What Does a Shipping Clerk Do?
Shipping clerks prepare outgoing shipments by packaging, labeling, and documenting goods for transport. They verify order accuracy, coordinate with carriers, and maintain shipment records. This position is essential to warehouse and distribution operations, ensuring customers receive the correct products on time.
Shipping Clerk Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a shipping clerk include:
- Prepare outgoing shipments by picking, packing, and labeling items according to order specifications.
- Verify that orders match packing lists and shipping documentation before dispatch.
- Weigh and measure packages to determine shipping costs and appropriate carriers.
- Generate shipping labels, bills of lading, and customs documentation using shipping software.
- Schedule carrier pickups and coordinate loading activities at the shipping dock.
- Maintain organized records of all outgoing shipments and tracking numbers.
- Inspect outgoing packages for damage and ensure proper protective packaging.
- Communicate with sales and customer service teams regarding shipping schedules and delays.
- Operate packing equipment including tape machines, stretch wrappers, and scales.
- Assist with physical inventory counts and cycle count procedures.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a shipping clerk, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Shipping software and label generation
- Order verification and quality checking
- Packaging techniques and materials handling
- Record keeping and data entry
- Basic math and measurement
- Organizational skills
- Physical stamina for lifting and standing
- Attention to detail
Education and Training
A high school diploma or GED is the standard requirement for shipping clerk positions. On-the-job training typically covers company-specific shipping procedures, software systems, and safety protocols. Familiarity with shipping platforms such as UPS WorldShip, FedEx Ship Manager, or ShipStation is beneficial. Some employers prefer candidates with warehouse experience or coursework in logistics. Forklift certification can be a plus for roles that involve loading activities.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $28,000 - $40,000 per year
Shipping clerk positions remain widely available in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. As e-commerce continues to drive higher shipment volumes, companies need reliable personnel to manage outbound logistics. Workers who develop expertise in shipping software and demonstrate accuracy and efficiency can advance to shipping supervisor, logistics coordinator, or warehouse manager roles. While automation is increasing in some facilities, human oversight of shipping processes remains important.