Top 12 Shipping Clerk Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's fast-paced logistics and supply chain industry, a shipping clerk's role is vital for the seamless execution of daily operations. Highlighting the top skills on your resume can set you apart, showcasing your ability to efficiently manage shipments, coordinate tasks, and ensure the timely delivery of goods.

Shipping Clerk Skills

1. Inventory Management
2. Order Processing
3. FedEx Ship Manager
4. UPS WorldShip
5. Pallet Jack Operation
6. Barcode Scanning
7. Microsoft Excel
8. SAP ERP
9. Quality Control
10. Hazardous Materials Handling
11. Customs Regulations
12. Oracle SCM

1. Inventory Management

Inventory management, in the context of a Shipping Clerk, involves tracking and overseeing the stock levels, orders, and deliveries of goods to ensure accurate and timely dispatch to customers or destinations.

Why It's Important

Inventory management is crucial for a Shipping Clerk as it ensures accurate tracking of stock levels, facilitates timely order fulfillment, and minimizes delays, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing costs associated with overstocking or stockouts.

How to Improve Inventory Management Skills

Improving inventory management, especially for a Shipping Clerk, involves streamlining processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and timely operations. Here's a concise guide:

1. Implement an Inventory Management System: Use software that tracks inventory in real-time, facilitating better control and decision-making. Shopify's guide offers insights into different systems.

2. Regular Audits: Regularly compare the inventory records to the physical inventory to identify discrepancies. This guide from TradeGecko provides a good starting point.

3. FIFO (First In, First Out) Approach: Ensure older stock is shipped out before newer stock. This is particularly important for perishable goods. Investopedia explains FIFO in detail.

4. Accurate Forecasting: Use historical data to predict future inventory needs, reducing both overstock and stockouts. This Forbes article discusses the importance of accurate forecasting.

5. Supplier Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with suppliers for timely reordering and to address potential delays or issues. Harvard Business Review offers strategies for effective supplier relationship management.

6. Lean Inventory: Adopt lean inventory techniques to minimize waste and increase efficiency. The Lean Way introduces the concept and its benefits.

7. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and adjust processes, incorporating feedback and new technologies to enhance efficiency. The American Society for Quality provides resources on continuous improvement.

By focusing on these key areas, a Shipping Clerk can significantly improve inventory management practices, leading to a more efficient and effective operation.

How to Display Inventory Management Skills on Your Resume

2. Order Processing

Order processing, in the context of a Shipping Clerk, involves the preparation, handling, and shipping of orders to customers, ensuring accuracy, timely dispatch, and proper documentation.

Why It's Important

Order processing is crucial for a Shipping Clerk because it ensures accurate, timely delivery of products to customers, directly impacting customer satisfaction and company reputation.

How to Improve Order Processing Skills

Improving order processing as a Shipping Clerk involves streamlining procedures, adopting technology, and ensuring accurate and efficient handling of orders. Focus on the following steps for enhancement:

1. Automation: Implement order processing software to automate tasks, reducing manual input errors and speeding up operations. Shopify's guide on order management systems is a helpful resource.

2. Inventory Management: Use real-time inventory tracking tools to ensure stock levels are accurate, preventing delays. Check out Square's inventory management features for efficient tracking.

3. Training: Regularly train staff on new technologies and best practices for handling orders efficiently. LinkedIn Learning offers courses on logistics and supply chain management.

4. Customer Communication: Keep customers informed about their order status, reducing inquiries and improving satisfaction. Explore Zendesk for customer service solutions.

5. Analyze and Optimize: Regularly review order processing times and identify bottlenecks. Use insights to optimize workflows. Tableau can assist in visualizing and analyzing data for better decision-making.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of order processing in your role as a Shipping Clerk.

How to Display Order Processing Skills on Your Resume

3. FedEx Ship Manager

FedEx Ship Manager is a web-based shipping solution designed for businesses, allowing shipping clerks to efficiently manage and track shipments, print labels, schedule pickups, and access shipping rates and transit times, all from a single platform.

Why It's Important

FedEx Ship Manager is essential for a Shipping Clerk as it streamlines the process of managing and tracking shipments, ensuring efficient, accurate, and timely delivery of packages, thereby improving productivity and customer satisfaction.

How to Improve FedEx Ship Manager Skills

To enhance the FedEx Ship Manager experience for a Shipping Clerk, consider the following concise steps:

1. Streamline Workflow: Utilize FedEx's Quick Ship tool for repeated shipments to save time. FedEx Quick Ship Tool

2. Integration: Integrate FedEx Ship Manager with your inventory or ERP system for automated shipping processes. This reduces manual entry errors. FedEx Compatible Solutions

3. Training: Enroll in FedEx online tutorials or webinars to master advanced features and shortcuts within the Ship Manager. FedEx Learning Center

4. Customize Preferences: Customize your preferences for commonly used shipping options, saving repetitive selection time. Customizing FedEx Ship Manager

5. Address Book Maintenance: Regularly update your address book in FedEx Ship Manager for quicker processing. Managing Your Address Book

6. Utilize Reporting: Use FedEx Ship Manager's reporting tools to analyze shipping patterns and identify potential areas for cost savings. FedEx Reporting Online

7. Feedback and Support: Regularly provide feedback and report any issues to FedEx for continuous improvement. Engage with FedEx support for assistance with complex shipping needs. FedEx Support

Implementing these steps can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of using FedEx Ship Manager for a Shipping Clerk.

How to Display FedEx Ship Manager Skills on Your Resume

4. UPS WorldShip

UPS WorldShip is a shipping software designed for businesses, enabling Shipping Clerks to automate and streamline the process of preparing UPS shipments, including printing labels, tracking packages, and managing customer shipping information.

Why It's Important

UPS WorldShip is important for a Shipping Clerk because it streamlines the process of preparing shipments, automatically generates shipping labels and documents, and ensures accurate billing and tracking, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy in shipping operations.

How to Improve UPS WorldShip Skills

Improving UPS WorldShip for a Shipping Clerk involves optimizing workflow, data accuracy, and system integration. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Automate Data Entry: Use the Import/Export Wizard to automate the transfer of order details from your company's system to WorldShip, minimizing manual entry. UPS WorldShip Import/Export Wizard.

2. Customize Workflows: Tailor the WorldShip interface to match your specific tasks. Customize columns, forms, and views for efficiency. Instruction on customization can be found in the UPS WorldShip User Guide.

3. Integrate with Inventory Systems: Establish a direct link between WorldShip and your inventory management system to streamline shipping processes. Explore integration options through UPS Developer Kit APIs.

4. Use Batch Processing: For multiple shipments, batch processing saves time. Learn about setting up batch files in the WorldShip Support Documents.

5. Stay Updated: Regularly update WorldShip to the latest version for new features and bug fixes. Updates can be found at UPS WorldShip Updates.

6. Train Regularly: Ensure all users are up-to-date with the latest WorldShip features and best practices through UPS’s training resources. Access training materials at UPS WorldShip Training.

By focusing on these areas, a Shipping Clerk can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of their work with UPS WorldShip.

How to Display UPS WorldShip Skills on Your Resume

5. Pallet Jack Operation

Pallet jack operation for a Shipping Clerk involves using a manual or powered tool to lift and move pallets loaded with goods within a warehouse or shipping area, ensuring efficient handling and transportation of products for storage or shipment.

Why It's Important

Pallet jack operation is crucial for a Shipping Clerk as it enables efficient and safe movement of heavy goods and pallets within the warehouse, ensuring timely and accurate loading and unloading of shipments, and minimizing physical strain and risk of injury.

How to Improve Pallet Jack Operation Skills

Improving pallet jack operation involves focusing on safety, efficiency, and maintenance. Here's a concise guide for a Shipping Clerk:

1. Safety First: Prioritize safety by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like steel-toed shoes. Familiarize yourself with the operation manual for your specific pallet jack model. OSHA provides guidelines on safe operation practices.

2. Proper Handling: Learn the correct way to load and unload the pallet jack to prevent injury and damage to goods. Keep the load stable and within the weight limit of the pallet jack. This guide from the National Safety Council offers tips on manual material handling.

3. Efficiency in Operation: Plan your route before moving loads to avoid obstacles and ensure smooth operation. Keep pathways clear and use signage if necessary to avoid accidents. Efficiency in material handling can significantly impact overall warehouse productivity.

4. Regular Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of the pallet jack to ensure it is in good working condition. This includes checking for hydraulic leaks, ensuring wheels and bearings are lubricated, and the forks are not bent. This maintenance checklist can help ensure you cover all essential points.

5. Training and Refreshers: Engage in regular training sessions and encourage refreshers for all operators to keep skills sharp and updated with the latest safety standards. Material Handling Institute offers resources and training for material handling equipment.

By focusing on these key areas, you can improve the operation of pallet jacks in your shipping or warehousing environment, enhancing both safety and productivity.

How to Display Pallet Jack Operation Skills on Your Resume

6. Barcode Scanning

Barcode scanning is a technology used by Shipping Clerks to quickly capture and read information encoded in barcodes on packages, facilitating accurate tracking, inventory management, and expedited shipping processes.

Why It's Important

Barcode scanning is crucial for a Shipping Clerk as it ensures accurate tracking and management of inventory, speeds up the processing of shipments, and minimizes errors in order processing and delivery.

How to Improve Barcode Scanning Skills

Improving barcode scanning, particularly for a Shipping Clerk, involves enhancing both hardware and software components, as well as optimizing the scanning environment and process. Here are concise strategies:

1. Upgrade Scanners: Use high-quality, durable scanners designed for high volume and varying barcode qualities. Consider 2D imagers for their versatility in reading both 1D and 2D barcodes.

2. Implement Software Solutions: Opt for scanning software with error-checking and real-time data validation capabilities. Scandit's software offers advanced barcode scanning and data capture.

3. Optimize Barcode Quality: Ensure barcodes are high contrast, undamaged, and of adequate size. Use GS1 standards for generating high-quality barcodes.

4. Enhance Training: Train staff on optimal scanning techniques and ergonomics to prevent errors and fatigue. Short, focused training sessions can significantly improve efficiency.

5. Improve Lighting and Ergonomics: Ensure the scanning area is well-lit and scanners are easy to handle. Adjustable mounts or wireless scanners can reduce physical strain.

6. Regular Maintenance: Keep scanners clean and check their calibration regularly to avoid scanning issues. Manufacturer guidelines, like those from Honeywell, provide maintenance tips.

7. Use Mobile Scanning Solutions: Implement mobile scanning solutions for flexibility and efficiency. Devices like smartphones, equipped with scanning apps, can serve as powerful tools for shipping clerks.

By focusing on these areas, shipping clerks can achieve faster, more accurate barcode scanning, leading to improved productivity and reduced errors in the shipping process.

How to Display Barcode Scanning Skills on Your Resume

7. Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data, essential for a Shipping Clerk to manage inventory, track shipments, and calculate shipping costs efficiently.

Why It's Important

Microsoft Excel is vital for a Shipping Clerk as it allows for efficient organization, tracking, and analysis of shipping data, inventory management, and scheduling, facilitating accurate and timely shipments.

How to Improve Microsoft Excel Skills

To enhance your Microsoft Excel skills as a Shipping Clerk:

1. Learn Excel Formulas: Master key formulas like VLOOKUP, INDEX(MATCH), and SUMIF to manage shipping data efficiently. ExcelJet offers a comprehensive guide.

2. Utilize Excel Tables: Convert data into Excel Tables for better organization and easier manipulation of shipping records. Microsoft's guide can help.

3. Implement PivotTables: Use PivotTables to summarize, analyze, explore, and present summary data. Check Excel's PivotTable tutorial for a start.

4. Automate with Macros: Learn how to automate repetitive tasks with Macros. Start with Microsoft's Macros guide.

5. Enhance Excel Skills: Take an online course specifically designed for logistics and shipping professionals. Websites like Udemy and Coursera offer relevant courses.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your efficiency and effectiveness as a Shipping Clerk using Microsoft Excel.

How to Display Microsoft Excel Skills on Your Resume

8. SAP ERP

SAP ERP is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning software that integrates and automates core business processes, enabling a Shipping Clerk to efficiently manage inventory, process orders, and coordinate shipping and delivery tasks within a unified system.

Why It's Important

SAP ERP is important for a Shipping Clerk as it streamlines and automates logistics, inventory management, and shipping processes, enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

How to Improve SAP ERP Skills

Improving SAP ERP, especially for a Shipping Clerk, involves streamlining processes, enhancing data accuracy, and improving integration with shipping services. Here are concise steps:

1. Automate Data Entry: Use SAP Intelligent Robotic Process Automation to minimize manual data entry, reducing errors and saving time.

2. Integrate with Shipping Carriers: Implement SAP Integration Suite to connect directly with shipping carriers for real-time tracking and shipping label generation.

3. Enhance Training: Utilize SAP Enable Now to provide continuous, role-specific training for Shipping Clerks, ensuring they can fully leverage SAP ERP capabilities.

4. Customize Shipping Dashboards: Customize user interfaces with SAP Fiori for better visibility into shipping schedules, statuses, and alerts, making it easier to manage daily tasks.

5. Implement Advanced Analytics: Use SAP Analytics Cloud to analyze shipping data for identifying trends, optimizing routes, and reducing costs.

By focusing on these areas, SAP ERP can become more efficient and responsive to the needs of Shipping Clerks, ultimately improving overall workflow and customer satisfaction.

How to Display SAP ERP Skills on Your Resume

9. Quality Control

Quality Control for a Shipping Clerk involves ensuring that products meet established standards and specifications before they are dispatched, confirming that packaging is secure and appropriate, and verifying that orders are complete and accurate.

Why It's Important

Quality control is crucial for a Shipping Clerk to ensure products meet safety and customer satisfaction standards, reducing returns, complaints, and maintaining the company's reputation.

How to Improve Quality Control Skills

Improving Quality Control (QC) for a Shipping Clerk involves streamlining processes, enhancing accuracy, and ensuring product integrity during handling and shipment. Here's a concise guide:

1. Standardize Procedures: Develop and implement clear, standardized shipping and handling procedures. Quality Management Systems (QMS) like ISO 9001 can guide the creation of effective processes.

2. Training: Continuously train staff on QC best practices, focusing on packaging, handling, and documentation. Online training platforms offer courses on quality control and improvement.

3. Use Technology: Leverage technology for tracking and monitoring shipments. Implement barcode scanning and RFID systems to reduce errors and improve package tracking.

4. Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of shipping processes. Use checklists and quality control tools to identify areas for improvement.

5. Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop with customers and internal teams to identify quality issues. Tools like SurveyMonkey can facilitate gathering feedback efficiently.

6. Supplier Collaboration: Work closely with suppliers to ensure the quality of goods before they arrive. Supplier Quality Management principles can guide these efforts.

By focusing on these areas, a Shipping Clerk can significantly contribute to the improvement of Quality Control within their domain.

How to Display Quality Control Skills on Your Resume

10. Hazardous Materials Handling

Hazardous Materials Handling, in the context of a Shipping Clerk, involves the safe and compliant preparation, documentation, packaging, labeling, and shipping of materials classified as hazardous (such as chemicals, explosives, or biohazards) according to regulatory standards and company policies to ensure the safety of individuals and the environment during transport.

Why It's Important

Hazardous materials handling is crucial for a Shipping Clerk to ensure the safe transportation of dangerous goods, prevent accidents and environmental damage, and comply with legal regulations, thereby protecting public health and safety.

How to Improve Hazardous Materials Handling Skills

Improving hazardous materials handling, especially for a Shipping Clerk, involves adhering to regulations, proper training, and implementing best practices. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Stay Updated with Regulations: Ensure compliance with the latest U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines on hazardous materials.

2. Get Certified Training: Complete mandatory hazardous material training offered by OSHA to understand classification, packaging, and labeling requirements.

3. Use Proper Packaging: Always use approved packaging materials as specified by UN recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods.

4. Accurate Labeling and Documentation: Label packages clearly and provide the necessary shipping papers, including a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each substance.

5. Implement Safety Measures: Adopt safety protocols for handling, storing, and segregating hazardous materials as outlined by NIOSH.

6. Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency response plan in place, guided by EPA’s Emergency Management resources.

7. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update your handling procedures based on feedback and incident analysis.

By focusing on education, compliance, and safety, a Shipping Clerk can significantly improve the handling of hazardous materials.

How to Display Hazardous Materials Handling Skills on Your Resume

11. Customs Regulations

Customs regulations are the rules and laws governing the import and export of goods into and out of a country. For a Shipping Clerk, these regulations dictate how items must be declared, classified, valued, and what duties or taxes apply, ensuring compliance with legal and security requirements during international trade.

Why It's Important

Customs regulations ensure compliance with a country's import and export laws, facilitating the legal and efficient movement of goods across borders. For a Shipping Clerk, adhering to these regulations is crucial for avoiding legal penalties, preventing shipment delays, and ensuring smooth international trade operations.

How to Improve Customs Regulations Skills

Improving customs regulations, especially from the perspective of a Shipping Clerk, involves streamlining processes, enhancing transparency, and adapting to technological advancements. Here are concise strategies to achieve this:

1. Automate Processes: Implement automation in documentation and data submission to reduce manual errors and speed up customs clearance.

2. Standardize Documentation: Advocate for international standardization of documents to simplify and harmonize the requirements across different countries, minimizing confusion and delays.

3. Enhance Training: Ensure continuous training programs for shipping clerks on the latest international customs regulations and technology tools, improving compliance and efficiency.

4. Implement Advanced Cargo Information: Use pre-arrival processing and advanced cargo information systems to allow customs to assess shipments earlier, facilitating faster clearance.

5. Foster Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector to share best practices, innovative solutions, and feedback for continuous improvement.

6. Utilize Blockchain Technology: Explore the use of blockchain for secure and transparent tracking of shipments, reducing fraud and ensuring the integrity of the supply chain.

Through these strategies, customs regulations can become more efficient, transparent, and adaptable to the evolving global trade landscape, benefiting shipping clerks and stakeholders alike.

How to Display Customs Regulations Skills on Your Resume

12. Oracle SCM

Oracle SCM (Supply Chain Management) is a comprehensive suite of applications designed to manage and optimize the end-to-end processes involved in moving goods from suppliers to customers. For a Shipping Clerk, Oracle SCM provides tools for efficient order fulfillment, shipment tracking, inventory management, and ensuring timely delivery of products.

Why It's Important

Oracle SCM (Supply Chain Management) is important for a Shipping Clerk because it streamlines and automates processes, ensuring efficient and accurate order fulfillment, inventory tracking, and delivery coordination, ultimately enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction.

How to Improve Oracle SCM Skills

Improving Oracle SCM for a Shipping Clerk involves optimizing inventory management, streamlining shipping processes, and enhancing data accuracy. Here are concise steps with relevant resources:

1. Automate Data Entry: Utilize Oracle SCM’s automation features to reduce manual data entry and minimize errors. Oracle SCM Cloud.

2. Implement Mobile Solutions: Use Oracle's mobile solutions for real-time inventory tracking and management. This improves accuracy and efficiency. Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications.

3. Training and Support: Ensure that Shipping Clerks have access to comprehensive training on Oracle SCM tools and features. Regularly update their skills. Oracle University SCM Training.

4. Customize Workflows: Tailor Oracle SCM workflows to align with your shipping processes, ensuring seamless operations. Oracle SCM Cloud: Configuring Supply Chain Orchestration.

5. Leverage Analytics: Utilize Oracle SCM’s analytics and reporting tools to make data-driven decisions and optimize shipping routes and schedules. Oracle SCM Analytics.

6. Integration with Other Systems: Ensure smooth integration with other systems (e.g., CRM, ERP) for a unified operation that improves shipping efficiency. Oracle Cloud Marketplace.

7. Regularly Review and Optimize Processes: Continuously assess and refine shipping processes based on performance data provided by Oracle SCM. Oracle SCM Best Practices.

By focusing on these areas, a Shipping Clerk can significantly improve efficiency, accuracy, and overall performance within Oracle SCM.

How to Display Oracle SCM Skills on Your Resume