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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Shipping Clerk

💰 $31,000 - $48,000

LogisticsWarehouseShipping

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a detail-oriented Warehouse Shipping Clerk responsible for accurate, timely outbound shipments and related warehouse documentation. The role focuses on order picking, packing, labeling, preparing Bills of Lading (BOLs) and manifests, coordinating carrier pickups (UPS, FedEx, LTL/TL), performing quality checks, and maintaining shipping KPIs while ensuring compliance with safety and carrier regulations. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience with WMS/RF scanners, shipping software, and basic freight concepts.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / General Laborer
  • Shipping & Receiving Assistant
  • Inventory Control Clerk

Advancement To:

  • Senior Shipping Clerk / Shipping Lead
  • Logistics Coordinator / Freight Coordinator
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Operations Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Pick, pack and stage customer orders accurately using pick lists or WMS instructions; verify SKUs, quantities and lot numbers to ensure orders are complete and compliant with customer specifications before shipment.
  • Prepare and print shipping labels, packing lists, commercial invoices and Bills of Lading (BOLs); ensure all outbound documentation is accurate, legible and saved in the ERP/WMS for audit purposes.
  • Operate RF scanners and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to scan items, update order status, assign serial numbers/tracking numbers and close orders in the system, ensuring real-time inventory accuracy.
  • Coordinate daily carrier pick-ups and freight scheduling with third-party carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL, LTL carriers) and internal logistics teams; prepare manifests and confirm pickup windows to meet delivery SLAs.
  • Inspect and verify packaged goods for damage, correct contents, proper labeling and appropriate packaging materials; apply protective packaging and cushioning to prevent transit damage and reduce claims.
  • Palletize, stretch-wrap and band outbound shipments to specified load configurations; properly mark and label pallet positions, orientation, and handling instructions for LTL/TL shipments.
  • Calculate shipment weights and dimensions, classify freight (freight class), and prepare rate quotes or shipment estimates for LTL/TL freight as directed; use scales and dimensioners to capture accurate freight metrics.
  • Load and unload trucks using pallet jacks and forklifts as required; secure cargo using straps, dunnage and corner protectors to ensure safe transit and compliance with carrier loading standards.
  • Process returns and RMA shipments: inspect returned inventory, update system records, initiate credit or repair workflows, and coordinate disposition with customer service or quality teams.
  • Initiate and manage freight claims: document damaged or lost shipments, collect evidence (photos, BOLs, packing lists), submit claim forms to carriers and follow up to resolution.
  • Maintain accurate shipping logs, paperwork and electronic records for audits and compliance, including hazardous materials shipping documentation (if applicable) and customer-specific shipping instructions.
  • Perform cycle counts and assist with physical inventories focused on high-turn SKUs, backorders and discrepancy investigations; reconcile inventory variances and create discrepancy reports for management.
  • Monitor carrier performance metrics (on-time pickup/delivery, damage rate, claim resolution) and report trends to warehouse leadership to drive continuous improvement.
  • Use shipping software such as UPS WorldShip, FedEx Ship Manager, ShipStation or integrated ERP shipping modules to create international and domestic shipments, print labels, and produce customs documentation when required.
  • Ensure shipments containing regulated materials are packed, labeled and documented according to DOT, IATA or IMDG rules and company policies, and coordinate with regulatory contacts when special permits or documentation are required.
  • Communicate proactively with customer service and sales teams regarding shipment exceptions, delays, backorders, and expedited shipping requests to maintain customer satisfaction and manage expectations.
  • Adhere to OSHA and company safety procedures, wear required PPE, maintain clean and organized staging and shipping areas, and participate in safety audits and toolbox talks.
  • Track and reconcile shipping supplies inventory (labels, boxes, tape, pallets, stretch film), place purchase requests and monitor usage to control costs and avoid production delays.
  • Train and mentor new shipping staff on proper packing techniques, WMS workflows, carrier scheduling and safety protocols to ensure consistent execution and reduce errors.
  • Participate in root-cause analysis for recurring shipping errors or warehouse process failures; propose and help implement corrective actions and standard work to reduce cycle time and improve accuracy.
  • Load planning and staging for outbound trailers to maximize space utilization, protect fragile items, and meet carrier weight distribution requirements; coordinate with staging and yard teams.
  • Execute expedited and same-day shipments, including booking last-mile or rush carriers, verifying expedited documentation, and tracking deliveries until confirmation of receipt.
  • Support cross-functional projects such as slotting changes, packaging improvements, ERP/WMS upgrades, and seasonal surge planning by providing shipping process input and validating test shipments.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc reporting requests for shipping KPIs such as on-time shipping percentage, accuracy rate, and damage rate; provide recommendations for operational improvements.
  • Assist with light preventive maintenance on shipping equipment (scales, label printers, tape dispensers, pallet wrappers) and escalate service issues to maintenance teams.
  • Collaborate with procurement and vendor-managed inventory contacts to coordinate inbound/outbound logistics and resolve shipment discrepancies with suppliers.
  • Participate in cross-training programs to support receiving, replenishment and picking functions during peak seasons or staff shortages.
  • Assist in implementing packaging optimization initiatives to reduce freight costs, dimensional weight fees and material waste.
  • Maintain knowledge base and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for shipping processes and update documentation when process changes are approved.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and RF scanning workflows; experience with systems like Oracle WMS, Manhattan, SAP WM or NetSuite a plus.
  • Strong experience preparing Bills of Lading (BOL), packing lists, commercial invoices and carrier manifests for domestic and international shipments.
  • Familiarity with LTL/TL freight concepts, freight class, NMFC, palletization standards and calculating DIM weight.
  • Hands-on experience with shipping software and carrier portals (UPS WorldShip, FedEx Ship Manager, ShipStation, MercuryGate or similar).
  • Forklift operation certification (sit-down forklift, reach truck) and demonstrated safe operation of pallet jacks and other material handling equipment.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel for simple data entry, filtering, VLOOKUPs and basic shipment reporting.
  • Knowledge of DOT/HazMat shipping requirements and ability to prepare hazardous materials paperwork (if role requires).
  • Experience performing cycle counts, physical inventories and basic inventory reconciliation processes.
  • Proven ability to complete freight claims and documentation for damaged or lost shipments with carriers and clients.
  • Familiar with barcode labeling, GS1 standards, serial number tracking, and product lot traceability for regulated industries.
  • Experience with ERP integrations and EDI shipping transmissions is beneficial (Ack/Nak, ASN, 850/856/940 transactions).

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy under high-volume, deadline-driven conditions.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for carrier coordination and internal stakeholder updates.
  • Time management and prioritization skills; ability to handle multiple shipments and urgent requests concurrently.
  • Team player with a collaborative mindset and willingness to cross-train across warehouse functions.
  • Problem-solving orientation with the ability to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions.
  • Dependable, punctual, and physically able to perform repetitive lifting, bending and extended standing.
  • Customer-service focus with an orientation to meeting delivery expectations and resolving exceptions.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities during peak seasons, system upgrades, or supply chain disruptions.
  • Initiative to suggest process improvements that reduce costs, improve accuracy or increase throughput.
  • Accountability and integrity when handling shipping documentation, inventory and chain-of-custody responsibilities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or technical certificate in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Industrial Technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Technology
  • Transportation & Distribution

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1 to 5 years of progressive experience in shipping and receiving, warehouse operations, or logistics support.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years specifically in outbound shipping with experience using WMS, carrier software and handling LTL/TL shipments; forklift certification and prior experience with carrier claim handling preferred.
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