Shipping and receiving clerk

A shipping and receiving clerk is responsible for managing the flow of goods in and out of a business.

Homebase Team

Min Read

What is a shipping and receiving clerk?

A shipping and receiving clerk is responsible for managing the flow of goods in and out of a business. This includes preparing outgoing shipments, receiving incoming deliveries, inspecting products for accuracy or damage, and keeping records of inventory.

For small businesses—especially those in retail, manufacturing, food service, or logistics—this role is essential. A good shipping and receiving clerk keeps operations running smoothly and ensures customers get the right products on time. If you’re managing a busy back room or warehouse, sign up for Homebase to make team scheduling, time tracking, and onboarding easier for roles like this.

What does a shipping and receiving clerk do?

The daily tasks of a shipping and receiving clerk can vary depending on the size and type of business, but generally include:

Preparing outgoing shipments – Packing orders, printing labels, and coordinating pickups
Receiving and unloading deliveries – Checking inventory against purchase orders or invoices
Inspecting items – Ensuring shipments are accurate and undamaged
Organizing inventory – Stocking shelves, labeling boxes, and maintaining warehouse cleanliness
Keeping detailed records – Logging shipments, tracking inventory, and updating systems

In some businesses, the role may also include using inventory management software or operating forklifts and other warehouse equipment.

Key skills and qualifications

You don’t always need a formal degree to succeed in this role, but there are some key qualifications and traits that make for a great shipping and receiving clerk:

Strong attention to detail
Basic computer skills and familiarity with shipping systems
Ability to lift heavy packages (often 30–50 lbs)
Good organizational and time-management skills
Clear communication and teamwork

Some roles may require certifications, especially if the clerk will operate heavy machinery.

Why this role matters for small businesses

While often behind the scenes, shipping and receiving clerks play a major role in customer satisfaction and inventory accuracy. A reliable clerk can:

Prevent shipping mistakes that cost time and money
Help keep shelves stocked and orders fulfilled
Reduce losses from damaged or missing inventory
Support compliance by maintaining accurate records

Hiring the right person for this role means fewer headaches and smoother operations overall.

How to hire a shipping and receiving clerk

When hiring for this position, be specific in your job description about:

Physical requirements (lifting, standing for long periods)
Software or tools used (e.g., scanners, POS systems)
Shift expectations (early mornings, weekends, or late nights)

You’ll also want to look for candidates with a track record of reliability and strong references. If the role involves direct communication with vendors or customers, strong interpersonal skills are a must.

How Homebase helps you manage shipping and receiving staff

Homebase makes it easier to recruit, schedule, and support employees in logistics or warehouse roles. Whether you're hiring your first clerk or managing a full operations team, you can:

Post jobs and track applicants from one place
Schedule shifts based on peak delivery times or outgoing order volume
Track hours, breaks, and overtime with mobile time clocks
Send announcements and updates to team members instantly

Explore Homebase’s Hiring & onboarding tools to simplify your back-of-house staffing, support smooth operations, and build a reliable warehouse or logistics team.

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