What Does a Shipping and Receiving Clerk Do?

A shipping and receiving clerk keeps goods moving accurately into and out of a business. The clerk checks incoming deliveries against orders and records accepted items so inventory information reflects what arrived. For outgoing orders, the clerk verifies the shipment and destination, prepares packages and shipping documents, and records dispatch details. When goods are missing, damaged, or do not match the paperwork, the clerk documents the problem and routes it for follow-up. This work helps the organization maintain dependable stock records and fulfill orders correctly.

What Is a Shipping and Receiving Clerk?

A shipping and receiving clerk handles the records and practical steps involved in receiving goods and sending orders. The position combines document checks with examination of the physical shipment. Depending on the employer, one clerk may handle both inbound and outbound work, or the duties may be divided among workers.

On receipt, the clerk checks the delivery against a purchase order, packing slip, or other facility record. The clerk counts or verifies the items and notes visible damage or discrepancies. Accepted goods are entered into an inventory or warehouse system, while exceptions are recorded and referred to the appropriate team. For outgoing shipments, the clerk confirms order contents and destination, prepares the package and paperwork, and records dispatch information.

What Are the Main Responsibilities of a Shipping and Receiving Clerk?

Receiving work begins with checking what arrived against what the business expected. The clerk uses shipment documents and the relevant purchase or transfer record to verify item details and quantities. If the delivery is incomplete or visibly damaged, the clerk records the issue and follows the facility’s process for notifying purchasing, warehouse staff, or another responsible team. Keeping questionable goods from being recorded as usable stock helps preserve inventory accuracy.

After verification, the clerk records accepted items in the employer’s inventory system. This may involve entering information or scanning barcodes, depending on the workplace. The resulting record helps other staff identify what is available and where it was routed. The clerk’s responsibility is to document the receipt accurately, even when another worker moves the goods to storage or a department.

For outgoing orders, the clerk compares the prepared goods with the order and checks the shipping destination. The clerk packages and labels the shipment, prepares the required documents, and records dispatch details such as the shipment date and tracking number when available. O*NET includes comparing shipment contents with orders, preparing shipping documents, recording shipment data, and communicating to resolve discrepancies among the tasks associated with this occupation (O*NET occupational profile).

What Does a Shipping and Receiving Clerk Do on a Daily Basis?

A typical shift may start with reviewing expected deliveries and outgoing orders so the clerk can prioritize time-sensitive work. When a delivery arrives, the clerk checks its documents, examines and counts the goods according to workplace procedures, and records the accepted items. If something does not match, the clerk documents the difference and contacts the appropriate colleague before treating the goods as available stock.

As the shift continues, the clerk may update inventory records and coordinate the movement or handoff of received goods. The clerk then turns to orders ready for dispatch, verifies their contents and destinations, prepares packages and labels, and completes shipment records. If a carrier or internal team needs clarification, the clerk uses the recorded details to support the handoff. The mix and pace of these tasks depend on shipment volume and how the facility divides its work.

What Skills Does a Shipping and Receiving Clerk Need?

Attention to detail matters when a clerk compares item descriptions and quantities across a physical delivery and its paperwork. For example, noticing a short count before entering the receipt can prevent inventory records from overstating available stock. Organization helps the clerk keep documents and transaction records connected to the correct shipment.

Basic computer skills support accurate use of inventory systems and shipping software. A clerk may scan a barcode or enter shipment details, then check that the recorded transaction corresponds to the goods handled. Clear communication is useful when reporting damage or asking a colleague to resolve a mismatch. Practical judgment helps the clerk pause and escalate an unclear discrepancy rather than guess at the correct record.

Material recording clerks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics overview. Specific preparation varies by employer and assignment.

How Much Does a Shipping and Receiving Clerk Earn?

The latest available BLS occupational data reports a median annual wage of $45,260 in May 2025 for shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks. This figure covers the broader occupational category, not only jobs using the exact title “shipping and receiving clerk.” Pay for a particular position can differ by location, employer, and job responsibilities.

What Is the Career Progression for a Shipping and Receiving Clerk?

With experience, a clerk may become more familiar with the employer’s inventory procedures and take on additional responsibility for stock records or shipment coordination. Some workplaces offer opportunities to move into a lead or supervisory position. Other possible paths depend on the organization’s structure and the worker’s experience; advancement is not automatic.

The BLS classifies this work within material recording clerks, an occupational group that includes shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks. Its outlook and wage figures describe broad occupational categories, so they do not predict the progression available at a specific employer (BLS occupational overview).

How Contingent Workforce Management Helps Businesses Hire Shipping and Receiving Clerks

Contingent workforce management services help businesses coordinate temporary or other non-permanent workers and handle related workforce administration. They can be useful when a distribution center experiences a short-term surge in inbound deliveries or outbound orders and needs extra clerks to verify shipments and keep inventory records current. For a suitable assignment, hiring a worker directly and using third-party payrolling can be a lower-cost alternative to a staffing agency.

TCWGlobal helps companies manage contingent shipping and receiving clerks through payrolling and workforce support. This arrangement can give a business administrative help with worker pay and assignment management while the company directs the clerk’s day-to-day receiving or shipping tasks. By using payrolling instead of a staffing agency for a direct hire, a company may reduce staffing-related costs and administrative work while keeping shipment records and handoffs moving during a busy period.