Shipping Clerk Job Guide

They make sure that you receive that fresh order of produce, your monthly subscription, or your quarterly supply of diapers and wipes. Shipping clerks keep a close eye on shipments. They guarantee that the warehouse runs with efficiency. They usually focus on outgoing shipments. They may help with receivables, too.

There are many ways to plan for a successful career in the warehouse industry. This includes meeting education requirements. We also recommend a plan for promotion opportunities. Consider this helpful information about job duties and certifications.

A shipping clerk will most likely work in a warehouse environment. They have the option to work in a part- or full-time position. This role requires employees to do the following:

• Lift heavy packages
• Drive a forklift
• Stand for a long period
• Use warehouse equipment
• Track package shipments
• Communicate across departments

Depending on the size of the company, a shipping clerk may either work alone or on a team. Besides the duties listed above, a shipping clerk has additional responsibilities. They include:

• Keeping a clean and safe workspace for the team
• Updating supplies to meet the needs of the warehouse team
• Preparing and printing shipping labels
• Scheduling pick-ups
• Tracking inventory
• Updating records
• Reporting shortages
• Printing shipping documents like sales receipts
• Ensuring accuracy
• Cross-checking sales receipts
• Processing orders with a buyer’s preferred shipping systems
• Identifying cost-effective shipping solutions

Consider four areas before applying for the role: education, training, certifications, and skills. Each area is an important part of beginning a career as a shipping clerk. Benefits include receiving opportunities for career advancement.

For an entry-level shipping clerk, it is best to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Employees needs more years of experience for senior roles. Two to five years is a good range. Shipping clerks need to have a basic understanding of computers and software. This includes everything from spreadsheets to word processing.

Be open to specific educational course requirements to qualify for the position. These courses may focus on computer skills and math skills. Pursuing more education in the field is also helpful. One suggestion may be an associate or bachelor’s degree in logistics. More years of experience as well as educational courses help with career advancement.

The Association for Operations Management created this certificate. This option provides a general overview of supply chain management and best practices. You can either take the course online or in person. Plan for three to six months of preparation before taking the exam. If you’d like to qualify for this certification, you will need at least one of the following:

• one more APICS or Institute of Supply Management certification and two years of relevant experience
• a bachelor’s degree plus two years of relevant business experience
• five years of related business experience

APICS created this certificate. Consider this option if you’d like to pursue a career in inventory management. You only need two years of experience in the field. Shipping clerks receive training and learn the industry terminology. Plan to take five individual exams with a focus on five different areas. Plan to study:

• supply chain management
• detailed scheduling
• planning and execution
• control of operations
• master planning of resources

Shipping clerks need both hard and soft skills for the shipping clerk role. Here are some skills that will help you become successful in a warehouse environment:

• Technological skills
  Technological skills are valuable for maintaining accurate records. This is important for working in a database, printing labels, and comparing bills.
• Math skills
  Shipping clerks must properly weigh packages. It is also important for them to determine the cost of postage.
• Organizational skills
  Getting packages out on time is a priority. This time-sensitive task requires organizational skills. Shipping clerks must watch inventory and alert the team about shortages.
• Interpersonal and communication skills
  Teamwork plays a critical role in warehouse management. Communication skills are important for delegation and sharing information.
• Physical fitness
  Besides long periods of standing, shipping clerks will need to bend, pull, lift and more. To safely perform responsibilities, a shipping clerk should exercise to avoid injury.

Before submitting your first application, spend some time doing research. Planning ahead will help you apply for the right job and offer the best resume and experience. Follow the steps below as you begin your new career journey.

1. Find a role, and meet education requirements
2. Begin or continue work to gain relevant experience
3. Spend time on your resume
4. Make a move and apply

• Office clerk
• General manager
• Inventory manager
• Warehouse manager
• General laborer