Shipping and Receiving Clerk onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: Forklift operator training, MSSC Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: warehouse management systems (WMS); barcode scanners and label printers; pallet jacks and forklifts; scales
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Shipping and Receiving Clerk training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Use proper lifting and team lifts
Stay clear of forklift traffic
Chock trailers before loading or unloading
Keep docks and aisles clear
Shadow an experienced shipping and receiving clerk through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: receive a shipment
Supervised practice: prepare an LTL shipment
Supervised practice: perform a cycle count
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Check incoming shipments against paperwork: independently
Record receipts in inventory systems: independently
Report damages, shortages and overages: independently
Prepare and label outgoing shipments: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, Forklift operator training)
Discuss the career path: Shipping or Receiving Clerk → Inventory Specialist → Warehouse Lead
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Receive a Shipment
Prepare an LTL Shipment
Perform a Cycle Count
Inventory software
Receiving procedures
Shipping documentation
Cycle counting

How to measure onboarding success

Units per hour or stops per day versus target
Pick, scan or delivery accuracy
Incidents and equipment damage
30- and 90-day retention

How Shipping and Receiving Clerk training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Shipping and Receiving Clerk Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Shipping and Receiving Clerk Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Shipping and Receiving Clerk Career
Final Knowledge Check

Get team pricing

Shipping and Receiving Clerk Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)