Shipping, Receiving and Traffic Clerks Description OES Code: 58028 Verify and keep records on incoming and outgoing shipments. Prepare items for shipment. Duties include assembling, addressing, stamping, and shipping merchandise or material; receiving, unpacking, verifying, and recording incoming merchandise or material; and arranging for the transportation of products. Exclude Laborers, Stock Clerks, and workers whose primary duties involve weighing and checking. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $6.50 minimum – $11.03 New, experienced: $7.50 minimum – $13.46 3 yrs+ experience: $9.74 minimum – $16.30 Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits The normal workweek is 40 hours, but when products, merchandise or materials are needed in a hurry, clerks may have to work overtime on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and evenings. Overtime is usually paid at time and a half. Fringe benefits can include paid vacations and holidays, group life, health and dental insurance, sick leave and retirement. Some employers offer clerks stock purchase and profit sharing plans. Employment Trends Employment 1996 124,730 Projected Employment 2006 146,230 Growth Rate 1996-2006 17.2% Openings due to Separations 20,590 Employment Trends by California County Most manufacturing companies, wholesale houses, transportation companies, and retail outlets, such as department stores, use Shipping and Receiving Clerks. Although employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all jobs from now until 2005, a lot will depend on the economy and the amount of goods being shipped. Many firms now use computers to handle their shipping and receiving operations and use better mechanical equipment to move orders. These changes may slow down job growth for Shipping and Receiving Clerks, but the demand for Clerks hasn't seemed to slow down as certain duties can't be automated. There are generally more job applicants than job openings, and competition is tough; applicants with not much experience can have a hard time finding a job. Advancement Promotional opportunities for Shipping and Receiving Clerks are better in big companies and depend on proven skill and ability. A typical promotion ladder is to shipping and receiving supervisor, warehouse manager and then to traffic rate clerk. Chances for more advancement are better for workers who continue to improve their skills and pick up other skills. These workers may be promoted to traffic manager, buyer, or purchasing agent. Getting the Job & Other Information Shipping and Receiving Clerks may find work by applying to employers, private employment agencies and the California Employment Development Department Program. Newspaper classified ads are also an excellent source of job leads. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Shipping & Recieving Clerks #63 Related Occupation: Stock Clerks #74, Buyters - Retail Trade #118, Forklift Operators #190 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Shipping and Receiving Clerks must write correctly and spell accurately, and they must have a good memory. Employers prefer applicants with a high school education including courses in typing, business arithmetic and other business courses. Some employers require clerical experience and the ability to use standard office machines. A valid driver's license is required by some employers. Employers may prefer workers who are familiar with certain types of business operations such as retail or manufacturing. They also may want workers with knowledge of different shipping methods such as U.S. postal and private parcel post service, air freight, railroad, and trucking. New employees or those employees recruited from inside the company from positions such as packer, order filler, or stock clerk are usually trained on the job by experienced workers. Some companies may require a physical examination. Clerks may be members of the Teamster's union or a number of other unions. Skills & Other Requirements Shipping Clerks are responsible for all shipments going out. They make sure that the right merchandise is being sent and is in perfect condition. They prepare bills of lading and related paperwork for commercial and other shipments. They write and keep records and reports on warehouse activities. They wrap the goods, using tools such as staplers, strapping machines, and hammers. Shipping Clerks also address the containers, using stencils and labeling tools. They figure freight or postal rates and record costs and weights of each shipment. They may supervise the loading of merchandise to guarantee that it's sent safely. Shipping Clerks may also inspect trucks and vans to make sure they're clean when shipping such items as grain, flour and milk. When shipments arrive, Receiving Clerks unwrap the goods, using tools such as pry bars and wire cutters. They make sure that the right goods were received by checking the shipments against the original orders. They also make certain that merchandise is in perfect condition. Receiving Clerks notify departments responsible for filing adjustment claims if shipments are damaged or not right. When good must be inspected, Receiving Clerks send samples of merchandise to quality control units. Finally, Receiving Clerks route items coming in to the right plant, or warehouse, or department. Shipping and Receiving Clerks may operate hand trucks, forklifts, tow trucks, cranes, pickup trucks, mailing machines and loading conveyers. Working Conditions Shipping and Receiving Clerks can work indoors and outdoors. Working conditions depend on the type of employer. Clerks employed in new shipping centers or large department stores usually work in comfortable areas that are air-conditioned, well-heated and lighted. Those clerks who work in large warehouses can (depending on the weather) experience uncomfortable temperatures. These warehouses are often hot, drafty or cold. Clerks may be exposed to a lot of noise and other distractions. Workers' hands and clothing often get dirty from containers, glue, and stenciling ink. Shipping and receiving materials generally are not considered dangerous. Clerks who ship and receive heavy merchandise can be injured and must be careful in handling orders. Most employers expect clerks to have at least normal strength and be able to stand for long periods. Normal or corrected eyesight and hearing are a must. Shipping and Receiving Clerks sometimes work under pressure to move merchandise in or out according to tight time schedules. This happens during certain times of the year, such as Christmas and when firms get rush orders. Shipping and Receiving Clerks must have patience and the ability to work independently and make good working relations with fellow workers.