Shipping/Receiving Clerk
Shipping/Receiving Clerks keep warehouse flow measurable and auditable: they confirm what arrives, document what leaves, and protect inventory accuracy when the pace is high. This page is designed for international candidates and focuses on real-world responsibilities, practical requirements, and typical work conditions in the United States. CV is required for review.
What the role looks like in practice
A non-generic, role-specific overview (anti-duplicate copy).
The best Shipping/Receiving Clerks are “exceptions professionals.” When everything matches the paperwork, the day is quiet. When it doesn’t, you become the person who finds the reason: a swapped label, a short-shipped carton, a damaged pallet, or a quantity that was scanned but never staged. Modern sites often rely on barcode/RFID tracking and warehouse management systems; that reduces manual counting, but it raises the bar for clean process and accurate data entry.
Typical tasks (day-to-day)
- Receive inbound goods: verify counts, match purchase orders/ASNs, and document damages or shortages.
- Prepare outbound shipments: labels, staging, packing lists, and coordination with the dock schedule (role-dependent).
- Record shipment and inventory movements in a WMS using scanners (barcode/RFID) and standard location rules.
- Investigate discrepancies: wrong SKU, over/under counts, mis-picks, returns, and “missing” items.
- Maintain documentation quality: bills of lading, manifests, exception notes, and traceable handoffs.
Detailed requirements (what employers actually screen for)
Written to reduce ambiguity and improve candidate-quality match.
| Requirement area | What “good” looks like |
|---|---|
| Documentation & accuracy | Confident reading and completing shipping/receiving paperwork (packing lists, receiving logs, bill of lading fields, exception notes). You consistently reconcile counts and report discrepancies early. |
| Systems (WMS / scanners) | Ability to scan and confirm movements correctly, follow location rules, and use common screens (receive, transfer, stage, ship confirm). You understand why “wrong scan” creates inventory problems. |
| Numeracy & attention to detail | Comfortable with item counts, units of measure, basic freight math, and label verification (SKU, lot/serial, quantity, destination). |
| Work environment readiness | Warehouses can be loud and not always climate-controlled; you may spend time near dock doors, conveyors, and staging lanes. PPE rules vary by site. |
| Physical handling (site-dependent) | Some roles require occasional lifting/carrying and pallet-level checks. Other roles focus more on documentation and verification. Always follow safe-lift rules and site procedures. |
| Reliability & scheduling | On-time attendance, consistent shift availability, and readiness for peak periods (end-of-month, seasonal surge, retail peaks) are frequently screened. |
Next steps
- Create/upload your CV and keep contact details up to date.
- After CV review, we confirm role fit and available projects.
- If shortlisted, you proceed to employer interview and documentation steps.
Work conditions in the USA (practical overview)
- Schedules: many sites run full-time shifts; nights/weekends/holidays can be required in continuous operations.
- Pressure points: docks and shipping cut-offs create time pressure; accuracy still matters.
- Environment: expect mixed indoor areas; some warehouses are not climate-controlled and can be noisy.
- Tools: handheld scanners, label printers, pallet tags, and WMS terminals are typical.
- Safety: follow site PPE rules (often safety shoes and high-visibility gear) and traffic rules around equipment.
Immigration note (EB-3) — informational only
Employment-based immigration categories typically require an employer-led process. In general terms, the employer may need a labor certification approval and then files an immigrant petition (Form I-140). Your eligibility, timing, and the correct category depend on the employer and official procedures.
FAQ
What is the difference between “shipping clerk” and “receiving clerk”?
Receiving focuses on inbound verification (counts, damages, matching purchase orders/ASNs). Shipping focuses on outbound preparation (staging, labels, documentation, carrier handoff). Many employers combine both into one role.
Is this job suitable if I have warehouse experience but limited computer skills?
Employers often require basic scanner/WMS usage because inventory integrity depends on correct transactions. If you can learn structured screens and follow scan/location rules, you can become competitive quickly.
Do I need experience with RFID or advanced tools?
Not mandatory. Many sites use barcode scanning, and RFID may be present in the background. What matters is discipline: correct scanning, clean documentation, and clear exception reporting.
What is the gross pay reference for the occupation?
Public labor-market references for Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks report a median around $20.77/hour and $43,190/year (gross). Actual offers vary by region, shift, and responsibilities.
What are common reasons candidates fail screening?
Missing CV, unclear job history (no dates/tasks), weak English for documentation, or inability to describe how you keep counts accurate under time pressure. A concise CV with specific shipping/receiving tasks improves evaluation quality.
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