Shippers and Receivers

Nature of work

Shippers and receivers ship, receive and record the movement of parts, supplies, materials, equipment and stock to and from an organization. They work in the public sector and for retail and wholesale companies, manufacturing companies, and other commercial and industrial businesses.

Job duties

Shippers and receivers:

• Decide shipping method and arrange shipping; prepare bills of lading, customs forms, invoices and other shipping documents manually or by computer.
• Assemble containers and crates, record contents manually or by computer, pack goods to be shipped and attach identifying information and shipping instructions.
• Oversee loading and unloading of goods from trucks or other transports.
• Inspect and verify incoming goods against invoices or other documents, record shortages and reject damaged goods.
• Unpack, code, and route goods to correct storage areas.
• Maintain internal, manual or computerized record-keeping systems.
• May use forklift, hand truck or other equipment to load, unload, transport and store goods.

Sample job titles

• delivery clerk
• distribution clerk
• freight forwarding clerk
• receiving room clerk
• shipper
• shipper-receiver
• shipping agent
• shipping and receiving clerk
• supply chain assistant

Skills

• You must be organized and attentive to detail. Your work must be accurate. Good communication skills are important. You need to be able to work as part of a team. Computer skills and the ability to work with technology may be helpful.

Job requirements

• High school is usually required.
• A forklift certificate may be required.
• A driver's licence may be required.

Other considerations

• Experience in a related clerical role or as a warehouse worker may be required. Movement to supervisor positions is possible with additional training or experience.

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

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