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Package handler vs packer/shipper

The differences between package handlers and packer/shippers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a package handler has an average salary of $32,785, which is higher than the $31,596 average annual salary of a packer/shipper.

The top three skills for a package handler include warehouse environment, load trailers and delivery truck. The most important skills for a packer/shipper are defective products, package orders, and electric pallet jack.

Package handler vs packer/shipper overview

Package HandlerPacker/Shipper
Yearly salary$32,785$31,596
Hourly rate$15.76$15.19
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs93,83117,034
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 58%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does a package handler do?

A package handler's primary duty is to place and load correct packages to delivery vehicles and review inventory upon shipments. Package handlers are responsible for analyzing product labels to make sure that the items are accurately processed. A package handler should also have basic knowledge on running warehouse equipment and loading tools to finish the task more efficiently. Package handlers must be able to communicate with other personnel for any concerns that might affect the parcel condition and customer's satisfaction.

What does a packer/shipper do?

The role of packers/shippers is to prepare products for shipping. They are responsible for labeling, packing, cleaning, and maintaining shipping containers. Also, they are accountable for preventing things from being damaged. A few skills packers/shippers should have to accomplish these responsibilities include hand-eye coordination, customer service skills, and attention to detail. One should also have a college degree to become a successful packer/shipper.

Package handler vs packer/shipper salary

Package handlers and packer/shippers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Package HandlerPacker/Shipper
Average salary$32,785$31,596
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $41,000Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CitySaint Paul, MNChelmsford, MA
Highest paying stateMinnesotaMinnesota
Best paying companyALDI USAL3Harris
Best paying industryRetailTechnology

Differences between package handler and packer/shipper education

There are a few differences between a package handler and a packer/shipper in terms of educational background:

Package HandlerPacker/Shipper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 58%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Package handler vs packer/shipper demographics

Here are the differences between package handlers' and packer/shippers' demographics:

Package HandlerPacker/Shipper
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 74.4% Female, 25.6%Male, 49.7% Female, 50.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 13.1% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 7.4% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage5%7%

Differences between package handler and packer/shipper duties and responsibilities

Package handler example responsibilities.

  • Attach slings, ropes, or cables to objects such as pipes, hoses, or bundles.
  • Read GPS maps for your driving directions.
  • Operate sit down forklift for loading, unloading and running material.
  • License to operate MHE (forklifts, tractors, etc . )
  • Load grind and air shipments onto designate trailers using sit down forklift.
  • Conduct post inspections to ensure guard force personnel proficiency and level of alertness.
  • Show more

Packer/shipper example responsibilities.

  • Prepare pallets by following prescribe stacking arrangement and properly tagging pallets.
  • Attach burners on the top castings with clips.

Package handler vs packer/shipper skills

Common package handler skills
  • Warehouse Environment, 25%
  • Load Trailers, 10%
  • Delivery Truck, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Load Packages, 8%
  • Load Trucks, 7%
Common packer/shipper skills
  • Defective Products, 27%
  • Package Orders, 26%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 7%
  • Assembly Line, 7%
  • Customer Orders, 6%

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