Shipping/Receiving Clerk

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Work Tasks

• Keep records of goods shipped between businesses, their customers, and their suppliers
• Make mailing labels, pack items in boxes, and make sure that orders are filled correctly
• Record how much each shipment weighs and costs; move packages to the shipping dock
• Receiving clerks make sure all goods are received and are in good condition
• Work in warehouses and on loading platforms for wholesale companies, retail stores, and manufacturing firms
• Work with goods which are shipped and received, invoices, bills, forms, packing materials, labels, scales, shipping rate charts, hand and power trucks, hand-held scanners, and computers

Salary, Size & Growth

• $33,500 average per year ($16.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (769,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.3% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma; experience using a computer
• Skills/Courses: On-the-job training is usually provided. Training starts by checking items to be shipped, attaching labels to them, and making sure that the addresses are correct. Training includes the use of automated equipment.
• Licensing/Certification: Those who handle jewelry, liquor, or drugs may have to be bonded.