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Distribution center supervisor vs shipping supervisor

The differences between distribution center supervisors and shipping supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a distribution center supervisor and a shipping supervisor. Additionally, a shipping supervisor has an average salary of $48,598, which is higher than the $44,535 average annual salary of a distribution center supervisor.

The top three skills for a distribution center supervisor include logistics, customer service and shipping receiving. The most important skills for a shipping supervisor are customer service, safety procedures, and logistics.

Distribution center supervisor vs shipping supervisor overview

Distribution Center SupervisorShipping Supervisor
Yearly salary$44,535$48,598
Hourly rate$21.41$23.36
Growth rate6%-3%
Number of jobs60,37126,138
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a distribution center supervisor do?

Distribution center supervisors are professionals who are responsible for leading and supervising warehouse staff to operate and facilitate the daily activities of a distribution center. These supervisors are required to receive, store, and handle the products effectively in the center while managing an inventory control system based on the policies of the company. They must ensure that the shipment of products to customers is accurate to avoid delays in distributions. Distribution center supervisors must also maintain updated with the latest techniques used in the distribution process.

What does a shipping supervisor do?

A shipping supervisor is responsible for monitoring the goods and services, ensuring its quality and quantity before packaging and shipment processing to avoid delays and possible client complaints. Shipping supervisors manage the shipment schedule, including verification of the location and determining correct charges. They also keep track of the incoming and outgoing deliveries by maintaining an organized record in the company's database. A shipping supervisor must have excellent communication and leadership skills, especially on handling customers' concerns, conducting item replacements, and overseeing the warehouse staff to meet maximum productivity goals.

Distribution center supervisor vs shipping supervisor salary

Distribution center supervisors and shipping supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Distribution Center SupervisorShipping Supervisor
Average salary$44,535$48,598
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $59,000Between $35,000 And $66,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MANew Brunswick, NJ
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companySchneider Electric Industrial ServicesSchneider Electric Industrial Services
Best paying industryManufacturingProfessional

Differences between distribution center supervisor and shipping supervisor education

There are a few differences between a distribution center supervisor and a shipping supervisor in terms of educational background:

Distribution Center SupervisorShipping Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Distribution center supervisor vs shipping supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between distribution center supervisors' and shipping supervisors' demographics:

Distribution Center SupervisorShipping Supervisor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 86.3% Female, 13.7%Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 6.4% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 6.8% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between distribution center supervisor and shipping supervisor duties and responsibilities

Distribution center supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Entrust with managing entire facility and all warehouse, transportation / logistics, and shipping / receiving operations on numerous occasions.
  • Assure compliance standard are meet for all internal and external audits including but not limit to FDA inspections.
  • Strengthen housekeeping standards and make sure that staff comply with the regulatory requirements, such as OSHA forklift certification, PPE
  • Ensure all personnel follow safety guidelines in accordance with OSHA regulations.
  • Maintain electronic time management system to ensure proper payroll for all subordinates.
  • Conduct daily administrative reports including KRONOS payroll, safety observations, employee productivity, and department production.
  • Show more

Shipping supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Manage the reconciliation process of RMA's, product inspection and freight claims.
  • Manage product movement across multiple WMS platforms and commodity lines within distribution center, conveyor lines and induction system.
  • Manage international shipping - coordinate documentation, commercial invoices, letters of credit, NAFTA, certificates of origin.
  • Manage and organize LTL shipments and warehouse responsibilities.
  • Work with a USPS representative to deliver a manifest with all orders account for.
  • Integrate new information to create and present an ISO training seminar for plant managers and coordinators.
  • Show more

Distribution center supervisor vs shipping supervisor skills

Common distribution center supervisor skills
  • Logistics, 9%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Shipping Receiving, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%
  • Lean Manufacturing, 4%
Common shipping supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Logistics, 7%
  • Shipping Receiving, 6%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • ISO, 5%

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