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 9+ years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities are:

  • Coordinate shipping activities, including booking carriers, preparing shipment documentation, and ensuring compliance with shipping regulations. You will handle all aspects of shipping operations, ensuring smooth and efficient transportation of goods.
  • Monitor inventory levels and initiate replenishment orders to avoid stockouts and delays. You will maintain accurate inventory records and proactively manage stock levels to meet customer demand.
  • Communicate with internal teams and external stakeholders to resolve shipping issues and provide updates on delivery status. You will liaise with various departments and stakeholders to address any shipment-related concerns and ensure timely deliveries.
  • Conduct quality checks and inspections to ensure products are properly packaged and comply with shipping requirements.

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 Shipping Clerk role in the United Kingdom provides valuable experience in logistics and operations. For professionals with 9+ years of experience, there are alternative roles worth exploring. Here are following options to consider:

  • Warehouse Manager: A position that involves overseeing all aspects of warehouse operations, including inventory management, staffing, and order fulfillment.
  • Customs Compliance Specialist: A role focused on ensuring compliance with import and export regulations, managing customs documentation, and overseeing international shipments.
  • Supply Chain Analyst: A position that involves analyzing data, optimizing supply chain processes, and identifying areas for cost-saving and efficiency improvement.
  • Logistics Coordinator: A role that includes coordinating transportation, managing scheduling and routing, and overseeing freight forwarding activities.

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.