What does a distribution specialist do?

A warehouse coordinator is responsible for monitoring the supply and distribution operations of a warehouse, loading and unloading merchandise from the delivery trucks, and storing items appropriately on the facility. Warehouse coordinators assist in packing and labeling items, pulling out products from delivery, and ensuring the correct quantity and quality of the items before release. They also inspect the efficiency and performance of warehouse tools and equipment, especially on schedule for regular maintenance, and call for repairs as needed.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a distribution specialist are more likely to require skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "windows," and "strong customer service." On the other hand, a job as a warehouse coordinator requires skills like "warehouse functions," "warehouse equipment," "outbound freight," and "cherry pickers." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

A shipper is an employee who is responsible for filling customer orders and ensures that the quality of these orders meets the company standards. Shippers are tasked with locating items in a warehouse and preparing them for shipping while completing all the transportation procedures so that no complications arise during the cargo-sending process. They use different trays, forklifts, and scissor lifts following the safety standards set by government regulations and company rules. Shippers must also know how to operate a scanner or use the shipping system to track inventory.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that distribution specialist responsibilities requires skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "windows," and "strong customer service." But a shipper might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "pallets," "safety standards," "safety procedures," and "rf scanner."

Receiving coordinators keep records and verify the contents of shipping data. It requires arranging transportation of products as well as preparing incoming and outgoing products for shipping. A receiving coordinator will need to be conventional, logical, efficient, orderly, and organized for this role. They also need to follow all company guidelines and meet quality standards.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, distribution specialists are more likely to have skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "windows," and "strong customer service." But a receiving coordinator is more likely to have skills like "hand tools," "data entry," "sales floor," and "inbound shipments."

Usually, shipping and receiving associates work in retail or a warehouse to manage the incoming and outgoing materials and products. Shipping and receiving associates keep records of all the materials received and shipped. They develop the mailing labels as well as the shipping documents. It is their job to make sure that orders are filled appropriately. The skills necessary for this job include basic math, communication, organization, and attention to detail.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between distribution specialists and shipping and receiving associates, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a distribution specialist might have more use for skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "windows," and "strong customer service." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of shipping and receiving associates require skills like "pallets," "hand tools," "good communication," and "safety regulations. "