Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Goods Shipper

🎯 Role Definition

The Goods Shipper is a cornerstone of the logistics and supply chain process, holding ultimate responsibility for the accurate, timely, and safe dispatch of finished goods. This position acts as the final checkpoint in our fulfillment cycle, ensuring that every order leaving the facility is correctly packed, documented, and routed. Success in this role hinges on meticulous attention to detail, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a deep understanding of transportation logistics. The Goods Shipper ensures that our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in every package that is sent out, directly impacting the company's reputation and operational efficiency.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
Order Picker / Packer
Inventory Clerk

Advancement To:

Shipping & Receiving Lead / Supervisor
Logistics Coordinator
Warehouse Operations Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Receiving Clerk
Inventory Control Specialist
Logistics Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Meticulously verify outgoing shipments by comparing items and quantities against sales orders, picking tickets, and system data to ensure absolute order accuracy before dispatch.
Expertly prepare and package all goods for transit, selecting appropriate packaging materials and methods to protect products from damage based on their size, fragility, and destination.
Operate and maintain proficiency in various shipping software platforms (e.g., UPS WorldShip, FedEx Ship Manager, third-party logistics portals) to generate accurate shipping labels, track packages, and manage carrier data.
Accurately create, process, and file all required shipping documentation, including domestic Bills of Lading (BOL), international commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations.
Act as the primary point of contact for freight carriers, diligently coordinating and scheduling daily pickups for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Full-Truckload (FTL), and parcel shipments to meet deadlines.
Systematically maintain an organized and up-to-date log of all outbound shipments, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP system.
Safely and efficiently operate material handling equipment, such as electric pallet jacks, sit-down forklifts, and hand trucks, to move, stage, and load products onto trailers.
Conduct final quality assurance checks on all packed orders, ensuring that labeling is correct, packaging is secure, and all items meet the company's presentation standards.
Proactively manage and monitor the inventory of all shipping supplies, including boxes, tape, dunnage, and labels, and initiate reordering to prevent operational delays.
Investigate and resolve any shipment discrepancies, damages, or delays by liaising with customer service, sales teams, and carrier representatives to ensure a swift resolution.
Ensure strict adherence to all domestic and international shipping regulations, including IATA and DOT guidelines for the transportation of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) when applicable.
Strategically load outbound trailers, ensuring proper weight distribution, freight segregation, and securement to prevent shifting and damage during transit.
Assist the inventory control team by participating in scheduled cycle counts and annual physical inventories to help maintain system-wide inventory accuracy.
Uphold a clean, safe, and highly organized work environment within the shipping area, adhering to all company safety protocols and OSHA standards.
Foster clear and effective communication channels with adjacent departments, such as order picking, quality control, and production, to facilitate a seamless end-to-end workflow.
Analyze and select the most appropriate and cost-effective shipping carriers and service levels for each order based on delivery requirements, cost, and transit time.
Diligently process customer returns (RMAs), which includes inspecting the condition of returned goods, documenting findings, and updating inventory records in the WMS.
Utilize radio-frequency (RF) scanning equipment to accurately track the movement of goods from inventory to the shipping dock, confirming each step of the fulfillment process.
Assemble custom-sized pallets or wooden crates for non-standard, oversized, or high-value shipments to ensure their secure and safe transportation.
Collaborate with the sales and customer service departments to provide accurate shipping quotes and estimated transit times for pending customer orders.

Secondary Functions

Support the warehouse management team by contributing to process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing shipping costs.
Assist in the training and onboarding of new warehouse associates, providing guidance on standard shipping procedures, software usage, and safety protocols.
Participate in cross-functional team meetings to discuss workflow challenges and collaborate on solutions that enhance overall operational performance.
Perform routine maintenance checks on material handling equipment and shipping station hardware to ensure they remain in good working order.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Proficiency in using WMS or ERP software (e.g., SAP EWM, Oracle NetSuite, Fishbowl) for order processing and inventory tracking.
Shipping Carrier Software: Hands-on experience with parcel and freight carrier platforms like UPS WorldShip, FedEx Ship Manager, and various LTL portals.
Material Handling Equipment Operation: Certified or able to be certified in the operation of forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other warehouse machinery.
RF Scanning Technology: Competency in using handheld RF scanners for order verification, inventory moves, and shipment confirmation.
Documentation Expertise: In-depth knowledge of creating and managing shipping documents, including Bills of Lading (BOL), packing slips, and commercial invoices for international freight.
Freight Classification Knowledge: Understanding of National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) codes and principles of LTL/FTL shipping.
Computer Proficiency: Solid computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel) and the ability to learn new software systems quickly.
Measurement and Dimensioning: Ability to accurately weigh and measure packages and calculate dimensional weight.
Safety Protocol Adherence: Strong knowledge of warehouse safety standards, including proper lifting techniques and equipment safety checks.
HAZMAT Shipping (if applicable): Knowledge of or certification in handling and documenting hazardous materials according to DOT and IATA regulations.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail is critical to ensure order accuracy, correct labeling, and proper documentation, preventing costly errors.
Time Management: Superior organizational skills to manage and prioritize a high volume of shipments to meet strict carrier pickup deadlines.
Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and troubleshoot issues such as carrier delays, damaged goods, or system errors in real-time.
Communication: Clear and professional communication skills for coordinating effectively with internal teams and external carrier partners.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work seamlessly with other warehouse staff to achieve shared goals.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, fluctuating order volumes, and evolving operational processes.
Physical Stamina: The physical ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects (typically up to 50 lbs), and perform repetitive tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's degree or technical certification in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of direct experience in a shipping, logistics, or warehouse role is typically required.

Preferred:

3+ years of experience in a high-volume distribution or manufacturing environment.
Prior experience with both parcel and LTL/FTL freight coordination.
Experience with international shipping procedures and documentation is highly desirable.