What is it like to work as shipping and receiving clerk in a manufacturing, warehouse center?
At SURESTAFF, we are dedicated to connecting quality employees with light industrial employers throughout the Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin areas. SURESTAFF staffing agency offers numerous temp-to-hire, temporary and direct hire shipping and receiving clerk job opportunities, with potential for growth into a managerial and/or supervision roles.
SURESTAFF serves manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution center customers, while empowering individuals to maximize basic skills in order to achieve long term career satisfaction.
What is a shipping and receiving clerk?
Shipping and receiving clerks work in a manufacturing/warehouse environment and help pick, pull, and prepare orders while maintaining an organized shipping and receiving area. Clerks process inbound and outbound shipments. Load and unload pallets. Scan items into inventory control system using RF Scanners. Safely and efficiently use warehouse equipment including pallet jack, hydraulic jack, computers, and handheld printers and perform cleaning and maintenance duties and report any unsafe work area conditions.
What are the job roles associated with shipping and receiving clerks?
Shipping and receiving clerks are responsible for receiving inbound and outgoing shipments while working to prepare products and log records of all shipping data and schedule product transportation. The main roles include tracking inventory, processing inventory, package items, print labels, weigh packages and allocate appropriate postage. In addition, scanning and sorting inventory and then stocking and stacking it to its appropriate locations.
What are the requirements for becoming a shipping and receiving clerk in a warehouse or distribution center?
Previous experience in production, manufacturing, assembling environments, and/or forklift experience is a plus. Shipping and receiving clerks must have previous experience operating a forklift. At least one-year experience in a warehouse environment is required. Must be able to complete basic computational equations and have a high level of computer literacy. High attention to detail and safety/compliance is mandatory. While most entry-level warehouse positions do not have education requirements, a diploma/GED is usually needed to be considered for a shipping and receiving clerk position.
What is the average salary for a warehouse shipping and receiving clerk?
The average annual salary range is $22,00 – $42,000, depending on the position requirements and location of the job. Warehouse jobs in Chicago, for example, have a higher average pay rate because cost of living is higher than surrounding suburbs such as Aurora, DeKalb, Algonquin or Blue Island.
How is performance measured?
A warehouse manager will set specific and personal KPIs (key performance indicators) that will measure job performance such as the packaged, picked, delivered, stocked items per man/woman per hour, replenishment orders per man/woman per hour. Volume received per man/woman per hour. Time taken to process each order/goods/inventory or cycle time. Accurate receipts percentage. Receiving dock door utilization percentage and the cost of receiving per line. These metrics are usually tracked in real time using an inventory control system so managers are able to access employee and team performance quickly. Other performance measures include adherence to safety standards, attendance, and willingness to work as a team.
SURESTAFF’S career path/growth opportunities for warehouse shipping and receiving clerks?
SURESTAFF offers different opportunities all varying in experience for shipping and receiving clerks. Warehouse and distribution center shipping and receiving clerk opportunities can be a path to growth and new career opportunities. Training and certifications through entry-level positions can lead to a managerial role. A shipping and receiving clerk entry level opportunity can transform into a bigger role within a warehouse/distribution center. Shipping and receiving clerks are essential to the supply chain management and help track products, monitor inventory and manage warehouse/distribution center deliveries.
Certifications may help propel an entry level associate to a warehouse managerial position. In many cases, warehouse managers need certifications to operate heavy equipment like forklifts and aerial lifts. Certification accreditation requires a combination of a written exam and a practical test. Many employers provide these certification programs regularly and it helps to inquire about the possibilities.
Shipping and receiving clerk job trends 2021 outlook geared towards improving safety
According to marketwatch.com, “The global manufacturing market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate during the forecast period, between 2021 and 2026. In 2021, the market was growing at a steady rate and with the rising adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon.” With the Buy American executive order aimed at strengthening local manufacturing while providing new job opportunities, the future for shipping and receiving clerks looks promising.
How to find shipping and receiving warehouse jobs and what you will need to be become a warehouse/distribution center associate
- Previous warehouse experience and/or training preferred.
- High attention to detail and safety/compliance.
- Demonstrate good communication skills, problem-solving skills, and sound judgement.
- Ability to work overtime as needed.
For job opportunities in light industrial, warehouse, or distribution center, please contact one of our locations in Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin or call 1-833-SUREWORK or 833-787-3967.