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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Inbound Clerk

💰 $18 - $25 / hour

LogisticsSupply ChainWarehouseOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Inbound Clerk is a critical linchpin in the supply chain, serving as the first point of contact for all incoming goods into a distribution center or warehouse. This role is responsible for the precise and efficient receipt, verification, and documentation of shipments, ensuring that inventory is accurately recorded and safely prepared for storage. More than just a gatekeeper, the Inbound Clerk is the foundation of inventory integrity, directly impacting the entire organization's ability to maintain stock levels and fulfill customer orders correctly and on time. This hands-on position operates in a dynamic, fast-paced warehouse environment where accuracy, safety, and a keen eye for detail are paramount to success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate
  • General Laborer
  • Picker / Packer

Advancement To:

  • Inbound Lead or Team Leader
  • Inventory Control Specialist / Analyst
  • Warehouse Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Outbound Clerk / Shipping Clerk
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Forklift Operator / Equipment Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Safely and efficiently unload inbound shipments from trucks, trailers, and containers, utilizing manual methods or material handling equipment such as pallet jacks and forklifts.
  • Meticulously verify the accuracy of incoming shipments by cross-referencing physical merchandise with purchase orders, packing lists, and bills of lading (BOLs).
  • Conduct thorough inspections of all received materials for visible damage, defects, or discrepancies, and promptly document and report any issues to the Inbound Supervisor.
  • Utilize handheld RF scanners and other warehouse technology to accurately record the receipt of goods and process them into the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
  • Accurately label and tag incoming inventory with appropriate SKUs, barcodes, lot numbers, and expiration dates to ensure seamless tracking and retrieval.
  • Sort, stage, and palletize received goods according to established procedures, preparing them for put-away into their designated storage locations.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe receiving-dock area, ensuring that aisles and staging lanes remain clear of debris and obstructions.
  • Process and document customer returns (reverse logistics), inspecting returned items and updating inventory systems accordingly.
  • Communicate effectively with truck drivers, carriers, and internal departments (such as Purchasing and Inventory Control) to schedule deliveries and resolve receiving issues.
  • Generate and maintain accurate receiving logs, reports, and documentation, ensuring all paperwork is completed and filed correctly.
  • Operate material handling equipment (MHE), including electric pallet jacks, stand-up forklifts, and clamp trucks, in a safe and proficient manner.
  • Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA regulations during all inbound-related activities.
  • Count, weigh, and measure items of incoming shipments to verify information against invoices and other records.
  • Manage the appointment scheduling for inbound freight, coordinating with carriers to ensure a smooth flow of traffic at the receiving docks.
  • Input and maintain precise data in the inventory management or ERP system, reflecting all inbound transactions in real-time.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with cycle counts and physical inventory audits to help maintain overall inventory accuracy.
  • Provide support to other warehouse departments, such as picking or shipping, during peak periods or as directed by management.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, offering suggestions to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the receiving process.
  • Train and mentor new team members on standard operating procedures for the inbound department.
  • Manage the disposition of non-conforming or damaged products, following procedures for quarantine, return to vendor (RTV), or disposal.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Proficiency in using WMS software (e.g., SAP EWM, Oracle WMS, Manhattan) to process receipts, look up inventory, and manage stock locations.
  • RF Scanner Operation: Skilled in the use of handheld radio-frequency scanners for real-time data capture and inventory transactions.
  • Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation: Certification or demonstrated ability to safely operate equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, and reach trucks.
  • Data Entry & Computer Literacy: Accurate and efficient typing skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Outlook) for reporting and communication.
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  • Bill of Lading (BOL) & Packing Slip Verification: Strong understanding of shipping and receiving documentation and the ability to identify discrepancies.
  • Basic Mathematics: Ability to perform accurate counts, additions, subtractions, and multiplications for inventory verification.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional ability to spot discrepancies, ensure accuracy in counts and documentation, and maintain high standards of quality.
  • Organizational & Time Management: The capacity to manage multiple incoming shipments simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Problem-Solving: The initiative to investigate and resolve routine receiving errors, such as overages, shortages, or damaged goods.
  • Clear Communication: Ability to clearly and professionally communicate with team members, supervisors, and external drivers and vendors.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with a willingness to work closely with others to achieve departmental goals.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to handle unexpected changes in shipment schedules, volumes, or priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or Vocational Certificate in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, or logistics environment.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in a receiving or inbound role is highly desirable. Experience with the specific WMS or ERP system used by the company is a significant asset.
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