Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Freight Receiver Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

As a Freight Receiver Assistant, you are the first point of contact for all inbound goods, playing a pivotal role in the supply chain. You will be responsible for the meticulous unloading, inspection, and documentation of shipments, ensuring that what we receive matches our purchase orders in quantity and quality. Your diligence and accuracy on the receiving dock are fundamental to maintaining inventory integrity, preventing operational delays, and supporting the overall efficiency of our distribution center. This position requires a proactive, safety-conscious individual with a keen eye for detail and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
Stocker / Replenishment Associate
General Laborer

Advancement To:

Lead Receiver / Receiving Team Lead
Warehouse Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Forklift Operator (certified)
Shipping Clerk
Order Picker / Packer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and efficiently unload incoming freight from various carriers, including LTL, FTL, and parcel services, using manual methods, pallet jacks, and forklifts.
Meticulously inspect all incoming shipments for visible damage, shortages, or overages, documenting any discrepancies on the Bill of Lading (BOL) and immediately reporting issues to the Receiving Lead.
Accurately verify received goods by cross-referencing physical counts, item numbers, and product details against purchase orders, packing slips, and inbound manifests.
Utilize handheld RF (Radio Frequency) scanning devices to accurately receive products into the Warehouse Management System (WMS), ensuring real-time inventory updates.
Sort, stage, and palletize received goods in designated staging areas, ensuring products are organized for efficient put-away by the inventory or stocking teams.
Professionally interact with truck drivers and carrier representatives to coordinate unloading activities, manage dock schedules, and obtain necessary signatures on delivery paperwork.
Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and OSHA standards, including proper lifting techniques and safe operation of material handling equipment, to maintain a hazard-free work environment.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the receiving dock and surrounding work areas, clearing debris, and ensuring equipment is stored properly after use.
Apply appropriate internal labels, barcodes, or tracking tags to all received inventory to ensure proper identification and traceability throughout the warehouse.
Perform accurate and timely data entry of receiving transactions and exceptions into the WMS or ERP system, contributing to high levels of data integrity.
Collaborate closely with Inventory Control, Quality Assurance, and Purchasing departments to resolve receiving discrepancies and communicate any quality control issues.
Operate and perform daily safety checks on various types of material handling equipment (MHE), such as electric pallet jacks, sit-down forklifts, and stand-up reach trucks.
Assist in processing inbound returns (RMAs), inspecting returned merchandise for condition and verifying documentation for accurate credit and disposition.
Participate actively in cycle counting programs and periodic physical inventory audits to help maintain and improve overall inventory accuracy.
Properly build, shrink-wrap, and secure pallets of received goods to ensure stability for safe transport and storage within the facility.
Identify and correctly handle shipments containing hazardous materials, following specific safety data sheets (SDS) and company handling procedures.
Assist the Receiving Lead in prioritizing the unloading of inbound shipments based on operational urgencies, "hot" orders, or promotional deadlines.
Confirm that received products meet essential quality and specification standards, escalating any non-conformance issues to the Quality Control team for further inspection.
Manage and file all receiving-related documentation, including BOLs, packing lists, and discrepancy reports, ensuring they are accessible for auditing purposes.
Proactively communicate potential delays or issues on the receiving dock to the shift supervisor to allow for operational adjustments downstream.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation: Certified or experienced in operating forklifts (sit-down, stand-up), electric pallet jacks, and other warehouse machinery.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Experience using handheld RF scanners for receiving, inventory tracking, and data entry.
Warehouse Management System (WMS) Experience: Familiarity with WMS platforms (e.g., Manhattan, Blue Yonder, NetSuite) for processing inbound shipments.
Bill of Lading (BOL) and Freight Documentation: Ability to read, understand, and accurately notate freight documents.
Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in basic data entry and navigation within company software and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel).
Inventory Counting: Experience with cycle counting and physical inventory procedures.
Mathematical Aptitude: Strong basic math skills for verifying counts, weights, and measures.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in verifying paperwork, counting items, and inspecting for damage to ensure accuracy.
Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple inbound shipments and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Communication Skills: Clear and professional communication with drivers, carriers, and internal team members.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify discrepancies or issues and take the appropriate steps to resolve them.
Physical Stamina: Capable of standing, walking, bending, and lifting heavy objects (typically up to 50-75 lbs) for extended periods.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Works well with others to achieve shared goals and ensure a smooth operational flow.
Safety-Conscious Mindset: A strong commitment to following safety rules and maintaining a safe work environment for oneself and colleagues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or a technical certification in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred: Direct experience in a receiving department or high-volume logistics role is highly desirable. Experience with various types of material handling equipment is a significant plus.