Warehousing is just one of the many moving parts of the highly-intricate manufacturing and logistics industries. Each day, warehouses everywhere process, receive, and send thousands of shipments, each of which are valuable contributors to the greater economy.
Shipping and receiving clerks are in some of the most crucial positions in a warehouse’s day-to-day operations. So what is a shipping clerk, and what do they do?
WHAT DOES A SHIPPING AND RECEIVING CLERK DO?
A shipping and receiving clerk is responsible for a number of tasks, though specifics will depend on the type and scale of the operation. Generally speaking, a shipping and receiving clerk is responsible for:
- monitoring and inspecting inventory/products
- inspecting and managing outbound shipments
- weighing and logging packages
- determines shipping methods
- prepare invoicing documents
In some operations, shipping and receiving clerks may have additional responsibilities such as setting workers’ schedules, assembling packaging, operating equipment/machinery, and estimating shipping costs.
HOW DO I BECOME A SHIPPING AND RECEIVING CLERK?
Shipping clerks carry many responsibilities in warehouses; their decisions can impact efficiency throughout the warehouse and overall business.
Employers want to ensure their shipping clerks are exceptional employees. Because of this, the best way to become a shipping clerk is to demonstrate your value in the warehouse environment. Here are a few tips to show you’re ready for the position.
1. Demonstrate an attention to detail
As you probably guessed from the list of responsibilities above, the job is very detail-oriented and requires attentiveness, detailed knowledge of logistics, as well as a firm grasp on the larger scope of operations.
Proving yourself as a reliable, focused employee will go a long way in demonstrating to your employer that you have the necessary skills to be a shipping clerk.
2. Be a team player
While shipping and receiving clerks regularly manage and process orders on their own, they’re almost never working alone. Great communication skills are critical for shipping and receiving clerks, as they often need to gather information or share it with clients and others in their workplace.
By being an effective communicator and contributor to the warehouse team’s efforts, you show that you possess the qualities of a successful and competent shipping clerk.
3. Be reliable
Shipping and receiving clerks are vital to keeping warehouses running smoothly and on time, so employers need to be able to rely on their shipping clerks.
Being punctual, communicating with your coworkers and employer effectively and courteously, and getting your work done on time illustrates to your employer that you’re someone they can count on to handle more responsibilities.
FIND SHIPPING AND RECEIVING CLERK POSITIONS IN YOUR AREA
One of the best ways to get your foot in the door to become a shipping and receiving clerk is to demonstrate your value on the warehouse floor. Fortunately, there are lots of opportunities to get started. With the continued rise in e-commerce and the upcoming holiday season, warehouses are hiring. In fact, the warehousing and transportation sectors added roughly 53,000 jobs in August alone.
Summit Staffing’s extensive employment network can help you find warehouse jobs in your area. Want more information? Contact us today!
