Description

The shipping clerk forms a part of the distribution team of a company and is the person who is the first person to interact with products that are delivered to a retail store. The shipping clerk assists in directing trucks to delivery bays in a store. Once the truck has been in its parking spot, an invoice should typically be signed by the clerk of shipping in order to confirm the receipt of the shipment. the invoice should also be reviewed to determine if the entire truck's contents need to be removed or just a small portion. If only a small portion of the contents need to be removed then the shipping clerk has to communicate this information to team members in order to ensure that only the correct items are removed. The shipping clerk will then work with team members to take the contents off the truck and then move all the inventory to the initial storage area.

After the inventory has been placed stored in the storage area initially An inventory is conducted to make sure that the correct items (in the correct quantity) were shipped. Any deviations are recorded and the manager will determines which items should be stored in a longer-term storage and which items are placed on shelves in the store. The team's shipping clerks start opening packages and unpacking items in preparation for placing them on shelves. A storage clerk records that the package was received by the software for shipping used by the company and also record any deviations from the original order or the shipping invoice. The clerks who handle shipping place the merchandise in storage for a long time and begin to fill the shelves of the store.

The positions of shipping clerks might require a high school degree or equivalent. Experience in shipping similar to that of shipping clerks may be a plus.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Shipping Clerk with 0-3 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Organizing and preparing shipping documents, including customs paperwork, invoices, and shipping labels. This involves ensuring all necessary documents are accurately completed and ready for shipping.
  • Coordinating with suppliers and carriers to schedule and confirm shipment pickups and deliveries. This includes communicating with relevant parties to ensure timely and smooth transportation of goods.
  • Managing inventory levels and conducting regular stock reconciliations. This involves monitoring inventory levels, identifying discrepancies, and updating records accordingly.
  • Assisting in resolving shipping-related issues, such as damaged goods, delivery delays, and customer inquiries.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Shipping Clerk job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Excellent attention to detail to ensure accurate and efficient processing of shipping documents, including invoices, bills of lading, and customs forms.
  • Proficient computer skills, including knowledge of shipping software and Microsoft Office Suite, to effectively manage tracking and reporting of shipments.
  • Strong organizational abilities to prioritize tasks, coordinate logistics, and maintain records of inventory, ensuring smooth and timely delivery of goods.
  • Effective communication skills to liaise with carriers, suppliers, and internal teams, resolving any shipping issues and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Essential Skills For Shipping Clerk

1

Customer Service

2

Fulfillment & Shipping

3

Shipping Allotment

Career Prospects

The role of a Shipping Clerk is vital for efficient logistics operations. For individuals with 0-3 years of experience in the UK, here are following alternative roles to consider:

  • Logistics Coordinator: A position that involves coordinating shipments, managing inventory, and ensuring timely delivery of goods.
  • Warehouse Supervisor: A role focused on overseeing warehouse operations, including inventory management, receiving and dispatching goods, and optimizing workflow.
  • Customs Compliance Analyst: A position that involves ensuring compliance with import/export regulations, preparing necessary documentation, and handling customs-related issues.
  • Supply Chain Assistant: A role that supports the overall supply chain process, including order processing, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring smooth flow of products.

How to Learn

The projected growth of the Shipping Clerk role in the United Kingdom job market is expected to be steady in the coming years. Over a 10-year analysis, employment opportunities for Shipping Clerks are anticipated to increase moderately, reflecting the ongoing demand for efficient shipping and logistics operations. With the rising prominence of e-commerce and global trade, the need for skilled Shipping Clerks is likely to persist. While specific employment figures are unavailable, various sources indicate that the evolving nature of the industry will continue to offer stable job prospects for this role in the future.