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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Shipping Worker

💰 $14 - $22 / hour (DOE)

LogisticsWarehouseShippingOperationsDistribution

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Shipping Worker is responsible for executing day-to-day shipping functions to ensure accurate, timely outbound movement of goods. This includes picking and packing customer orders, preparing shipping documents and compliance labels, staging freight for carriers, and operating material handling equipment. The role focuses on quality, efficiency, and safety while collaborating with receiving, inventory control, and transportation teams to support supply chain performance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk (entry-level)
  • General Warehouse Associate
  • Material Handler / Picker-Packer

Advancement To:

  • Lead Shipping Coordinator
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Logistics Coordinator / Dispatcher
  • Warehouse Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Returns & Reverse Logistics Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Pick, pack and stage outbound orders accurately and efficiently using pick lists, RF scanners, or warehouse management system (WMS) to meet daily shipment targets and customer service SLAs.
  • Prepare shipping documentation including bills of lading, packing slips, commercial invoices, and carrier manifests ensuring all paperwork matches physical shipments and system records.
  • Apply correct labels, barcodes, and hazardous material markings (if applicable) and verify compliance with carrier and DOT/IMO/49 CFR shipping regulations.
  • Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks and other material handling equipment safely to load, unload and move product between staging, packing and shipping areas following OSHA and company safety protocols.
  • Inspect products and packaging for damage or defects prior to shipping; document nonconforming items and escalate to supervisor or quality control to prevent shipment errors.
  • Accurately measure, weigh and dimension packages and pallets; calculate freight class and select the most cost-effective carrier or service level as directed.
  • Coordinate daily pickup and delivery schedules with third-party carriers (UPS, FedEx, LTL providers) and communicate shipment readiness and any delays to carriers and internal stakeholders.
  • Wrap, band and secure pallets using stretch wrap, strapping and corner guards to ensure loads are stable and protected during transportation.
  • Load and unload trailers and containers, checking trailer seals and verifying trailer/lot numbers to ensure shipments are complete and properly documented.
  • Update inventory transactions in WMS or ERP systems in real time to reflect outgoing shipments and adjust stock levels; reconcile discrepancies with inventory control.
  • Perform cycle counts and support monthly or quarterly physical inventories by pulling and staging kits or locations for auditors and reconciling variances.
  • Maintain clean, organized shipping areas including disposal of packing materials, recycling, and keeping aisles and dock doors clear to support safety and throughput.
  • Ensure pallets and packages meet carrier dimensional and weight limits, optimizing packaging to reduce shipping costs and damage while preserving product integrity.
  • Track shipments using carrier portals and communicate status to internal teams and customers; proactively investigate and resolve exceptions such as lost or delayed freight.
  • Stage customer-specific shipments and special projects, including kitting, custom labeling, or assembly of multi-SKU orders according to work orders and SOPs.
  • Perform final quality checks to verify order accuracy including SKU, quantity, lot/batch numbers and expiration dates for time-sensitive or serialized products.
  • Follow hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling procedures where applicable, prepare proper documentation and coordinate special handling or carrier requirements.
  • Report equipment malfunctions, safety incidents, or process bottlenecks to supervisors and participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance shipping accuracy and speed.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist receiving team during peak periods by unloading inbound shipments, checking packing lists and placing product into staging or receiving locations.
  • Support returns processing and reverse logistics by inspecting returned items, documenting condition, and routing returns to the appropriate disposition (restock, repair, scrap).
  • Train new hires on shipping procedures, equipment operation, and safety policies; help develop checklists and process documentation to standardize training.
  • Collaborate with inventory control to investigate and resolve order discrepancies, missing SKUs, and stock freezes to reduce shipment delays.
  • Participate in continuous improvement and 5S initiatives to identify waste, improve packing materials usage, and optimize pick/pack flows for faster throughput.
  • Run basic shipping cost analyses and suggest cost-saving opportunities such as dimensional weight reduction, carrier rate negotiation support, or consolidation strategies.
  • Assist customer service with ad-hoc shipment inquiries by locating proof of shipment, photographs, or tracking details and preparing claims documentation with carriers.
  • Maintain certification records and participate in periodic safety and compliance training (forklift recertification, DOT/HAZMAT awareness).

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Forklift operation (sit-down, stand-up, reach) — certified and demonstrated safe operation in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
  • Proficient use of RF scanners, barcode readers, and handheld devices for picking and cycle counting.
  • Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Fishbowl, Manhattan) for transaction processing and inventory updates.
  • Strong knowledge of shipping documentation: bills of lading, packing lists, commercial invoices, and carrier manifests.
  • Packaging and palletization techniques, including stretch wrapping, strapping, cushioning, and void-fill to protect product integrity.
  • Basic understanding of freight class, dimensional weight (DIM), and carrier pricing structures to optimize shipping costs.
  • Familiarity with carrier systems and portals (UPS, FedEx, DHL, common LTL carriers) for scheduling pickups and tracking shipments.
  • Knowledge of DOT and OSHA regulations and safe material handling best practices; HAZMAT/HAZCOM awareness where applicable.
  • Competent in basic math for weight/dimension calculations, order quantities, and freight cost estimations.
  • Experience preparing and processing returns, RMAs, and reverse logistics workflows.

Soft Skills

  • High attention to detail and accuracy to minimize picking/packing errors and customer returns.
  • Strong time management and ability to prioritize tasks in high-volume shipping environments.
  • Clear verbal and written communication to coordinate with carriers, warehouse staff, and customer service teams.
  • Problem-solving mindset to quickly investigate shipment exceptions, inventory discrepancies and suggest fixes.
  • Team player attitude with flexibility to support cross-functional warehouse duties during peak periods.
  • Dependability and punctuality—reliable attendance and adherence to shift schedules and deadlines.
  • Physical stamina and ability to stand, bend, lift up to company-specified limits, and perform repetitive tasks throughout a shift.
  • Adaptability to learn new systems, workflows, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate or vocational training in logistics, supply chain, or industrial equipment operation
  • Forklift/operator certification preferred (company-provided training often available)

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0 to 5 years of warehouse or shipping experience (varies by employer; many entry-level roles accept 0–1 year with on-the-job training)

Preferred:

  • 1–3 years of experience in shipping & receiving, order fulfillment, or distribution center operations
  • Prior experience with WMS, RF scanning, and commercial carrier coordination a plus
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