Michigan Occupational Information System
#061 - SHIPPING & RECEIVING CLERK  

Shipping and Receiving Clerks receive incoming shipments of merchandise, prepare merchandise for shipment, and keep records concerning these transactions.  

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION  

Shipping and Receiving Clerks may:

Determine the method of shipment, using knowledge of shipping procedures, routes, and rates  

Arrange for carrier pickup  

Compare the quantity and identification numbers of merchandise against orders  

Assemble wooden and cardboard containers or select preassembled containers  

Insert items into containers  

Attach identifying information and shipping instructions on containers  

Prepare records of merchandise shipped  

Post weight and ship charges  

Keep files of shipping records  

Trace missing or misplaced shipments  

Verify receipt of shipments against bills of lading, invoices or other records  

Record shortages and reject damaged merchandise  

Route merchandise to departments  

The machines, tools, equipment and work aids used may include:

Shipping and Receiving Clerks may also operate pickup trucks, vans, tow trucks, tier-lift trucks, and forklifts.  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Shipping and Receiving Clerks may specialize in these areas:

222.387-050 SHIPPING AND RECEIVING CLERKS receive incoming shipments of merchandise, prepare merchandise for shipment, and keep records concerning these transactions.  

222.387-050 RETURNED-GOODS RECEIVING CLERKS receive and examine damaged or defective goods returned to an establishment.  

222.387-050 ROUTE RETURNERS receive unsold products returned by sales route drivers.  

222.687-030 SHIPPING CHECKERS verify the quantity, quality, labeling, and addressing of products and items of merchandise ready for shipment at a manufacturing or commercial establishment.  

222.587-018 DISTRIBUTING CLERKS, sometimes known as packing-and-shipping clerks, assemble the specified number of forms, manuals, or circulars for each address on the distribution table or other instructions and forward them by mail or messenger.  

222.687-022 ROUTING CLERKS sort bundles, boxes, or groups of articles for delivery.  

222.367-066 TRUCKLOAD CHECKERS examine and record materials transported by truck to or from the site of an excavation.  

209.367-042 RECONSIGNMENT CLERKS reroute freight shipments to new destinations following a request from the shipper and prepare a new bill of lading to record the shipper's request.  

222.567-010 GRAIN ELEVATOR CLERKS record data pertaining to the receiving, storing, and shipping of grain at grain elevators.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

Shipping and Receiving Clerks are supervised by the Shipping and Receiving supervisor. Shipping and Receiving Clerks may direct others in the preparation of merchandise for shipment and receipt. Receiving Clerks may direct material handlers and others in the receiving department. Freight-receiving clerks may direct workers engaged in loading or unloading shipments.  

Shipping and Receiving Clerks usually work indoors in shipping and receiving rooms, warehouses or in semi-sheltered areas, such as roofed docks. Indoor work areas, which are frequently large and unpartitioned, may be drafty, cold, and littered with packing materials. Nevertheless, they are generally well lighted and ventilated.  

Hazards on the job include strains from lifting; cuts and bruises from handling heavy bulky, or sharp-edged products; and splinters from wooden crates. These are kept to a minimum, however, by using work gloves and following safety regulations.  

Clerks usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Night work and overtime on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, may be required when shipments have been excessively delayed or when materials are needed immediately on production lines. In certain companies, Shipping and Receiving Clerks are employed on all shifts.  

Clerks in shipping and/or receiving may become members of industrial unions which have plant-wide contracts with employers. Workers who join unions have to pay dues.  

You Should Prefer:

• Working with things and objects  

• Work that is routine and organized  

• Using machines, processes, or methods in your work  

• Activities involving occasional business contact with others  

You Should Be Able To:

• Rate information using measurable standards  

• Understand and follow written and oral instructions  

• Observe differences in written copy and recognize errors  

• Interpret postal and shipping rates and instructions  

• Use common sense in solving problems  

• Do basic arithmetic and write legibly  

• Work under pressure  

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy  

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

On January 1, 1993, the Barley company purchased a machine with a list price of $18,000, which was invoiced at $15,000 (terms 3/15, n/60, FOB destination). The invoice was paid within the discount period. The freight company charged the seller $500 to ship the machine, and the Barley Company incurred $350 in installation costs. The total cost of the machine is $_____________.  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

You need to be able to read and understand the abbreviations, numbers, and terms used on an invoice.  

"TM LS TEE WE, 033669G613, 620, Forest, 2XL/TL, 40166131--874"  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a record of what merchandise was shipped on July 1, 1995.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Must be able to think about what factors are important when shipping or receiving, because it is necessary to keep accurate records and files on merchandise for future use.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer and a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 2200 MATH , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

011 MARKETING EDUCATION

Approved vocational education programs in Marketing Education prepare students for occupations in moving industrial and consumer goods and providing services to users of those goods. These programs deal with marketing, sales, distribution, merchandising, and management. In addition, these programs provide instruction in buying, pricing, promoting, financing, storage, and market research. The following courses may be required for completion of this program:  

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript    

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript  

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

SHIPPING AND RECEIVING SPECIALISTS

The services ship many tons of supplies and equipment each day. Everything from tanks and missiles to magazines and soft drinks is shipped to bases around the world. Shipping and receiving specialists prepare goods for shipment by land, sea, and air. They also handle goods at the receiving end.  

What They Do

Shipping and receiving specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:  

• Prepare shipping papers for goods to be shipped  

• Choose the kind of transport and route  

• Calculate shipping costs based on the shipping rates of commercial carriers  

• Pack, crate, weigh, and mark goods for shipment  

• Load and unload crates, using forklifts, hand trucks, and conveyers  

• Inspect goods received for damage  

• Check shipping papers and goods received to make sure the correct type and amount of goods were shipped  

Physical Demands

Shipping and receiving specialists may need to lift and carry heavy crates. Normal color vision, good eyesight, and normal hearing may be required for some specialties.  

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include math and typing. Helpful attributes include:  

• Interest in operating forklifts and conveyers  

• Preference for a combination of physical and office work  

• Ability to keep detailed records and operate office equipment  

Work Environment

Shipping and receiving specialists in the military work mainly indoors, in supply centers, or in storerooms aboard ships. They may work outdoors when loading or inspecting shipments.  

Training Provided

Job training consists of 3 to 8 weeks of classroom instruction. Course content typically includes:  

• Procedures for receiving, packing, and shipping goods  

• Procedures for handling and storing food, medicine, ammunition, and other supplies needing special handling  

• Record keeping methods  

• Operation of forklifts and conveyors  

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian shipping and receiving specialists work in business or government warehouses and stockrooms. They perform duties similar to military shipping and receiving specialists. They may also be called shipping and receiving clerks or cargo agents.  

Opportunities

The services have about 23,300 shipping and receiving specialists. On average, they need about 2,600 new specialists each year. After job training, specialists prepare shipments under close supervision. With experience, they work more independently and may supervise other specialists. In time, they may become supply or warehouse superintendents.    

E-Learning Courses and Programs    

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Employers may require prior experience in the occupation when long distance and international shipping are involved. Experience may also be needed when specific types of merchandise such as electronic parts, garments, or glassware are being handled. Some firms accept individuals who have experience as warehouse stock clerks. Other companies with large shipping departments may hire inexperienced employees to be trained for positions. Many employers require applicants to take a physical examination.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Shipping & Receiving Clerk employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Shipping & Receiving Clerk employer  

community service work with an agency  

Part-time work may be available in this occupation during rush seasons. Secondary vocational education programs in marketing education may offer co-op opportunities. Military service may also provide practical experience.  

Those interested in becoming Shipping and Receiving Clerks may register with a local Michigan Works! office, apply directly to employers, contact school placement offices, or consult newspaper want ads for job offerings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:        

Michigan Talent Bank

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Classifieds Employment  

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Shipping and Receiving Clerks depend on the industry, employer, job duties, location, and union affiliation.  

Nationally, Shipping and Receiving Clerks had median earnings of $438 per week or about $10.95 per hour in 2000. The median hourly earnings of 'all" workers in the U.S. were $14.40 in 2000. In early 2001, Shipping and Receiving Clerks averaged $12.11 per hour, with most earning between $10.82 and $14.38. Those in the Great Lakes region and on the West Coast generally had the highest average earnings. Some earned substantially more, particularly those working for large, unionized manufacturers.  

In Michigan, most Shipping and Receiving Clerks earned an average hourly income between $10.86 and $16.44 in early 2001, depending on their level of responsibility.  

In Michigan areas, earnings of Shipping and Receiving Clerks were (2000):  

Most Shipping and Receiving Clerks employed by auto manufacturers earned between $15.99 and $23.46 per hour (2001). Additionally, these workers receive a cost-of-living allowance.  

Many employers offer paid vacations and holidays; life, health, and accident insurance, pension plans, and sick leave. Other benefits may include profit sharing, annual bonuses, employee discounts, or full pay for jury or military reserve duty. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.  

Beginning Shipping and Receiving Clerks are generally trained on the job by an experienced worker. They usually start by performing such tasks as filing, checking addresses, attaching labels, and checking items included in shipments. As Clerks gain experience, they are assigned more responsible tasks, such as handling problems of damaged merchandise. They may advance to become supervisors or warehouse managers. Advancement depends on training, ability, and work experience. Individuals who obtain additional formal instruction may be promoted to sales, purchasing, or industrial traffic management positions.  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, about 997,700 Shipping and Receiving Clerks were employed in 1998. Employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2008, although business expansion will result in increased distribution of goods. Increased use of computers to store and retrieve shipment records is a factor which will limit growth. The industry distribution for Shipping and Receiving Clerks looked like this:  

There are about 33,500 Shipping and Receiving Clerks employed in Michigan. Most of them worked in urban areas. Shipping and Receiving Clerks were primarily employed by manufacturing companies, wholesale houses, retail stores, and transportation firms.  

Little or no change in the employment of Shipping and Receiving Clerks in Michigan is expected through the year 2008. An average of 610 annual openings is expected, with 60 due to growth and 550 due to replacement of Clerks who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.  

Business, including E-commerce via the Internet, is expected to expand to meet the needs of a growing population. The number of positions for Shipping and Receiving Clerks, however, will not grow as quickly as the volume of goods distributed because of technological changes. More firms are expected to use better stock-coding systems, computers, and other labor-saving equipment, such as moving belts, so that fewer Clerks will be able to handle more goods. Economic conditions may also affect the demand for Shipping and Receiving Clerks.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below:  

SUMMARY PROFILE  

The occupation of Shipping and Receiving Clerk can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development