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Career Profile

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks

What they do:

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:

Materials Control Associate, Order Fulfillment Specialist, Receiver, Receiving Associate, Receiving Clerk, Receiving Coordinator, Shipper, Shipping Clerk, Shipping Coordinator, Traffic Assistant, Materials Control Associate, Order Fulfillment Specialist, Receiver, Receiving Associate, Receiving Clerk, Receiving Coordinator, Shipper, Shipping Clerk, Shipping Coordinator, Traffic Assistant

RI Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$35,710
Starting Salary (2025)
$45,520
Median Salary (2025)
-7.7%
Projected Job Growth
2,420
RI Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Examine shipment contents and compare with records, such as manifests, invoices, or orders, to verify accuracy.
Confer or correspond with establishment representatives to rectify problems, such as damages, shortages, or nonconformance to specifications.
Record shipment data, such as weight, charges, space availability, damages, or discrepancies, for reporting, accounting, or recordkeeping purposes.
Requisition and store shipping materials and supplies to maintain inventory of stock.
Prepare documents, such as work orders, bills of lading, or shipping orders, to route materials.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Cooperation
Integrity
Independence
Concern for Others

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Time Management
Monitoring
Critical Thinking

Expected Knowledge

Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 75%
  • Associate's degree 12%
  • Bachelor's degree 11%
  • Some college 2%
  • Post-secondary certificate 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Postal Service Clerks
Cargo and Freight Agents
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

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More Info

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.