How to hire a distribution agent

How to hire a distribution agent, step by step

Here's a step-by-step distribution agent hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a distribution agent job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new distribution agent
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The distribution agent hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A distribution agent's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, distribution agents from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of distribution agent salaries for various roles:

   Type of Distribution Agent	Description	Hourly rate
   Distribution Agent		$13-32
   Warehouse Manager	Warehouse managers oversee the overall operations of a company's warehouse. They manage the inventory by ensuring that the inventory records are updated and accurate... Show more	$17-49
   Storage Manager	A storage manager oversees storage operations and distributes merchandise. They tend to be employed in warehouses or transportation industries... Show more	$5-33

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • Inventory Control
   • Customer Orders
   • Hand Trucks
   • Inventory Management
   • Customer Complaints
   • Operational Reports
   • DOT
   • Distribution Channels
   • Government Agencies

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage twenty-five team members during process of unloading trailers to include accurately processing and locating merchandise throughout warehouse with RF devices.
   • Inspect parts and verify that certifications are in compliance to FAA standards.
   • Analyze logistics proposals from third party providers for cost/service benefits, determine risk to business and make recommendations to senior management.
   • Develop a PowerPoint training presentation and personally conduct daily group training sessions for all temporary route drivers.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your distribution agent job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A distribution agent can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, distribution agents' average salary in north dakota is 76% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level distribution agents 59% less than senior-level distribution agents.
   • Certifications. A distribution agent with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a distribution agent's salary.

   Average distribution agent salary

   $44,155yearly

   $21.23 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level distribution agent salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a distribution agent job description

   A distribution agent job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a distribution agent job description:

   Distribution agent job description example

   At Owens & Minor, we are a critical part of the healthcare process. As a Fortune 500 company with 50+ facilities across the US and 18,000 teammates in over 90 countries, we provide integrated technologies, products and services across the full continuum of care. Customers-and their patients-are at the heart of what we do.
   
   Our mission is to empower our customers to advance healthcare, and our success starts with our teammates.
   Owens & Minor teammate benefits include:
   
   * Medical, dental, and vision insurance, available on first working day
   * 401(k), eligibility after 30 days of employment
   * Employee stock purchase plan
   * Tuition reimbursement
   * Development opportunities to grow your career with a global company
   
   RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   Receiving
   
   * Unloads pallets and cases from inbound trailers and/or containers manually using the pallet jack.
   * Accurately counts, verifies, and receives product using radio frequency (RF) equipment and/or Voice Pick Technology; documents variances.
   
   LUM Picking
   
   * Selects products and quantities as directed by Voice Pick Technology and/or RF scanner and places items into totes on conveyor belt.
   * Removes empty cartons from pick module as needed.
   
   Sortation
   
   * Prepares sortation area by setting up pallets and carts for product.
   * Moves cartons and totes from conveyor belts and/or rollers and places on pallets and/or carts according to assigned batch.
   
   Loading
   
   * Uses RF scanner to ensure that totes, pallets, and carts are loaded correctly onto trucks for customer delivery.
   * Uses pallet jack to load pallets.
   
   General requirements for all functions
   
   * Follows general sequencing and process procedures.
   * Maintains a safe and clean work environment.
   * Follows safety policies and procedures and corrects or communicates hazards to management.
   * Places incoming merchandise into inventory.
   * Conducts physical inventories as required.
   * Counts and performs basic math calculations.
   * Maintains productivity and quality standards.
   * Performs additional duties as directed.
   
   EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
   
   * General knowledge of a variety of basic topics (math, reading, basic accounting, typing, etc.)
   * Prior experience working in a warehouse/distribution center a plus
   * Warehouse/Operations certification a plus
   
   KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
   
   * Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form
   * Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment and meet performance standards/individual performance goals
   * Good attention to detail
   * Dependable and able to report to work as scheduled/have regular punctual attendance
   * Willingness to learn how to use new material handling equipment
   * Willingness to learn WMS Technology
   * Ability to adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures for safety rules and requirements received in training
   
   If you feel this opportunity could be the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply.
   
   Owens & Minor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, religion, disability, age, status as a veteran, or any other status prohibited by applicable national, federal, state or local law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right distribution agent for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with distribution agents they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit distribution agents who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your distribution agent job on Zippia to find and recruit distribution agent candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit distribution agents, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new distribution agent

   Once you've selected the best distribution agent candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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