Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Shipping and Receiving Clerk
What shipping and receiving clerks actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review the receiving schedule and open purchase orders. From there, the day usually includes check incoming shipments against paperwork, record receipts in inventory systems, and report damages, shortages and overages. Most work full-time days; large facilities may have evening or weekend shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a shipping and receiving clerk working full time.
- Review the receiving schedule and open purchase orders.
- Unload and check a delivery against the packing list.
- Note two damaged cartons on the delivery receipt and photograph them.
- Receive items into the warehouse management system.
- Prepare outbound pallets, print labels and bills of lading.
- Schedule LTL pickups with carriers.
- Complete a cycle count and investigate a variance.
Where shipping and receiving clerks work
Clerks work in warehouses, distribution centers, plants and stores, at docks and desks. The work involves standing, lifting and sometimes operating forklifts.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time days; large facilities may have evening or weekend shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Check incoming shipments against paperwork
- Record receipts in inventory systems
- Report damages, shortages and overages
- Prepare and label outgoing shipments
- Create bills of lading and shipping documents
- Schedule carrier pickups
- Perform cycle counts and resolve discrepancies
Tools you’ll use every day
- Warehouse management systems (WMS)
- Barcode scanners and label printers
- Pallet jacks and forklifts
- Scales
- Spreadsheets
- Carrier portals
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Easy entry
- Mix of computer and physical work
- Steady demand
- Path into logistics roles
What’s hard
- Repetitive tasks
- Pressure around shipping deadlines
- Lifting and standing
- Automation reducing some roles
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m accurate with numbers and details
- I like organizing things
- I don’t mind physical work
- I’m comfortable with computers
- I want to start quickly
- I’d like to grow into logistics
Not sure? Take the free Shipping and Receiving Clerk fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use proper lifting and team lifts
- Stay clear of forklift traffic
- Chock trailers before loading or unloading
- Keep docks and aisles clear