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Shipping and Receiving Clerks

THE JOB

SHIPPING AND RECEIVING CLERKS prepare and send (ship) and take in (receive) 
merchandise sent between companies. Smaller firms usually hire clerks to do 
both shipping and receiving, while bigger companies often hire workers to do 
shipping and receiving separately.

Shipping Clerks are responsible for all shipments going out.  They make sure 
that the right merchandise is being sent and is in perfect condition.  They 
prepare bills of lading and related paperwork for commercial and other 
shipments.  They write and keep records and reports on warehouse 
activities.  They wrap the goods, using tools such as staplers, strapping 
machines, and hammers. Shipping Clerks also address the containers, using 
stencils and labeling tools.  They figure freight or postal rates and record 
costs and weights of each shipment.  They may supervise the loading of 
merchandise to guarantee that it's sent safely.  Shipping Clerks may also 
inspect trucks and vans to make sure they're clean when shipping such items 
as grain, flour and milk.

When shipments arrive, Receiving Clerks unwrap the goods, using tools such 
as pry bars and wire cutters.  They make sure that the right goods were 
received by checking the shipments against the original orders.  They also 
make certain that merchandise is in perfect condition.  Receiving Clerks 
notify departments responsible for filing adjustment claims if shipments are 
damaged or not right.  When good must be inspected, Receiving Clerks send 
samples of merchandise to quality control units. Finally, Receiving Clerks 
route items coming in to the right plant, or warehouse, or department.

Shipping and Receiving Clerks may operate hand trucks, forklifts, tow 
trucks, cranes, pickup trucks, mailing machines and loading conveyers.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Shipping and Receiving Clerks can work indoors and outdoors.  Working 
conditions depend on the type of employer.  Clerks employed in new shipping 
centers or large department stores usually work in comfortable areas that 
are air-conditioned, well-heated and lighted.  Those clerks who work in 
large warehouses can (depending on the weather) experience uncomfortable 
temperatures.  These warehouses are often hot, drafty or cold.  Clerks may 
be exposed to a lot of noise and other distractions.  Workers' hands and 
clothing often get dirty from containers, glue, and stenciling ink.  
Shipping and receiving materials generally are not considered dangerous.  
Clerks who ship and receive heavy merchandise can be injured and must be 
careful in handling orders.

Most employers expect clerks to have at least normal strength and be able 
to stand for long periods.  Normal or corrected eyesight and hearing are a 
must. Shipping and Receiving Clerks sometimes work under pressure to move 
merchandise in or out according to tight time schedules.  This happens 
during certain times of the year, such as Christmas and when firms get rush 
orders. Shipping and Receiving Clerks must have patience and the ability to 
work independently and make good working relations with fellow workers.

Clerks may be members of the Teamster's union or a number of other unions.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market 
Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates 
that the number of Traffic, Shipping and Receiving Clerks in California will 
reach 118,510 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 14,780 over the number 
there was in 1993.

There will also be an estimated 20,510 job openings due to people retiring 
or leaving the occupation.  Added to the 14,780 new jobs expected, this 
makes for an estimated total of 35,290 job opportunities through 2005.

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)

Most manufacturing companies, wholesale houses, transportation companies, 
and retail outlets, such as department stores, use Shipping and Receiving 
Clerks.  Although employment is expected to grow more slowly than the 
average for all jobs from now until 2005, a lot will depend on the economy 
and the amount of goods being shipped.

Many firms now use computers to handle their shipping and receiving 
operations and use better mechanical equipment to move orders.  These 
changes may slow down job growth for Shipping and Receiving Clerks, but the 
demand for Clerks hasn't seemed to slow down as certain duties can't be 
automated.  There are generally more job applicants than job openings, and 
competition is tough; applicants with not much experience can have a hard 
time finding a job.


WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Shipping and Receiving Clerks new to the job make from minimum wage to 
$13.00 an hour, while clerks with six months to two years of experience earn 
an hourly wage of the minimum to $16.00.  After three years, the hourly wage 
is $5.50 to $19.50.

The normal workweek is 40 hours, but when products, merchandise or materials 
are needed in a hurry, clerks may have to work overtime on Saturdays, 
Sundays, holidays, and evenings.  Overtime is usually paid at time and a 
half.

Fringe benefits can include paid vacations and holidays, group life, health 
and dental insurance, sick leave and retirement.  Some employers offer 
clerks stock purchase and profit sharing plans.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Shipping and Receiving Clerks must write correctly and spell accurately, 
and they must have a good memory.  Employers prefer applicants with a high 
school education including courses in typing, business arithmetic and other 
business courses.  Some employers require clerical experience and the 
ability to use standard office machines.  A valid driver's license is 
required by some employers.  Employers may prefer workers who are familiar 
with certain types of business operations such as retail or manufacturing. 
They also may want workers with knowledge of different shipping methods 
such as U.S. postal and private parcel post service, air freight, railroad, 
and trucking.  New employees or those employees recruited from inside 
the company from positions such as packer, order filler, or stock clerk are 
usually trained on the job by experienced workers.  Some companies may 
require a physical examination.


ADVANCEMENT

Promotional opportunities for Shipping and Receiving Clerks are better in 
big companies and depend on proven skill and ability.  A typical promotion 
ladder is to shipping and receiving supervisor, warehouse manager and then 
to traffic rate clerk.  Chances for more advancement are better for workers 
who continue to improve their skills and pick up other skills.  These 
workers may be promoted to traffic manager, buyer, or purchasing agent.


FINDING THE JOB

Shipping and Receiving Clerks may find work by applying to employers, 
private employment agencies and the California Employment Development 
Department Job Service Program.  Newspaper classified ads are also an 
excellent source of job leads.

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Stock Clerks                                    No.   74
Buyers (Retail Trade)                           No.  118
Forklift Operators                              No.  190

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Shipping and Receiving Clerk (clerical)      222.387-050

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Traffic, Shipping and Receiving Clerks            580280


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916)  262-2162