What does a warehouse associate do?

A warehouse material handler is responsible for assisting warehouse operations, moving merchandise from one place to another, labeling products, performing quality check procedures, packaging goods, and loading and unloading items from distribution vehicles. Warehouse material handlers operate warehouse tools and equipment for production, as well as ensuring the adequacy of stock inventory needed for orders and deliveries. A warehouse material handler also updates product information on the database and do administrative tasks, such as writing reports and responding to customers' inquiries and concerns.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a warehouse associate are more likely to require skills like "sales floor," "groceries," "safety rules," and "boats." On the other hand, a job as a material handler/warehouse requires skills like "supply support," "ladders," "osha," and "production schedules." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

A general warehouse worker takes responsibility for doing various duties in warehousing. General warehouse workers receive and process incoming materials and stock, pick and file orders, and pack and ship these orders. The workers manage, organize, and retrieve stocks from the warehouse. They make sure that the orders are picked up and/or delivered on time. It is expected from them to have working experience in the job. They have to be proficient in terms of inventory software, systems, and databases. Among the other necessary skills for this career are time management, analytical, communication, and good organizational skills.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, warehouse associate responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "customer service," and "shipping receiving." Meanwhile, a general warehouse worker has duties that require skills in areas such as "inbound trucks," "order processing," "repack," and "production sheets." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

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.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from warehouse associate resumes include skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "customer service," and "basic math," whereas a warehouse shipping clerk is more likely to list skills in "pallet jack," "data entry," "osha," and "ups. "