What does a shipping associate do?

A receiver is responsible for confirming receipt of items delivered from distribution centers to the warehouse. Receivers carefully evaluate order invoices, ensuring the correct quantity of the items, and inspect the merchandise for any possible mislabeling and defects. They also coordinate with the distributors for replacement and verifications concerning the delivery. A receiver must have excellent organizational and analytical skills, especially on billing discrepancies by utilizing specific shipping software to monitor the delivery activities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a shipping associate are more likely to require skills like "phone calls," "safety procedures," "pallet movers," and "safety rules." On the other hand, a job as a receiver requires skills like "ladders," "pet," "cleanliness," and "excellent interpersonal." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

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.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that shipping associate responsibilities requires skills like "customer service," "phone calls," "safety procedures," and "materials handling." But a warehouse receiving might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "warehouse receiver," "purchase orders," "warehouse environment," and "osha."

A distribution clerk is in charge of processing and managing products for shipments and deliveries, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. They work at warehouse facilities responsible for monitoring shipments, participating in loading and unloading packages, and inspecting them to ensure their quality and quantity. They also process and pack items according to protocols, review documentation, keep records of transactions, and maintain work areas' cleanliness. Moreover, a distribution clerk may also perform clerical tasks such as managing calls and correspondence, arranging schedules, and preparing documents.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, shipping associates are more likely to have skills like "pallets," "customer service," "basic math," and "phone calls." But a distribution clerk is more likely to have skills like "patients," "customer support," "purchase orders," and "pallet jack."

A receivables specialist is in charge of overseeing and processing account receivables, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. They typically perform bookkeeping tasks, update records and databases, reconcile accounts, and develop strategies to optimize collection procedures. They must also maintain streamlined and organized systems, addressing any issues and resolving them promptly and efficiently while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Moreover, a receivables specialist must maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between shipping associates and receivables specialists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a shipping associate might have more use for skills like "pallets," "basic math," "phone calls," and "math." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of receivables specialists require skills like "sales floor," "logistics," "cleanliness," and "excellent time management. "