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.
Shipper responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real shipper resumes:
- 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.
- Provide consultative sales utilizing an extensive knowledge of RF, industrial electronics, amateur radio, computer equipment and peripherals.
- Structure boxes for proper weight distribution according to proper pallet shipping regulations.
- Move motorcycles and snowmobiles with forklift.
Shipper skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Shippers are proficient in Pallets, Basic Math, and Math. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Customer-service skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Shippers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Pallets, 12%
Structured boxes for proper weight distribution according to proper pallet shipping regulations.
- Basic Math, 10%
Used problem solving skills and basic math when working on orders.
- Math, 8%
Detail oriented & strong math skills.
- Shipping Receiving, 6%
Order Filling Forklift Driving Shipping Receiving Wrapping Pallets
- Electric Pallet Jack, 6%
Use tools such as electric pallet jacks, forklifts, hand held pallet wrappers, and RF scanners.
- Safety Standards, 5%
Ship according to manifest * Complete daily inspections and adhere to safety standards
Most shippers use their skills in "pallets," "basic math," and "math" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential shipper responsibilities here:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a shipper to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what shippers do because "material recording clerks are frequently in contact with suppliers, vendors, or managers and need to convey their company’s needs effectively." Additionally, a shipper resume shows how shippers use communication skills: "inventory control for downtime reduction, communication with press room/laser department for quick tool changeovers. "
Customer-service skills. Many shipper duties rely on customer-service skills. "material recording clerks may interact with customers in order to respond to problems or complaints.," so a shipper will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways shipper responsibilities rely on customer-service skills: "processed incoming and outgoing merchandise shipments replenished sales floor maintained organization of stockroom assisted in floor sets shipped customer orders"
Detail oriented. shippers are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to shipper responsibilities, because "material and product inspecting clerks must pay attention to detail when checking items for defects, some of which are small and difficult to spot." A shipper resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "inspected quality & detail of inventory finalized customer orders for shipping assisted management regarding supplies and inventory"
Math skills. shipper responsibilities often require "math skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "material recording clerks may need to calculate shipping costs or take measurements." This resume example shows what shippers do with math skills on a typical day: "stage inventory skills used attention to detail, math, general knowledge of computer"
The three companies that hire the most shippers are:
- Bimbo Bakeries21 shippers jobs
- ABM Industries11 shippers jobs
- Arconic11 shippers jobs
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Compare different shippers
Shipper vs. Distribution associate
A distribution associate typically works at warehouses or distribution establishments where they are in charge of processing orders for shipments or deliveries in a timely and efficient manner. Their responsibilities often include monitoring the inventory of goods, identifying and locating items, liaising with clients, receiving orders, lifting heavy packages, and maintaining accurate records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a distribution associate, it is essential to be proactive as warehouse conditions can be unpredictable due to the influx of goods.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a shipper are more likely to require skills like "math," "safety standards," "load trucks," and "safety procedures." On the other hand, a job as a distribution associate requires skills like "quality standards," "cleanliness," "management system," and "customer support." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Distribution associates really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $40,158. Comparatively, shippers tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $35,425.distribution associates tend to reach similar levels of education than shippers. In fact, distribution associates are 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Shipper vs. Receiving coordinator
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.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, shipper responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "pallets," "basic math," "math," and "shipping receiving." Meanwhile, a receiving coordinator has duties that require skills in areas such as "hand tools," "data entry," "customer service," and "iso." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Receiving coordinators tend to reach similar levels of education than shippers. In fact, they're 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Shipper vs. Warehouse receiving
The 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. The responsibility of determining the designated method of shipment of products may also fall to them.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a shipper is likely to be skilled in "safety standards," "safety procedures," "scan gun," and "loan packages," while a typical warehouse receiving is skilled in "warehouse receiver," "warehouse environment," "work ethic," and "osha."
Warehouse receivings make a very good living in the transportation industry with an average annual salary of $33,909. On the other hand, shippers are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $35,425.Most warehouse receivings achieve a similar degree level compared to shippers. For example, they're 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Shipper vs. Material handler
Material handlers are responsible for moving products, storing items, and managing supplies to proper shelf categories. A material handler also documents deliveries and ensures that all items for shipment are correct and free of any damage. Material handlers must also be a fast-learner to operate various warehouse equipment that would make the task more efficient and less time-consuming. A material handler must also check all the incoming deliveries to validate all purchases made. Material handlers must be able to analyze sheet orders and prepare the correct merchandise the client needs.
Types of shipper
Updated January 8, 2025
