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How to hire a shipper

Shipper hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring shippers in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a shipper is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per shipper on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 206,610 shippers in the US and 169,934 job openings.
  • Valley, NE, has the highest demand for shippers, with 8 job openings.
  • Memphis, TN has the highest concentration of shippers.

How to hire a shipper, step by step

To hire a shipper, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a shipper, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step shipper hiring guide:

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

What does a shipper do?

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.

Learn more about the specifics of what a shipper does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the shipper you need to hire. Certain shipper roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A shipper's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, shippers 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.

    This list shows salaries for various types of shippers.

    Type of ShipperDescriptionHourly rate
    ShipperMaterial recording clerks track product information in order to keep businesses and supply chains on schedule. They ensure proper scheduling, recordkeeping, and inventory control.$12-18
    Receiving CoordinatorReceiving 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... Show more$12-19
    Warehouse ReceivingThe duties of a warehouse receiving worker include interacting with delivery couriers, such as DHL and FedEx/UPS, while generally simplifying the customer service delivery process. They are expected to closely inspect all goods and products for damages, verify the quantities of products ordered, and enter these into inventory using RF or WMS system... Show more$12-18
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Pallets
    • Basic Math
    • Math
    • Shipping Receiving
    • Electric Pallet Jack
    • Safety Standards
    • Load Trucks
    • Customer Orders
    • Safety Procedures
    • Computer System
    • RF Scanner
    • Inventory Control
    • Scan Gun
    • Loan Packages
    Check all skills
    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.
    More shipper duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your shipper job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A shipper salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, shippers' average salary in florida is 33% less than in hawaii.
    • Seniority. Entry-level shippers earn 31% less than senior-level shippers.
    • Certifications. A shipper with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a shipper's salary.

    Average shipper salary

    $15.98hourly

    $33,233 yearly

    Entry-level shipper salary
    $27,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 17, 2025

    Average shipper salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Wisconsin$38,174$18
    2Massachusetts$37,383$18
    3California$37,206$18
    4New York$36,494$18
    5Illinois$35,520$17
    6Pennsylvania$35,408$17
    7Arkansas$35,048$17
    8Virginia$34,307$16
    9Colorado$34,307$16
    10Indiana$33,773$16
    11Ohio$33,274$16
    12Rhode Island$33,199$16
    13Arizona$33,164$16
    14Texas$32,815$16
    15Kansas$32,094$15
    16Alabama$31,958$15
    17Tennessee$31,366$15
    18Utah$30,790$15
    19North Carolina$29,569$14
    20Mississippi$28,630$14

    Average shipper salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Nucor$39,616$19.056
    2Bimbo Bakeries$39,111$18.80
    3Ball$39,094$18.80
    4Flowers Foods$38,830$18.678
    5VF$38,823$18.6613
    6Simpson Manufacturing Co$38,777$18.642
    7Valmont Industries$38,651$18.5829
    8JBS USA$38,513$18.5214
    9Boston Medical Center$38,333$18.432
    10Airgas$37,651$18.107
    11Rite Aid$37,547$18.05
    12Wausau Window and Wall Systems$37,516$18.04
    13Thermo Fisher Scientific$37,483$18.029
    14Arconic$37,378$17.972
    15Staples$37,364$17.9651
    16Construction$36,939$17.76
    17Ashley HomeStore$36,840$17.7136
    18Masco$36,831$17.71
    19Apogee Enterprises$36,709$17.65
    20Judd Wire$36,697$17.64
  4. Writing a shipper job description

    A shipper 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. Below, you can find an example of a shipper job description:

    Shipper job description example

    Judd Wire Inc., a Sumitomo Electric Group company, is looking for a 2nd shift Shipper in our Turners Falls, MA office. This person will perform various packaging and shipping duties following order instructions and prescribed procedures to ship finished goods primarily to domestic locations but also including export locations as required by customer.

    Starting Pay $19.06/hourly, shift differential: 2nd shift $1.00

    Job Duties and Responsibilities

    - Work from shop orders, stock order pick lists, hand held scanner/BPICS system menu, screens and fields. Operate fork lift truck, hand walker electric truck, printer, labor maker, shrink wrapper equipment. May access web site for certain accounts for inventory information for supplied items

    - Obtain QA approved wire and cable in drums or reels for assigned orders where large orders are processed on a daily basis or on designed days for specified customers using fork lift truck and/or electric hand truck.

    - Use scanner to verify order quantity, number of reels, drums and to print required number of labels. Use BPICS computer system menu, screens and fields to enter required information to print packing lists, Bill of Lading and as required export documents following instructions. Common carriers are designated by geographic location or per order instructions. Prepare and print invoices for freight/export orders as prescribed.

    - Make up cartons for reels, label cartons and reel to coincide as instructed; place reel in carton and place on pallet in proper configuration. Place drum lids and secure on drums, labeling same. Verify reel/drum label to scanned and printed labels for correct order. Check items to be shipped for conformance to specifications regarding packaging, identification, amount to be shipped and destination.

    - Shrink wrap pallets/band large reels to pallets, transfer to staging area for carrier pick up.

    - Detect and report defective materials, malfunctioning equipment, unusual conditions to supervision. Observe all safety rules and regulations. Maintain equipment and work areas in clean and orderly condition.

    - Perform other similar or related duties as assigned or instructed by supervisor.

    Qualifications

    High School diploma or GED and basic math skills required. Be a team player, enjoy detailed work and willing to learn!

    • A Forklift license is desired, but not required. Must be able to obtain a forklift license.

    - Requires use of ordinary arithmetic, including decimals and fractions; the ability to work from sample specifications and schedules; the ability to accurately record, post and check shipments.

    - Position requires the use of judgment to properly label and process outgoing shipments in accordance with shipping specification; determine proper sized pieces for shipping footage.

    - Moderate physical effort is required to handle reels, load or unload trucks, frequently exerting average effort and occasionally exerting heavy effort.

    - Candidate must also be willing to cross-train in all areas of shipping as needed.

    About Judd Wire, Inc.

    Judd Wire, a Sumitomo Electric Group Company, is a high technology wire company, specializing in the use of electron beam crosslinked thermosets for wire insulation. By applying irradiation crosslinking technology to insulating materials, Judd Wire meets the needs of the wire and cable industry for economical, high-performance products. Judd Wire manufactures electronic wire and cable in over 100 styles recognized by Underwriters Laboratory, Canadian Standards and/or Military Specifications.

    Judd Wire's two U.S. based factories are part of the Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI), the largest manufacturer of wire and cable in Japan that provides Judd Wire with access to their extensive network of research and product development facilities.

    Benefits:

  5. Post your job

    To find the right shipper 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 shippers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit shippers 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 shipper job on Zippia to find and recruit shipper candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit shippers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    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 shipper

    Once you've selected the best shipper 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.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new shipper. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are 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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How much does it cost to hire a shipper?

Before you start to hire shippers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire shippers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $33,233 per year for a shipper, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for shippers in the US typically range between $12 and $18 an hour.

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