BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks

O*NET · 43-5071.00

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks

Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products. May prepare items for shipment.

Also called Backroom Associate · Booking Clerk · Break Out Man · Break Out Worker · Car Checker · Cloth Booker · Container Coordinator · Disposition Clerk
75 more

Distributing Clerk · Distribution Associate · Distribution Center Associate · Distribution Clerk · Distribution Team Member · Express Clerk · Fish Receiver · Forwarder · Freight Breaker · Freight Clerk · Freight Handler · Freight Separator · Fruit Express Agent · Fruit Receiver · Fuel Oil Clerk · Fulfillment Associate · Fulfillment Mail Clerk · Garment Sorter · Grain Elevator Clerk · Gun Repair Clerk · Incoming Freight Clerk · Industrial Order Clerk · Inventory Associate · Inventory Clerk · Inventory Control Clerk · Inventory Control Coordinator · Inventory Control Specialist · Inventory Coordinator · Inventory Specialist · Inventory Taker · Materials Control Associate · Materials Processor · Merchandiser · Milk Receiver · Order Clerk · Order Filler · Order Fulfillment Specialist · Order Writer · Package Sorter · Paper Control Clerk · Piggyback Clerk · Postal Stationery Envelope Sales and Services Associate (PSE Sales and Services Associate) · PSE Sales and Services Associate · Receiver · Receiving Associate · Receiving Clerk · Receiving Coordinator · Reconsignment Clerk · Retail Receiving Associate · Return to Factory Clerk · Route Delivery Clerk · Routing Clerk · Sheet Writer · Ship Runner · Shipper · Shipping and Receiving Clerk · Shipping and Receiving Warehouse Associate · Shipping Checker · Shipping Clerk · Shipping Coordinator · Shipping Order Clerk · Shipping Packer · Stock Receiver · Store Receiver · Store Receiving Clerk · Switching Clerk · Tool Crib Attendant · Traffic Assistant · Traffic Coordinator · Traffic Recorder · Traffic Worker · Truckload Checker · Vault Person · Vault Worker · Warehouse Receiver

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code CRE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Postal Service Clerks

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CREConventional · Realistic · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional7.00
  • R Realistic3.98
  • E Enterprising3.11
  • S Social1.37
  • I Investigative1.24
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent75%
  • Some College Courses2%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree12%
  • Bachelor's Degree11%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (39%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (24%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (45%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Speakingbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Listeningbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Monitoringbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Time Management3.02.4Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Complex Problem Solving2.92.3Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Persuasion2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Writingbasic2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
Show the other 23
  • Service Orientation2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Instructing2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Active Learningbasic2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Negotiation2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Mathematicsbasic2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Operations Monitoring2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems Analysis2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Quality Control Analysis2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Systems Evaluation2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Operation and Control2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Troubleshooting2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design1.90.9
  • Programming1.60.6
  • Operations Analysis1.40.6
  • Equipment Selection1.3—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—
  • Sciencebasic1.0—

Tasks

10 core · 1 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Examine shipment contents and compare with records, such as manifests, invoices, or orders, to verify accuracy.4.2
  2. Prepare documents, such as work orders, bills of lading, or shipping orders, to route materials.4.1
  3. Requisition and store shipping materials and supplies to maintain inventory of stock.4.1
  4. Record shipment data, such as weight, charges, space availability, damages, or discrepancies, for reporting, accounting, or recordkeeping purposes.4.0
  5. Confer or correspond with establishment representatives to rectify problems, such as damages, shortages, or nonconformance to specifications.4.0
  6. Pack, seal, label, or affix postage to prepare materials for shipping, using hand tools, power tools, or postage meter.4.0
  7. Deliver or route materials to departments using handtruck, conveyor, or sorting bins.3.9
  8. Contact carrier representatives to make arrangements or to issue instructions for shipping and delivery of materials.3.8
  9. Determine shipping methods, routes, or rates for materials to be shipped.3.8
  10. Compute amounts, such as space available, shipping, storage, or demurrage charges, using computer or price list.3.7
Show the other 1
  1. Compare shipping routes or methods to determine which have the least environmental impact.3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Administrative3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Computers and Electronics3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Production and Processing3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Administration and Management3.02.8
  • English Language3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Mathematics3.02.7
  • Customer and Personal Service2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Education and Training2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
Show all 33
  • Transportation2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Public Safety and Security2.72.7
  • Economics and Accounting2.52.7
  • Mechanical2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Telecommunications2.41.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Communications and Media2.12.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Engineering and Technology2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Sales and Marketing2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Psychology1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Geography1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Building and Construction1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Law and Government1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Design1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Food Production1.60.7Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Therapy and Counseling1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Chemistry1.5—
  • Foreign Language1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Physics1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Biology1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.83.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Information Ordering3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Expression3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.12.5Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Manual Dexterity3.02.9
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention3.02.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Clarity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Written Expression3.02.6
  • Far Vision2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Finger Dexterity2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Trunk Strength2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Extent Flexibility2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Multilimb Coordination2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Static Strength2.82.9
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Control Precision2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Flexibility of Closure2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Number Facility2.42.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Visualization2.42.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory Attention2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Stamina2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Memorization2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Originality2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Rate Control2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Speed of Closure2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Night Vision2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Reaction Time2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response Orientation2.01.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Sound Localization2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Dynamic Strength1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Explosive Strength1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.32.7
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.24.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.93.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.95.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.42.8
  • Training and Teaching Others3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.34.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.32.6
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.33.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Processing Information3.32.7
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Working with Computers3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.22.6
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.22.6
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.12.9
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.92.8
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.92.6
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings2.82.8
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.82.9
  • Thinking Creatively2.82.8
  • Developing and Building Teams2.72.7
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.62.6
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.22.9
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • E-Mail4.8
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Time Pressure4.6
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Telephone Conversations4.5
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.3

Technology

52 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (10)

  • Apple Safarihot
  • Microsoft Edgehot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Mozilla Firefoxhot
  • SAP softwarehot
  • Inventory management systems
  • Warehouse management system WMS
  • Web browser software

Hot (2; 7 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (40)
  • Accuship Star System
  • ADi SmartBOL
  • AES MailSTAR
  • Aestiva Purchase Order
  • Barcode labeling software
  • Bill of lading software
  • Citrix cloud computing software
  • CMS Consultants WorldLink
  • DM2 Bills of Lading
  • Dydacomp Mail Order Manager
  • Electronic Data Interchange EDI systems
  • Endicia Internet Postage
  • Enterprise Systems RFID Data Management
  • Exact MAX
  • FedEx Ship Manager
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Freight+
  • Harvey Software CPS
  • IBM Notes
  • Infor ERP Visual
  • Inventory tracking software
  • Kewill Clippership
  • Kewill Compliance Partner
  • Kewill Javelin Distribution Ship
  • Laser Substrates PostalXport
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • MSR Visual Exporter
  • MSR Visual Exporter Document Library
  • MSR Visual Exporter Enterprise Integrator
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Pitney Bowes ShipStream Manager
  • Precision TRA/X
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • Shipping and freight management software
  • ShipWorks
  • Universal parcel shipping software
  • UPS Intelliverse
  • UPS WorldShip
  • Varsity ShipSoft Supply Chain Execution Suite
  • WindowBook Postal Package Partner

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Postal Service Clerks
  2. Stockers and Order Fillers
  3. Cargo and Freight Agents
  4. Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping
  5. Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
  6. Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
  7. Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service
  8. Freight Forwarders
  9. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
  10. Order Clerks

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.