Shipping Clerk

Your Fit

Income

$44K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-8.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Shipping Clerk?

A Shipping Clerk is responsible for managing and coordinating the shipment of goods, ensuring that items are dispatched correctly and on time. They handle tasks related to inventory, packaging, and logistics to facilitate the smooth transit of products.

Sample job titles:

Receiver, Receiving Clerk, Shipper, Shipping Clerk

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Shipping Clerk.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Shipping Clerk earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Shipping Clerk.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$37K per year	$44K per year	$51K per year	$62K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $21K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Shipping Clerk do?

Work environment

Shipping Clerks typically work in warehouses, distribution centers, or manufacturing plants. The environment is often fast-paced, with a focus on meeting shipping deadlines. Clerks may spend time both in an office setting, managing paperwork and computer-based tasks, and on the warehouse floor, overseeing or participating in the physical packing and shipping process.

Quick task list

Prepares and processes shipping documents, including bills of lading and invoices.
Packs, labels, and arranges for the shipment of products.
Coordinates with carriers and handles logistics for outbound shipments.
Tracks inventory levels and orders supplies as needed.
Inspects shipments for accuracy and compliance with specifications.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Inventory Management Clerk: Focusing on tracking and managing inventory levels to support shipping needs.
Export/Import Clerk: Specializing in international shipping, including knowledge of customs regulations and documentation.
E-commerce Fulfillment Clerk: Managing the shipping process for online retail operations.
Logistics Coordination Clerk: Overseeing broader aspects of logistics beyond shipping, including transportation and delivery.
Hazardous Materials Shipping Clerk: Specializing in the safe and compliant shipment of hazardous materials.

Description

The role of a Shipping Clerk is crucial in the supply chain, ensuring that products move efficiently from the warehouse to the customer or next stage of distribution. They must be organized and detail-oriented to manage various aspects of the shipping process, from packaging to documentation. A good understanding of shipping regulations, including international shipping rules if applicable, is necessary to ensure compliance and avoid delays or penalties.

Shipping Clerks must be able to work under pressure, especially in industries with tight shipping deadlines or high volumes of orders. They should be comfortable with technology, as the role often involves using inventory management and shipping software. Physical fitness can also be important, as the job may require lifting, moving inventory, and other hands-on tasks.

This occupation offers a dynamic work environment and is suited to individuals who enjoy logistical challenges and operational management. There are opportunities for career advancement in the fields of logistics, warehouse management, and supply chain coordination.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in the operational success of a company's supply chain.
The challenge and satisfaction of managing and solving logistical problems.
Opportunities to work in various industries and learn about different products and shipping methods.

You might make a good Shipping Clerk if you are...

Organized and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
Detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy in documentation and inventory.
Comfortable with physical tasks and capable of handling warehouse equipment.
Proficient in using computer systems for inventory and shipping management.
Good at problem-solving and able to work under pressure.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in a variety of industries.
Potential for career growth in logistics and supply chain management.
Active and diverse work tasks, combining desk work with physical activity.

Cons:

The work can be physically demanding and sometimes repetitive.
Working in a warehouse environment may involve exposure to varying temperatures and noise.
Pressure to meet shipping deadlines can lead to a high-stress environment.

How to become a Shipping Clerk

Typical education

Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional experience in warehouse operations or logistics can be beneficial. Some roles may favor candidates with post-secondary education in supply chain management or related fields.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics for basic calculations and inventory management.
Business Studies to understand principles of supply chain and operations.
Computer Science for proficiency with inventory and shipping software.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in team sports to develop teamwork and physical stamina.
Involvement in clubs or projects that require organizational skills, such as event planning.
Volunteering in roles that involve logistics or inventory, such as community events or local charities.

Preparation after high school

Gain experience in entry-level roles in warehousing, logistics, or shipping departments.
Consider vocational training or certification in logistics, supply chain management, or related fields.
Pursue opportunities for on-the-job training to learn specific software and systems used in shipping and logistics.

More resources

Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) - Provides networking and education opportunities in supply chain management.
Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) - Offers resources and information for warehouse logistics professionals.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Provides guidelines and training resources for safety in warehouse environments.
Institute for Supply Management (ISM) - Offers certification and training for professionals in procurement and supply management.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.