Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Freight Receiver

🎯 Role Definition

As a Freight Receiver, you are the gatekeeper of our inventory and the crucial first step in our supply chain. Your primary mission is to manage the entire inbound freight process, from the moment a truck arrives at our dock to the point where goods are accurately recorded and staged for put-away. You will be instrumental in maintaining inventory accuracy, ensuring product quality, and upholding our high standards for safety and efficiency. This role requires a keen eye for detail, a commitment to following established processes, and the physical ability to thrive in a dynamic warehouse environment. You are the frontline defense against incorrect shipments and damaged goods, making your contribution vital to our operational success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
Material Handler
Stocker or Replenishment Associate

Advancement To:

Receiving Team Lead / Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist
Warehouse Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Shipping Clerk
Inventory Analyst
Order Fulfillment Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Skillfully unload incoming freight from various carriers, including LTL and FTL shipments, utilizing manual lifting, pallet jacks, and certified forklift operation.
Meticulously inspect and verify all inbound shipments against purchase orders, packing slips, and bills of lading to confirm the accuracy of product, quantity, and quality.
Conduct thorough visual inspections of all received goods for any signs of damage, tampering, or defect, properly documenting and photographing issues to initiate damage claims.
Accurately and promptly enter all receiving data, including item numbers, quantities, and lot codes, into the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP system to ensure real-time inventory visibility.
Sort, segregate, and palletize received goods, staging them in designated areas for efficient put-away and stock replenishment by the inventory team.
Apply appropriate internal labels, barcodes, or identification tags to all received products and pallets according to company standards for tracking and storage.
Maintain a clean, safe, and highly organized receiving dock and surrounding work areas, ensuring aisles are clear of debris and hazards to comply with all safety regulations.
Professionally communicate and coordinate with truck drivers and carrier representatives to manage dock traffic, schedule appointments, and resolve on-site delivery challenges.
Process inbound customer and vendor returns (RMAs), carefully inspecting items, verifying documentation, and routing products to the correct department for disposition.
Strictly adhere to all company safety policies and OSHA regulations, including the consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe operation of all material handling equipment.
Generate and communicate detailed Over, Short, and Damaged (OS&D) reports to Purchasing, Inventory Control, and Management for timely investigation and resolution.
Operate and perform daily pre-use safety inspections on material handling equipment such as sit-down forklifts, stand-up reach trucks, electric pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
Verify and record critical information such as expiration dates and lot numbers for perishable or regulated goods to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Manage the filing and organization of all receiving paperwork, including bills of lading and packing slips, to maintain a clear and auditable record of all transactions.
Monitor inbound product temperatures for temperature-sensitive shipments, ensuring they fall within acceptable ranges to maintain the integrity of the cold chain.

Secondary Functions

Actively participate in cycle counting programs and periodic full physical inventory audits to help maintain the highest level of inventory accuracy.
Assist in training new team members on standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and the proper use of receiving equipment and systems.
Collaborate with the Inventory Control team to investigate and reconcile stock discrepancies that originate from the receiving process.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and recommending enhancements to the receiving workflow, dock layout, or data entry processes.
Provide support to other warehouse departments, such as picking and shipping, during peak volume periods or as directed by warehouse leadership to achieve overall team goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation: Certified and proficient in operating forklifts, reach trucks, and electric pallet jacks.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Experience using WMS or ERP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) for receiving and inventory transactions.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Skilled in using handheld RF scanning devices for tracking inventory and executing system-guided tasks.
Data Entry & Computer Literacy: Accurate and efficient typing skills with a solid understanding of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel).
Documentation Acumen: Ability to read, interpret, and verify shipping documents like Bills of Lading (BOLs) and packing slips.
Inventory Control Principles: Basic knowledge of inventory management concepts such as FIFO/LIFO, cycle counting, and discrepancy resolution.
Basic Mathematics: Strong arithmetic skills for verifying counts, quantities, and measurements.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: A meticulous and thorough approach to verifying shipments and data to prevent errors.
Problem-Solving: The ability to identify discrepancies or issues and take the appropriate steps to resolve them.
Time Management & Prioritization: Capable of managing multiple inbound shipments and tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Stamina & Strength: Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift heavy objects (typically up to 50 lbs) repeatedly throughout a shift.
Clear Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with drivers, team members, and supervisors, both verbally and in writing.
Teamwork and Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with a willingness to assist others and contribute to team success.
Dependability & Reliability: A strong work ethic with a proven record of punctuality and consistent performance.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

Vocational or technical certificate in Logistics, Warehousing, or Supply Chain Management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain & Logistics
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred: 2+ years of experience in a dedicated receiving role. Current forklift operator certification is highly desirable. Experience handling various freight types, including parcel, LTL, and full truckload.