Best Jobs in the Shipping Industry

Some of the best jobs in the shipping industry involve keeping track of the goods received, inputting them into inventory, and shipping them to customers. Jobs in shipping can be in United States or they may be abroad, depending on the company. These jobs can be anything from delivery drivers to truck drivers to warehouse workers and people working at ports.

Shipping clerks ensure that all goods shipped and received go to their proper storage facility or final destination. They prepare shipping documents, verify numbers and destination, and make sure orders have been filled correctly. They record items taken from inventory, replenish shelves, and make notes when orders are filled. They manage large databases and handle issues with customers as they arise. They must also handle damaged packages and ensure nothing hazardous leaks from the site of damage.

Following customs procedures are an important legal aspect of the shipping jobs. The clerk must verify that the contents of the package can enter into the U.S. legally. If a product is on its way out, they must fill out the proper documentation and ensure packages are sealed and ready for shipment.

They also address and label packages, look up and compute freight or postal rates, and record the weight and cost of each shipment. In addition, shipping clerks may prepare invoices and furnish information about shipments to other parts of the company, such as the accounting department.

Traffic clerks maintain destination records. They record the destination, weight, and applicable charges for all freight. They verify rate charges by comparing the classification of materials with rate charts. They also manage claims dealing with damaged goods.

Some of these clerks may use forklifts to move boxes around, so knowledge of operating heavy equipment is a plus.

Employment of shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks is expected to decline moderately by 7 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. As companies increasingly use computers and high-technology scanners to store and retrieve shipping and receiving records, fewer clerks will be needed to oversee these activities.

Stock clerks and orders fillers are two more important jobs in the shipping industry. These workers receive, store, and issue sales floor merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or customers' orders. They mark prices on merchandise and set up sales displays.

One major job in the shipping industry is done by delivery drivers. Drivers carry freight to and from destination sites. They load freight, secure it, and drive sometimes thousands of miles to deliver it to warehouses, clients, or other locations. They verify shipping labels to ensure each work order is correct. If an item is damaged, they put it back on the truck and make arrangements to ship another.