handle multiple shipments and priorities each day.
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Shipping and Receiving Clerk Core Responsibilities
- Verify and document incoming and outgoing shipments
- Inspect materials for accuracy and quality before stocking or shipping
- Maintain inventory records using warehouse management systems
- Label, package, and prepare products for shipment
- Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment when required
- Communicate with drivers, vendors, and internal staff to resolve shipment issues
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies
- Assist with cycle counts and inventory audits
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with inventory management systems and barcode scanners
- Knowledge of shipping platforms (UPS, FedEx, DHL)
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Excel
- Ability to operate forklifts, pallet jacks, or other warehouse equipment
Soft skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities
- Reliability and ability to work in fast-paced environments
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Certifications
- Forklift certification required for some roles
- OSHA safety training preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–3 years of experience in a warehouse, shipping, or logistics role
- Familiarity with ERP systems or warehouse management software
- Experience handling freight, e-commerce fulfillment, or international shipping
National Average Salary
Shipping and receiving clerk salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Shipping and Receiving Clerk is:
$39,597
Sample Job Description Templates for Shipping and Receiving Clerks
Warehouse Shipping Clerk
Position Overview
We are hiring a warehouse shipping clerk to support daily shipping and receiving operations. This role involves preparing outgoing shipments, verifying incoming goods, and ensuring inventory is updated accurately. The warehouse shipping clerk plays a key role in keeping products moving smoothly through the supply chain.
Responsibilities
- Prepare, label, and package goods for shipment
- Verify incoming shipments against purchase orders
- Operate pallet jacks, forklifts, and barcode scanners
- Maintain inventory records and update warehouse management systems
- Assist with loading and unloading delivery trucks
- Report damages or discrepancies to supervisors
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of shipping platforms (UPS, FedEx, DHL)
- Proficiency with warehouse management systems
- Forklift and pallet jack operation skills
- Basic computer proficiency, including Excel
Soft skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Effective communication with warehouse staff and drivers
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Certifications
- Forklift certification required
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of experience in a warehouse environment
- Familiarity with ERP or logistics software
Manufacturing Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Position Overview
We are seeking a manufacturing shipping and receiving clerk to handle the movement of raw materials and finished goods within a production environment. This role requires attention to detail and the ability to coordinate with production teams to ensure materials are delivered and shipped on schedule.
Responsibilities
- Receive raw materials and verify delivery accuracy
- Move materials to designated production areas
- Prepare finished products for shipment to customers
- Maintain accurate records of goods received and shipped
- Coordinate with production supervisors to align schedules
- Perform cycle counts and assist with inventory audits
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in inventory management and warehouse software
- Ability to operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment
- Knowledge of shipping documentation and labeling requirements
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Ability to coordinate with cross-functional teams
- Time management and organizational skills
- Safety-focused mindset
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Certifications
- Forklift certification required
- OSHA safety training preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–3 years of shipping and receiving experience in a manufacturing setting
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing practices
Logistics Shipping Clerk
Position Overview
We are hiring a logistics shipping clerk to assist with coordinating shipments, preparing documentation, and ensuring timely deliveries. This role requires both clerical and hands-on responsibilities in supporting logistics operations.
Responsibilities
- Prepare shipping documents including bills of lading and invoices
- Verify shipment details and enter data into logistics systems
- Track shipments and provide updates to internal teams and customers
- Assist with packaging, labeling, and dispatching goods
- Resolve issues related to delayed or damaged shipments
- Support compliance with import/export regulations as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with logistics and shipping software systems
- Knowledge of domestic and international shipping processes
- Basic computer skills, including Excel and Word
Soft skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities
- Customer service orientation
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Certifications
- None required; logistics certifications preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–3 years of logistics or shipping experience
- Knowledge of customs documentation for international freight
E-Commerce Fulfillment Clerk
Position Overview
We are seeking an e-commerce fulfillment clerk to support online order processing and warehouse fulfillment operations. This role requires speed, accuracy, and the ability to meet tight shipping deadlines.
Responsibilities
- Pick and pack online orders for shipment
- Verify order accuracy and prepare labels
- Operate barcode scanners and update order tracking systems
- Monitor stock levels and report low inventory
- Work with carriers to dispatch daily shipments
- Ensure packaging meets company and shipping standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with e-commerce platforms and order management systems
- Ability to use barcode scanners and shipping label printers
- Basic computer literacy for inventory tracking
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Team-oriented with good communication skills
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of experience in e-commerce fulfillment or warehouse work
- Familiarity with Shopify, Amazon Seller Central, or similar platforms
Lead Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead shipping and receiving clerk to supervise daily shipping operations and provide guidance to junior clerks. This role requires hands-on expertise combined with leadership skills to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
Responsibilities
- Oversee shipping and receiving activities and assign daily tasks
- Inspect and approve documentation for incoming and outgoing shipments
- Train and mentor junior clerks on best practices
- Ensure compliance with safety and warehouse policies
- Track performance metrics and report to supervisors
- Troubleshoot shipment discrepancies and resolve issues
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of shipping processes and documentation
- Proficiency with warehouse management and ERP systems
- Ability to operate forklifts and warehouse machinery
Soft skills
- Leadership and team coordination skills
- Effective communication and problem-solving abilities
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills
- Attention to detail in high-volume environments
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Certifications
- Forklift certification required
- OSHA safety certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of shipping and receiving experience
- Prior supervisory or lead experience in a warehouse setting
Shipping and Receiving Supervisor
Position Overview
We are seeking a shipping and receiving supervisor to manage the daily operations of the shipping department. This role requires strong leadership skills to coordinate staff, oversee processes, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and schedule shipping and receiving staff
- Ensure accuracy of all shipments and receipts
- Implement process improvements for efficiency
- Conduct regular safety checks and enforce compliance policies
- Monitor inventory records and coordinate with other departments
- Resolve escalated issues with vendors, carriers, or customers
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in inventory management and ERP systems
- Strong understanding of logistics and supply chain principles
- Ability to manage warehouse equipment and safety procedures
Soft skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Strong communication and conflict resolution skills
- Organizational and time management expertise
- Ability to make decisions under pressure
Education
- High school diploma required; associate’s degree preferred
Certifications
- Forklift certification required
- OSHA safety certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of shipping and receiving experience
- 2+ years of supervisory experience in a warehouse or logistics environment
Shipping and Logistics Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a shipping and logistics manager to oversee the company’s shipping operations and ensure efficiency across all logistics activities. This role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and experience managing both people and processes.
Responsibilities
- Manage and lead shipping and logistics teams
- Oversee transportation scheduling and carrier relationships
- Optimize shipping routes and cost efficiency
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements
- Analyze KPIs and prepare reports for senior management
- Collaborate with supply chain, procurement, and production teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in logistics management and supply chain processes
- Proficiency with ERP, TMS, and warehouse management systems
- Knowledge of domestic and international shipping regulations
Soft skills
- Executive-level communication and leadership skills
- Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities
- Ability to manage budgets and vendor relationships
- Organizational and decision-making expertise
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain, or business preferred
Certifications
- OSHA safety certification required
- APICS or CSCMP logistics certifications preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 8–10 years of logistics and shipping experience
- 3–5 years of management experience in a supply chain environment