Shipping Clerk Job Description

A Job Description for a Shipping Clerk

A Shipping Clerk is a person who handles outgoing shipments of a company's products and goods. Their primary duties include scheduling and logistics of outgoing shipments, tracking inventory and maintaining records. Shipping clerks are responsible for supervising merchandise that leaves the company's warehouse and generating purchase orders, invoicing and other shipping documents.

They verify the accuracy and condition of the merchandise before shipping. They also make sure that the correct postage or packing slip is attached. Shipping clerks schedule freight pickup and give instructions for loading the products.

They monitor packages from the warehouse to the point of delivery and deal with customer requests and complaints. Candidates are usually required to have between six months and five years of experience in shipping, stockrooms and inventory. Some employers train new hires with a general knowledge of invoices and packing slips.

Some employers prefer candidates with experience in spreadsheets and database software. Experience in a relevant field is a must. Both jobs require standing and heavy equipment.

A Shipping Clerk focuses on outgoing shipments while a Warehouse Worker handles incoming goods and materials. Shipping clerks report any issues with receiving or shipping to the warehouse supervisor. They keep accurate records and work closely with the management.

Shipping Clerks: How Important Are They?

Shipping clerks process outgoing deliveries. They are tasked with seeing packages through from start to finish and monitoring their progress throughout the journey. They know how to pack and ship items correctly, and they want to send customers their items quickly.

Shipping clerks keep records for their employers and track what they send out in order to keep inventory figures up-to-date. Shipping clerks are valuable in a variety of industries. They may be used to ship food to stores.

Shipping clerks are needed to send out what consumers buy. Shipping clerks are on their feet most of the day because shipments go through various stages. Being able to move around easily and maintain a good level of fitness is important to performance.

Accurate shipment information is important. Shipping clerks note this information in computer systems so that the company can keep up-to-date records of when and how the customer was sent and received. Proper labels with correct postage are required for shipments to be delivered correctly.

Shipping clerks make sure packages are delivered to the correct address. They note any special delivery instructions. Shipping clerks may put purchased goods in boxes.

The Role of the Shipping Clerk in a Logistics Environment

Shipping clerks learn the systems and processes for their roles while on the job. Training can take anywhere from a few weeks to six months, and senior associate-level shipping clerks typically train new employees. Training usually involves shadowing more senior-level employees before they are put in charge of the role.

Shipping clerks must be able to monitor inventory and alert team members of any shortages before the inventory runs out. You will need organizational skills to keep the business running. Maintaining respectful interactions with other team members is a key aspect of the shipping department.

Communication skills are important in giving and receiving information. Shipping clerks need to be able to stand, bend, pull or lift. They need to maintain their fitness to do heavy box moving.

The role of a Customs Clearance Clerk

Customs documentation is prepared to ensure that any shipments that are imported or exported meet all applicable laws so that entry or export can occur. The Customs Clearance Clerk is a very important role within Shipping & Logistics and can provide the perfect stepping stone to other senior roles within the industry. Customs jobs are very rewarding and offer the post holder a unique opportunity to understand the import and export sector from a legal perspective. A Customs Clearance Clerk is involved in determining the level of duties and taxes to be paid and the processing of payments for clients.

A Top Candidate Should Have a Good Communication Skills

A shipping clerk must be able to manage several tasks at the same time. If a potential shipping clerk candidate only has experience with one role in the entire shipping process, such as to crosscheck packing lists with actual shipments, they may not be ready to manage the many different responsibilities that are required within the role of a shipping clerk. Most shipments will arrive in good condition.

It is possible that you might receive the wrong product, a short quantity or some products that have been damaged in transit, during the loading process or prior to shipping. Once the shipping clerk knows there is an issue, they must relay the information and take action to resolve the matter. A top candidate should have ideas on how to improve the position.

The Employment of Shipping, Receiving and Traffic Clerks in the United States

All goods shipped and received are kept in records. Their duties are dependent on the size of the establishment and the level of automation used. Larger companies are more likely to finance the purchase of computers, scanning equipment, and other equipment to handle some or all of the clerk's responsibilities.

A clerk in a smaller company is responsible for maintaining records, preparing shipments, and accepting deliveries. Entry level workers who need no more than a high school degree are the shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks. Employers prefer to hire people with computers and other electronic equipment because of the increase in automation.

Education and training are important. Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks are usually supervised when doing routine tasks. They learn how to count and mark stock and keep records.

The advancement. Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks can be promoted to supervisor roles, and those with an understanding of other tasks in their firm can move into other positions. Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks employed about 750,500 people in 2008.

Most of the people were employed in manufacturing or wholesale establishments. Many clerks work in urban areas where shipping depots are located, even though jobs for shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks are found throughout the country. Employment is expected to decline as a result of automation.