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Freight clerk vs shipper

The differences between freight clerks and shippers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a freight clerk and a shipper. Additionally, a shipper has an average salary of $33,233, which is higher than the $32,094 average annual salary of a freight clerk.

The top three skills for a freight clerk include data entry, LTL and computer system. The most important skills for a shipper are pallets, basic math, and math.

Freight clerk vs shipper overview

Freight ClerkShipper
Yearly salary$32,094$33,233
Hourly rate$15.43$15.98
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs73,910169,934
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age4343
Years of experience1212

Freight clerk vs shipper salary

Freight clerks and shippers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Freight ClerkShipper
Average salary$32,094$33,233
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $40,000Between $27,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City-Wausau, WI
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Nucor
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between freight clerk and shipper education

There are a few differences between a freight clerk and a shipper in terms of educational background:

Freight ClerkShipper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Freight clerk vs shipper demographics

Here are the differences between freight clerks' and shippers' demographics:

Freight ClerkShipper
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 54.2% Female, 45.8%Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 7.6% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 7.1% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between freight clerk and shipper duties and responsibilities

Freight clerk example responsibilities.

  • Assist in the daily managing of fresh product using the FIFO accounting principal.
  • Answer emails and telephone inquires regarding rates, routing, packing procedures, and LTL transportation procedures.
  • Utilize industrial logistics and strong interpersonal communication skills to develop new business, increase current business, and renew existing contracts.
  • Coordinate with freight forwarders expediting international shipments.

Shipper example responsibilities.

  • Pack and ship gift packages via USPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.
  • Use of drill press, wood see, nail gun, ginder, and stencils.
  • Prepare loads for LTL shipments.
  • Work with the USPS to ship packages internationally.
  • Process and schedule all shipments including LTL (less than truckload) and small package.
  • Review and assemble products order, create shipping labels, and deliver products to customers via UPS/FEDEX or DHL systems.
  • Show more

Freight clerk vs shipper skills

Common freight clerk skills
  • Data Entry, 39%
  • LTL, 14%
  • Computer System, 13%
  • Office Equipment, 8%
  • Purchase Orders, 3%
  • Sales Floor, 3%
Common shipper skills
  • Pallets, 12%
  • Basic Math, 10%
  • Math, 8%
  • Shipping Receiving, 6%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 6%
  • Safety Standards, 5%

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