Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Office and Administrative Support
Incoming merchandise is checked against manifests, invoices, or orders; outgoing goods are packed, sealed, labeled, and sometimes metered for postage with hand or power tools. Weight, charges, available space, damage, and mismatches are recorded for accounting. Bills of lading and shipping orders are prepared, shipping supplies are kept in stock, and carriers are contacted about pickup and delivery. Shortages or damaged goods are worked out with the people who sent or ordered the shipment, and materials are moved to departments by handtruck, conveyor, or sorting bins. This kind of work fits people who like accurate records and the physical handling of goods.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$45'260
Median Wage Market Position
$45'260
What you might do
- Check incoming goods against invoices and orders
- Pack, seal, and label items for shipment
- Write bills of lading and shipping orders
- Record weights, charges, damages, and shortages
- Route materials to departments by cart or conveyor
- Arrange pickup and delivery with the carrier
Skills that matter
- Comparing shipment contents with invoices
- Recording weights, charges, and discrepancies
- Packing, sealing, and labeling outgoing goods
- Arranging pickup and delivery with carriers
- Verifying goods against manifests and orders
- Resolving damages and shortages with staff
AI & the future of this role
Digital tracking of shipments and inventory is a clear target for automation and smarter warehouse systems. Physical receiving checks and problem-solving when goods go wrong still count, but routine recordkeeping may need fewer people.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details