Profession · Full profile

Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Shipping and receiving clerks track incoming goods, pack outbound orders, and manage inventory records.

Average salary

$45,260

Salary range

$34,650 – $62,190

Training time

Up to about a month

Job market

Decline

2/10

Work-life balance

Good

7/10

Shipping and receiving clerks keep goods moving smoothly into and out of facilities. They inspect incoming deliveries against purchase orders, log items into inventory systems, pack customer shipments, prepare shipping paperwork, and coordinate with freight carriers. Pay and job figures cover shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks, the official group that includes shipping and receiving clerks. The work connects computer entry with physical handling on loading docks, ensuring that accurate stock levels and dependable delivery schedules are maintained across operations.

A workday

A day in the life

What does a workday really look like?

A regular weekday shift handling morning receiving and afternoon outbound freight.

7:00 AM
Shift startup
Review incoming shipment schedules and coordinate with the dock team.
7:30 AM
Receiving and inspection
Unload incoming trucks, check items against packing slips, and report damaged goods.
10:00 AM
Inventory data entry
Scan barcodes and log received goods into the warehouse management software.
11:30 AM
Lunch break
Midday meal break.
12:15 PM
Cycle counting
Count selected stock locations and investigate inventory discrepancies.
1:30 PM
Outbound order preparation
Prepare outgoing shipments, attach shipping labels, and assemble bills of lading.
3:00 PM
Carrier dispatch
Check freight rates, communicate with pickup drivers, and load outbound trucks.

Task breakdown

An evening shift in a busy distribution center focused on urgent outbound dispatches.

3:30 PM
Dock handover
Review pending outbound priority orders with the departing day crew.
4:00 PM
Order verification
Verify packed items against customer packing lists for evening transit.
6:00 PM
Documentation processing
Generate shipping paperwork and manifest records in carrier software.
7:30 PM
Meal break
Scheduled evening meal break.
8:00 PM
Carrier loading and tracking
Oversee carrier pickups and resolve tracking issues with freight dispatchers.
10:30 PM
Discrepancy logging and dock close
Record evening freight counts in the system and prepare docks for morning crews.

Salary data

What do you really earn?

Salary by experience, sector and region.

Minimum

$34,650

Average

$45,260

Maximum

$62,190

Salary by region

Region	Min	Avg.	Max
National	$34,650	$45,260	$62,190
California	$37,390	$46,520	$64,650
Texas	$31,030	$42,190	$58,940
Florida	$30,990	$40,700	$60,580
Ohio	$35,510	$45,270	$60,740
Illinois	$36,750	$46,760	$63,400

Typical benefits

Health insurance

Medical coverage provided through employer benefit programs.

Retirement savings plan

Employer-sponsored plans to support long-term personal savings.

Overtime pay

Additional earnings during peak shipping seasons and busy operational periods.

Paid time off

Paid leave for holidays, vacations, and personal time.

Pathways

Education pathways

Which paths lead to this profession?

Other

4 years

High school diploma or equivalent

Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic math and computer skills are needed for recordkeeping.

Entry requirements: None

On-the-job training

Up to about a month

On-the-job training

Covers warehouse software, shipping procedures, and carrier systems. Equipment and hazmat training are added where needed.

Costs: Paid by the employer
Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Certificate

Varies

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Entry-level logistics credential from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council covering safety, inventory, and shipping basics.

Entry requirements: None

Profile

Skills & personality

Is this a good fit for you?

Hard skills

Warehouse management systemsEntering, tracking, and updating shipment data in warehouse and inventory software.
Inventory recordkeepingPerforming cycle counts and investigating differences between physical counts and system counts.
Shipping documents such as bills of ladingDrafting and verifying packing lists, shipping labels, and bills of lading.
Carrier shipping softwareUsing carrier platforms to compare freight rates, track shipments, and book pickups.
Barcode scanningUsing handheld scanners to track incoming goods and outgoing merchandise.
Forklift or pallet jack operationOperating dock equipment safely after employer training and evaluation under OSHA rules.

Soft skills

Attention to detailSpotting missing goods, damaged cartons, or mismatched paperwork quickly.
OrganizationKeeping loading docks neat and ordering documentation for easy retrieval.
Communication with drivers and suppliersExplaining delivery instructions and handling issues with drivers and suppliers.
Problem solvingInvestigating inventory discrepancies and resolving carrier delays promptly.

Is this a good fit for you?

✓
ThoroughCarefully verifies packing slips, part numbers, and box counts to prevent mistakes.
✓
PracticalEnjoys active, hands-on tasks that mix physical staging with computer work.
✓
DependableShows up consistently to keep loading docks operating on tight freight schedules.
✓
AdaptableAdjusts easily when freight trucks arrive late or unexpected rush shipments appear.
✓
InquisitiveTakes initiative to track down missing inventory and discover why discrepancies happen.

Market

Job market & outlook

What does the market look like?

Openings per year

61,300

Trend

Declining

Growth

-7.6%

AI impact

5/10

Barcode scanning, RFID and warehouse software automate much of the recordkeeping. Inspecting goods, solving shipping problems and dealing with carriers still need people.

Regional demand

Ohio

Strong manufacturing presence drives hiring on industrial loading docks.

6/10

Texas

Extensive distribution networks create active demand.

6/10

California

Large logistics hubs support steady demand for clerks.

5/10

Illinois

Central transportation infrastructure supports distribution roles.

5/10

Florida

Wholesale and retail centers employ shipping staff across the state.

4/10

Growth

Career paths

Where can this profession take you?

Vertical growth

Lead shipping and receiving clerk
2-4 years
Oversees daily dock workflows, trains new clerks, and delegates incoming and outgoing assignments.
Warehouse supervisor
3-6 years
Directs shift operations across the facility, supervising warehouse workers, stockers, and dock crews.
Warehouse or distribution manager
6-10 years
Manages overall facility operations, facility budgets, facility safety, and distribution performance.
Logistics manager
8-12 years
Directs broader supply chain movements, carrier partnerships, and freight distribution networks.

Horizontal move

Logistician
Analyzes and coordinates supply chain systems, shipment routes, and inventory allocation.
View Logistician
Buyer
Purchases materials and products for resale or production based on inventory requirements.
View Buyer
Production planner
Schedules manufacturing runs and coordinates material availability to maintain production goals.
View Production Planner

Good to know

Practical info

Working hours: Most shipping and receiving clerks work full time, with overtime during peak shipping seasons.
Remote work: Remote work is not possible because clerks handle and inspect goods at the loading dock.
Physical requirements: The job combines computer work with standing, walking and lifting packages near loading docks, which can be cold or hot.
Typical employers: Manufacturing plants, warehouses and distribution centers, wholesalers, retail chains, hospitals, and third-party logistics companies.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does a shipping and receiving clerk do?

A shipping and receiving clerk monitors goods entering and leaving a facility. They verify delivered merchandise against purchase orders and packing slips, document damage or shortages, and record receipts in warehouse software. For outgoing orders, they prepare packing lists, bills of lading, and shipping labels, compare freight rates, schedule carrier pickups, and investigate inventory discrepancies.

Can a shipping and receiving clerk work from home?

Remote work is not possible in this role because clerks must inspect and handle physical goods directly at the loading dock. Their daily tasks require scanning barcodes, unloading shipments, checking boxes, and coordinating in person with delivery drivers, making their presence on site necessary during operational hours.

What qualifications are required to become a shipping and receiving clerk?

Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent, focusing on basic math and computer skills. New clerks usually complete on-the-job training lasting up to about a month. In addition, workers must complete employer training and evaluation under OSHA rules before running forklifts, and hazmat training under federal Department of Transportation rules when handling hazardous materials.

What types of employers hire shipping and receiving clerks?

Shipping and receiving clerks are hired by manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, wholesalers, retail chains, hospitals, and third-party logistics companies. Any business that receives raw materials or distributes finished products to customers relies on clerks to handle loading dock operations and record inventory movement accurately.

What are the typical working hours for this profession?

Most shipping and receiving clerks work full time, with day shifts being the most common schedule. Warehouses and distribution centers often run evening, night, and weekend shifts as well. Overtime is common during peak shipping seasons when shipment volumes increase and outbound delivery deadlines tighten.

What physical demands are involved in this job?

The role blends computer work with active physical labor throughout each shift. Clerks spend significant time standing, walking, and lifting packages around loading docks. Dock areas can also become very hot or cold depending on outdoor temperatures, requiring workers to adapt to changing seasonal weather conditions.

How is automation affecting shipping and receiving clerk jobs?

Barcode scanning, RFID systems, and warehouse software automate much of the recordkeeping work. However, human workers are still needed to inspect shipments, resolve damaged freight problems, manage delivery delays, and communicate directly with freight carriers and suppliers on the dock.

Explore further

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In depth

All about shipping and receiving clerk

The background, context and details.

What a shipping and receiving clerk does

A shipping and receiving clerk handles the flow of goods entering and leaving a business. On the receiving side, clerks unload shipments, check incoming items against purchase orders and packing slips, and note any damaged goods or shortages. They then enter received products into warehouse management systems to update inventory counts. On the shipping side, they assemble orders, create bills of lading and shipping labels, compare freight rates, and schedule carrier pickups. They also run cycle counts and resolve delivery issues directly with freight carriers and suppliers.

Work environment and physical expectations

Clerks work in places such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, wholesalers, retail chains, hospitals, and third-party logistics companies. The daily routine blends computer tasks with physical labor. Workers stand, walk, and lift packages near loading docks that can become hot or cold depending on the weather. Because workers must inspect packages and handle merchandise directly on the dock, remote work is not possible. Day shifts with regular hours are common, though evening, night, and weekend shifts occur in warehouses and distribution centers, alongside overtime during peak shipping seasons.

Required training and certifications

Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent, focusing on basic math and computer skills for recordkeeping. New hires receive on-the-job training covering internal warehouse software, shipping procedures, and carrier systems. Employers also provide training and evaluation under OSHA rules before workers operate forklifts. If a clerk prepares hazardous materials shipments, hazmat training under federal Department of Transportation rules is required. Earning voluntary credentials, such as the Certified Logistics Associate designation, can help individuals demonstrate core knowledge in safety and inventory basics.

Technology and job outlook

Automated tools, barcode scanning, and RFID systems handle an increasing share of data recording. Even so, people remain necessary to inspect goods, solve shipping exceptions, and coordinate with delivery drivers. Clerks can advance into roles such as lead clerk, warehouse supervisor, or logistics manager, or move horizontally into purchasing, logistics, or production planning.