Shipping Clerk Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Shipping Clerk, or Despatch Clerk, implements outgoing shipments of a company’s products and goods. Their primary duties include scheduling and logistics of outgoing shipments, tracking inventory and maintaining all records and data of the activities.

 

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Shipping Clerk duties and responsibilities

A shipping clerk monitors outgoing shipments to make sure that the operations in a warehouse run efficiently. Other duties of a Shipping Clerk may include:

  • Scheduling shipments and logistics, verifying the contents of outgoing shipments 
  • Determining methods and costs of shipping and affixing shipping labels with identifying information, charges and payment information 
  • Packing containers with fillers, spacers and protective padding and securing cartons and containers with nails, straps or metal tape
  • Examining and verifying that outgoing shipments meet specifications and adhere to environmental systems and management procedures
  • Documenting and sending returned shipments of damaged, defective or unsold products to Returned-Goods Receiving Clerk
  • Preparing and printing shipping labels corresponding to shipping needs
  • Taking and managing inventory and keeping the area secured
  • Organising and maintaining the stockroom through cataloguing and cleaning on a scheduled basis 
  • Maintaining all computerised shipping and distribution records and compiling reports for senior management

 

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Shipping Clerk Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

Due to expansion of our activities an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Junior Shipping Clerk to be based at our Southampton Offices within the prestigious Ocean Village Marina Complex. Some knowledge of Sea Freight Import / Export is essential. On the job training/instruction will be given on our in-house systems and all our processes. We are looking for candidates who have a ‘can do attitude’ and who are always willing to work hard. This is a great role within a small and friendly team to learn and progress within the RORO sector. *Job purpose* To provide efficient, prompt and a highly professional service to our car carrier customers. To assist current team in the timely and accurate processing of our Import / Export Cargo. *General overview of responsibilities – To assist Import/Export Depts.* * Provide service details upon request to customers, including, but not limited to - vessel schedules, delivery terminal, cut-off dates, opening/closing times * Process booking requests in K Line Global System * Process Export Shipping Instruction * Keeping track of allocated space for UK bookings * Update in house XL record sheets logging relevant booking information * Review daily on quay list to check cargo booked dimensions against measured on quay. Add cargo received data into in-house systems to generate EDI messaging to our clients. * Collate and submit UCR’s using CNS/Destin 8 systems. * Creation of Import Files * Checking Import Freights, THC and associated costs against Tariffs * Advising accounts teams regarding incoming payments to ensure correct allocation. * Up-loading Import Manifests to CNS / Destin 8 Systems * Checking with new Import Customers regarding acceptance of freight costs * Arrangement of adhoc terminal services (forklifts / craneage etc…) * Any other tasks as directed by Office Manager *Required skills & experience * * Some knowledge of Sea Freight Import / Export is essential. * Good communication skills with both internal and external clients. * Good standard of English and Maths is required. Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Salary: per year Benefits: * Bike to work scheme * Company pension * Private medical insurance Schedule: * Monday to Friday Work remotely: * Temporarily due to COVID-19
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What does a Shipping Clerk do?

Shipping Clerks are responsible for supervising merchandise that leaves the company’s warehouse and generating purchase orders, invoicing and other shipping documents. They fulfil the orders and verify the accuracy and condition of the merchandise before shipping. They also print shipping labels and confirm that the correct postage or packing slip is attached. Shipping Clerks also schedule freight pickups and issuing instructions for loading the products. They monitor packages from the warehouse to the point of delivery, troubleshoot freight company issues and handle customer requests and complaints. 

 

Shipping Clerk skills and qualifications

 Shipping Clerks are detail-oriented with excellent multi-tasking and interpersonal skills. A successful Shipping Clerk candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that include:

  •  Ability to operate a forklift, aerial lift or hand truck to move and convey materials and hoist packages
  • Excellent time management, administrative and organisation skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills for troubleshooting shipping issues and customer complaints
  • Ability to maintain relationships with freight companies, co-workers, management and vendors
  • Knowledge of shipping procedures, routes and rates
  • Ability to assemble cardboard or wooden containers and crates 
  • Strong computer skills and maths skills 
  • Interpersonal skills

 

Shipping Clerk experience requirements

Companies usually require candidates to have between six months to five years of experience in shipping, organising stockrooms and tracking inventory. Some employers train new hires with a general knowledge of invoices and packing slips. Some employers also prefer candidates with experience of spreadsheets and database software. Experience in warehouse supervision, retail, manufacturing or a relevant field is a plus. 

 

Shipping Clerk education and training requirements

Companies usually require candidates to have a GCSE. Companies may also accept five GCSEs at grade A-C, including maths and English, or three A-levels at grade A-C. Other requirements include certification in operating forklifts and other heavy equipment used on-site in the warehouse. Some employers require candidates to complete training in radio frequency, scanners, electronic boards, handheld digital devices, warehouse management software, electronic logging devices. Other employers require candidates to have a valid CPR and first aid certificate and a full UK driver’s licence with a clean driving record. 

 

Shipping Clerk salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Shipping Clerk is £21,802 per year. This figure varies depending on several factors, including the company, experience and geographical location. 

 

Job description samples for similar positions

Other job description samples are available if this is not quite what you’re looking for:

 

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Shipping Clerk job description FAQs

 

What is the difference between a Shipping Clerk and a Warehouse Worker?

Both jobs perform warehouse functions and require long periods of standing and using heavy equipment. However, a Shipping Clerk focuses on outgoing shipments, while a Warehouse Worker performs functions related to the processing and receiving of incoming goods or materials.

 

How can you make your Shipping Clerk job description stand out?

Begin with an attention-grabbing job description, use brief sentences and five-line paragraphs. Write in the first and second person, use bullets and only list the top requirements needed. Tell the candidate about any new technology or software being used and how the role fits within the company.

 

What makes a good Shipping Clerk job description?

A good Shipping Clerk job description is much more than a list of duties and responsibilities. It should provide a sense of the priorities involved and gives a clear picture of the role. The job description can also be referred to when gauging performance and an important reference in case disciplinary issues or disputes arise. 

 

Who does a Shipping Clerk report to?

Shipping Clerks typically reports to a Warehouse Supervisor or management to notify them of any issues with receiving or shipping. They work closely with the management by creating reports and actively tracking inventory while keeping accurate records.

Job Description Examples

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