Shipping Clerk

The Shipping Clerk is responsible for the efficient, accurate, and safe processing of all outgoing finished goods from the manufacturing plant. This role involves comprehensive administrative and physical duties related to preparing shipments via Truck (LTL/FTL), Bulk (Tanker/Hopper), and Rail. The Shipping Clerk is a crucial link between the manufacturing floor, the sales team, and the carriers, ensuring all customer orders are fulfilled, documented, and dispatched in compliance with regulatory and company standards.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Shipment Processing and Documentation

- Order Fulfillment: Review and verify customer orders against finished goods inventory, ensuring product codes, quantities, and weights are accurate before loading.

- Carrier Scheduling: Coordinate with the Logistics Manager and external carriers to schedule pickup appointments for Truck (LTL/FTL), Bulk, and Rail shipments, optimizing dock and yard flow.

- Paperwork Generation: Prepare, organize, and distribute all necessary shipping documentation, including:

- Bills of Lading (BOLs)

- Packing Slips and Commercial Invoices

- Certificates of Analysis (COA) or Quality Assurance documentation.

- Hazmat/DG documentation, when applicable, ensuring compliance with DOT/TDG regulations.

- System Entry: Accurately input all shipment details, tracking numbers, and completed order information into the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Warehouse Management System (WMS).

2. Loading Operations and Quality Control

- Load Verification: Oversee and verify the correct product is loaded onto the correct carrier equipment (e.g., dry van, flatbed, tanker truck, railcar).

- Loading Coordination: Direct forklift operators and yard personnel on staging and loading procedures to ensure efficient turnaround times.

- Inspection: Conduct visual pre-shipment inspections of all outgoing products and packaging to confirm they meet quality standards and are free of damage.

- Seals and Security: Apply and record official seal numbers on trailers, containers, and railcars for security and tracking purposes.

- Weight Management: Ensure shipments do not exceed legal weight limits for road or rail transport and verify weights using the company scale, if applicable.

3. Inventory and Materials Management

- Finished Goods Tracking: Maintain organized records of all finished goods staged for shipment, reconciling daily production output with dispatched orders.

- Packaging Inventory: Collaborate with the Packaging Manager to monitor inventory levels of shipping supplies (pallets, stretch wrap, strapping, labels, etc.) and assist in generating purchase requests to avoid shortages.

- Cycle Counting: Participate in periodic inventory cycle counts or physical inventories of finished goods located in the shipping area.

4. Communication and Administrative Support

- Internal Communication: Promptly notify the Logistics Manager, Packaging Manager, and Sales/Customer Service teams of any shipment delays, discrepancies, or issues that arise.

- Carrier Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for external truck drivers, rail yard personnel, and freight forwarders during pickup and delivery.

- Record Keeping: Maintain a detailed and organized physical and electronic filing system for all completed shipping documents (BOLs, load manifests, inspection reports).

- Compliance: Assist in auditing shipping processes to ensure ongoing compliance with safety, security, and internal company policies.

Required Qualifications

- Experience: 1-3 years of experience in a shipping/receiving, warehouse, or logistics role, preferably within a manufacturing environment.

- Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) and experience utilizing an ERP/WMS system for inventory and order management.

- Knowledge: Basic understanding of transportation terminology, including FTL/LTL, Bulk, and Rail transport, as well as freight documentation (BOLs).

- Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, walk within a large facility, and lift up to 40 lbs occasionally.

- Certification (Preferred): Valid forklift operator certification is a plus.

Key Competencies

- Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation and product verification is critical.

- Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple shipments, carriers, and deadlines simultaneously.

- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with managers, drivers, and internal staff.

- Problem-Solving: Capability to quickly address and resolve unexpected issues (e.g., mispicks, late arrivals, damaged goods).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Disability insurance

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Retirement plan

- Vision insurance

Education:

- High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

- Shipping documentation: 2 years (Preferred)

Shift availability:

- Day Shift (Preferred)

- Night Shift (Preferred)

- Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

- Theodore, AL 36582 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person