Occupation · SOC 43-5071
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products. May prepare items for shipment.
Median wage
$43,190
$32,900–$60,300
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
857,630
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
15 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningTime ManagementMonitoringCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingPersuasionWritingService OrientationInstructingNegotiationActive LearningOperations MonitoringMathematicsSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisQuality Control AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesTroubleshootingOperation and ControlManagement of Material ResourcesTechnology DesignManagement of Financial ResourcesProgrammingOperations AnalysisEquipment SelectionScienceRepairingInstallationEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
AdministrativeComputers and ElectronicsProduction and ProcessingMathematicsEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingTransportationPublic Safety and SecurityMechanicalEconomics and AccountingTelecommunicationsPersonnel and Human ResourcesEngineering and TechnologySales and MarketingCommunications and MediaPsychologyGeographySociology and AnthropologyBuilding and ConstructionLaw and GovernmentDesignTherapy and CounselingFood ProductionPhysicsForeign LanguageChemistryMedicine and DentistryBiologyHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsPhilosophy and Theology
Technology & tools
ADi SmartBOLAES MailSTARAccuship Star SystemAestiva Purchase OrderBarcode labeling softwareBill of lading softwareCMS Consultants WorldLinkCitrix cloud computing softwareDM2 Bills of LadingDydacomp Mail Order ManagerElectronic Data Interchange EDI systemsEndicia Internet PostageEnterprise Systems RFID Data ManagementExact MAXFedEx Ship ManagerFileMaker ProFreight+Harvey Software CPSIBM NotesInfor ERP VisualInventory management systemsInventory tracking softwareKewill ClippershipKewill Compliance PartnerKewill Javelin Distribution ShipLaser Substrates PostalXportMSR Visual ExporterMSR Visual Exporter Document LibraryMSR Visual Exporter Enterprise IntegratorMicrosoft Dynamics GPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOnePitney Bowes ShipStream ManagerPrecision TRA/XSAP softwareSage 50 Accounting
Representative tasks
Getting InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesHandling and Moving ObjectsDocumenting/Recording InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsTraining and Teaching OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersProcessing InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentScheduling Work and ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsWorking with ComputersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesCoaching and Developing OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicThinking CreativelyMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDeveloping and Building TeamsSelling or Influencing OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesAssisting and Caring for OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Shipment contents and accompanying manifests — compare and verify for basic accuracy under direct supervisor guidance in a warehouse receiving area.Shipping labels and postage — apply using label-making software and a postage meter following step-by-step instructions on a packing line.Incoming and outgoing packages — inspect for visible damage and note discrepancies on a pre-printed checklist in a distribution center.Hand trucks and conveyor systems — operate under supervision to deliver materials to designated departments within a facility.Shipment weight and basic charges — record into a database entry form using provided templates in a warehouse office setting.Packing materials and sealing tools — use hand tools and power tools to pack and seal outgoing shipments following established protocols.Inventory stock levels — monitor and flag low supply quantities to a supervisor in a storeroom environment.Email and internet browser software — use to retrieve shipping instructions and communicate routine messages under direct oversight.Bills of lading and shipping order forms — complete standard fields accurately using written instructions in a logistics support role.Work area procedures and safety rules — follow consistently to maintain dependable performance on a receiving dock during initial on-the-job training.
developing
Shipment contents against invoices and purchase orders — reconcile independently and resolve minor discrepancies in a busy warehouse environment.Shipping and receiving documents, including bills of lading and work orders — prepare and route accurately with minimal supervisory review.Inventory replenishment requests — generate using procurement or materials requirements planning software to maintain adequate stock levels.Carrier representatives and internal departments — contact routinely by phone or email to coordinate pickup schedules and delivery instructions.Shipment data including damages, shortages, and space availability — record and organize in an ERP or database system for accounting purposes.Sorting bins and conveyor systems — manage daily material flow through, prioritizing deliveries according to urgency and department schedules.Outgoing packages of varying sizes and weights — pack, seal, and label using appropriate materials and postage meter calculations.Shipment records and inventory counts — cross-check periodically using optical character reader scanning software to verify data accuracy.Time-sensitive shipping deadlines — manage across multiple concurrent orders with reduced oversight in a high-volume distribution setting.Problems such as nonconformance to specifications or carrier delays — identify and escalate with supporting documentation to relevant stakeholders.
proficient
Complex shipment discrepancies including shortages, damages, and misrouted freight — investigate and resolve autonomously by coordinating with vendors and carriers.Full shipping and receiving cycle — execute independently from receipt verification through final delivery documentation in a fast-paced logistics environment.Inventory control procedures — apply critical thinking to analyze stock trends and adjust reorder points using MRP and ERP software.Non-routine shipping arrangements such as hazardous materials or oversized freight — coordinate with carrier representatives to meet regulatory and operational requirements.Shipment and inventory records — audit across multiple document types for accuracy and completeness, identifying systemic errors before they affect operations.Internal teams and external supplier representatives — confer confidently to negotiate solutions for specification nonconformance and persistent delivery issues.Label-making and scanning software tools — configure and troubleshoot to maintain accurate barcode and OCR data integrity across the warehouse system.Cross-departmental material routing — optimize using enterprise application integration software to minimize delays and improve throughput.Receiving, packing, and documentation workflows — apply time management and selective attention to handle peak-volume periods without errors.Oral and written communication with management — deliver clear, detailed incident reports and status updates based on shipment data analysis.
advanced
Shipping, receiving, and inventory competency standards — define and implement across a warehouse team to align with organizational logistics goals.Onboarding and ongoing training programs for new clerks — design and deliver using real workflow scenarios drawn from receiving dock and ERP system operations.Enterprise-wide inventory management processes — lead continuous improvement initiatives using ERP and MRP data to reduce shrinkage and carrying costs.Carrier contracts and service agreements — evaluate and provide operational input to procurement and management teams based on shipment performance data.Cross-functional escalation procedures for chronic damage, shortage, or compliance issues — establish and own, coordinating between operations, finance, and vendor relations.Departmental KPIs such as shipment accuracy rates and inventory turnover — set targets, monitor via database reporting tools, and present findings to leadership.Technology adoption within the shipping and receiving function — champion upgrades to scanning, label-making, or ERP modules by guiding staff through transitions.Workflow bottlenecks across receiving, stocking, and dispatch stages — diagnose at an organizational level and implement process redesigns that improve throughput.Compliance with shipping regulations and recordkeeping standards — ensure organization-wide adherence by developing reference materials and conducting periodic audits.Culture of dependability, attention to detail, and integrity — model and reinforce across the warehouse team through mentorship, recognition, and performance feedback.
Also known as
82 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Backroom AssociateBooking ClerkBreak Out ManBreak Out WorkerCar CheckerCloth BookerContainer CoordinatorDisposition ClerkDistributing ClerkDistribution AssociateDistribution Center AssociateDistribution ClerkDistribution Team MemberExpress ClerkFish ReceiverForwarderFreight BreakerFreight ClerkFreight HandlerFreight SeparatorFruit Express AgentFruit ReceiverFuel Oil ClerkFulfillment AssociateFulfillment Mail ClerkGarment SorterGrain Elevator ClerkGun Repair ClerkIncoming Freight ClerkIndustrial Order ClerkInventory AssociateInventory ClerkInventory Control ClerkInventory Control CoordinatorInventory Control SpecialistInventory CoordinatorInventory SpecialistInventory TakerMaterials Control AssociateMaterials Processor