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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Shipping Technician

💰 $ - $

WarehouseLogisticsShippingDistributionSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Shipping Technician is responsible for executing day-to-day shipping activities to ensure accurate, on-time, and damage-free delivery of products. This role combines physical handling of goods, use of warehouse management systems (WMS) and RF scanners, coordination with carriers (LTL, parcel, freight), packing and labeling, and maintaining shipping documentation and safety standards. The Shipping Technician drives operational KPIs such as on-time shipment rate, order accuracy, and damage reduction while supporting continuous improvement initiatives in the distribution center.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
  • Shipping Clerk / Packing Associate
  • Order Picker / Fulfillment Associate

Advancement To:

  • Shipping Supervisor / Lead
  • Logistics Coordinator / Scheduler
  • Inventory Control Supervisor
  • Warehouse Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Receiving Specialist
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Returns/Claims Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Pick, pack and prepare customer orders for shipment following packing standards and bill of lading requirements, ensuring correct SKU, quantity, and packaging method to minimize damage and returns.
  • Operate powered industrial trucks (forklift, reach truck, pallet jack) safely and efficiently to load and unload trailers, stage orders, and move inventory between storage and shipping areas in accordance with OSHA and company safety policies.
  • Build, palletize and secure loads using stretch wrap, banding, cornerboards and strapping to meet carrier and customer packaging requirements and prevent product shifting or damage during transit.
  • Accurately weigh and measure packages and pallets, enter dimensional and weight data into the warehouse management system (WMS) or shipping software, and select correct carrier class and service level to control freight spend.
  • Generate and print shipping labels, packing slips, commercial invoices, bills of lading (BOL), and manifests for domestic and international shipments, ensuring all documentation is complete and legible.
  • Stage and load outbound trailers using safe loading patterns and proper load distribution; coordinate with transportation carriers for dock arrival and departure and provide required delivery documentation.
  • Receive and verify carrier pick-up confirmations, resolve pickup exceptions, and escalate delayed shipments to supervisors and customer service to meet customer delivery expectations.
  • Use RF scanners, barcode readers and handheld devices to scan outbound inventory, confirm picks, update order status, and ensure transaction accuracy in real time.
  • Perform cycle counting and outbound quality checks to verify SKU integrity, expiration dates, lot numbers, and barcode readability prior to shipping.
  • Inspect packaged goods for damage, identify root causes of damage, file carrier claims when applicable, and document incidents to support continuous improvement and reduce future damage rates.
  • Coordinate expedited and emergency shipments, prepare overnight and white glove orders, and communicate with carriers and stakeholders to meet critical delivery windows.
  • Classify hazardous materials (HAZMAT) shipments when required, prepare proper labeling and documentation, and ensure compliance with DOT, IATA and company HAZMAT shipping procedures.
  • Maintain accurate shipping logs, production reports and KPI dashboards (on-time ship rate, perfect order, shipping accuracy) to support operations management and performance reviews.
  • Collaborate with inventory control and receiving teams to reconcile discrepancies between pick lists, packing lists and inventory on hand; initiate adjustments and support root-cause analysis.
  • Execute returns processing and reverse logistics tasks, inspect returned goods, process RMA paperwork, and coordinate disposition according to company policy.
  • Load and unload parcel carriers and LTL shipments, separate small parcel vs. palletized freight, and coordinate cross-dock movements to optimize throughput.
  • Operate and maintain packaging equipment (tape machines, label printers, stretch-wrap machines), perform routine preventive maintenance checks and report malfunctions to maintenance.
  • Follow established SOPs for order staging, labeling, zone routing and delivery consolidation to maximize dock efficiency and reduce dwell time.
  • Train new shipping staff and temporary associates on safe loading practices, packing standards, equipment operation and WMS transactions to ensure consistency and compliance.
  • Participate in daily shipping meetings and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, eliminate waste, and improve fill rate and customer satisfaction.
  • Verify invoices, freight bills and carrier charges for accuracy, escalate billing disputes and coordinate with accounts payable and carrier representatives as needed.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and OSHA-compliant shipping dock area, including proper storage of packaging materials, signage, and safe traffic flow for employees and equipment.

Secondary Functions

  • Support periodic inventory audits and full physical inventories by staging and isolating counted product and assisting inventory control personnel.
  • Assist receiving team with overflow inbound processing during peak periods or staffing shortages to maintain overall warehouse throughput.
  • Help implement process improvements such as slotting changes, new packing methods, or updated carrier routing guides and document new procedures.
  • Document non-conformances, complete corrective action forms and follow up on CAPA items related to shipping errors or product damage.
  • Cross-train on adjacent warehouse functions (picking, receiving, returns) to provide flexible coverage and reduce operational disruption.
  • Participate in safety committees, complete required OSHA and company safety training, and report near-misses or safety hazards immediately.
  • Provide frontline support to customer service by researching shipment status, initiating trace requests with carriers, and preparing documentation for claims and proofs of delivery.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient operation of powered industrial trucks (PIT) including sit-down forklifts, reach trucks and electric pallet jacks — forklift certification required.
  • Expert use of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and shipping platforms (e.g., Manhattan, Oracle WMS, SAP EWM, HighJump, Netsuite, or similar).
  • Hands-on experience with RF barcode scanners, mobile computing devices and barcode label printers.
  • Knowledge of domestic and international shipping documentation: BOL, commercial invoices, NAFTA/USMCA requirements, HS codes for export.
  • Small parcel and LTL tendering experience with major carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS, regional LTL carriers) and experience creating manifests and carrier pickups.
  • Ability to calculate freight class and use dimensional weight rules, and to select appropriate packaging and carrier service to control costs.
  • Familiarity with hazardous materials (HAZMAT) shipping regulations and proper labeling for regulated shipments.
  • Competence with packaging and palletization techniques, including stretch wrapping, shrink-wrapping, strapping and use of packing tables and equipment.
  • Basic computer skills: Microsoft Excel for packing lists and reporting, email communication, and ERP/WMS transaction entry.
  • Strong numeric skills for accurate counting, weight verification and shipment reconciliation.
  • Experience maintaining shipping KPI metrics and preparing daily/weekly performance reports.

Soft Skills

  • High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy to maintain order integrity and reduce chargebacks.
  • Strong time management and ability to prioritize tasks under high-volume, deadline-driven conditions.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with carriers, internal stakeholders and customer service teams.
  • Team-oriented mindset with flexibility to cross-train and handle varied duties during peak periods.
  • Problem-solving orientation and ability to analyze shipment exceptions and create corrective actions.
  • Dependability and strong work ethic — punctuality, attendance and consistency are critical in shipping operations.
  • Adaptability to process changes, new technology rollouts, and evolving carrier requirements.
  • Customer-centric focus with an emphasis on on-time delivery and service quality.
  • Ability to follow safety procedures and reinforce a culture of workplace safety among peers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:
Associate degree or vocational certificate in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Technology
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
1–5 years in warehouse shipping, distribution, or logistics operations.

Preferred:
2–4 years of direct shipping experience in a high-volume warehouse environment; prior experience with WMS, RF scanning, forklift operation and carrier tendering strongly preferred. Forklift certification and a demonstrated track record of meeting shipping KPIs (accuracy, on-time percentage, damage rate) are highly desirable.

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