Shipping and receiving clerk job description
A comprehensive job description template for shipping and receiving clerk positions in Australian logistics operations. Covers receiving deliveries, dispatch coordination, documentation and carrier management aligned with the Storage Services and Wholesale Award.
Shipping & receiving clerk job description
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About the shipping and receiving clerk role
A shipping and receiving clerk is essential for efficient logistics operations, managing the critical flow of goods in and out of warehouses, distribution centers and facilities. They verify incoming shipments, process outgoing freight, maintain accurate documentation and coordinate with carriers to ensure timely deliveries.
In Australia, shipping and receiving clerks are typically classified under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084) at Level 1-3, depending on their experience and responsibilities. Pay rates include penalty rates for early morning, shift work, weekend and public holiday work.
This template provides a foundation for creating clear, compliant job descriptions that attract candidates with the right attention to detail and logistics experience. Simplify employee onboarding with HR software and use rostering software to schedule your shipping and receiving team efficiently around freight schedules.
Key responsibilities
Core duties included in this job description template
Receiving deliveries
Accept incoming shipments, verify contents against delivery documentation, inspect for damage and process receiving paperwork accurately.
Verifying shipments
Check all deliveries against purchase orders and packing slips, identify discrepancies, report shortages or damages and escalate issues promptly.
Documentation processing
Complete bills of lading, shipping manifests, customs paperwork and delivery receipts. Maintain accurate records in warehouse management systems.
Dispatch coordination
Prepare outgoing shipments, coordinate with carriers for pickup times, select appropriate shipping methods and ensure timely dispatch.
Returns handling
Process returned goods, verify condition, complete return documentation and coordinate with vendors or customers for resolution.
Carrier coordination
Liaise with freight carriers, schedule pickups and deliveries, track shipments and resolve delivery issues or delays.
Skills and attributes
What to look for in shipping and receiving clerk candidates
Attention to detail
Meticulous accuracy when verifying shipments, completing documentation and identifying discrepancies or quality issues.
Computer literacy
Proficiency with warehouse management systems, freight software, tracking systems and documentation tools.
Physical fitness
Ability to lift, move and handle freight safely. Stamina for standing, walking and physical work throughout shifts.
Communication skills
Clear communication with carriers, vendors, warehouse staff and management about shipments, issues and schedules.
Time management
Ability to prioritize tasks, meet carrier deadlines, coordinate multiple shipments and manage time-sensitive freight.
Numeracy
Strong mathematical skills for counting inventory, verifying quantities, calculating freight charges and processing documentation.
Qualifications and requirements
Shipping and receiving clerk positions suit candidates with physical fitness, organisational skills and attention to detail. Logistics experience and system knowledge are valuable but attitude and reliability often matter most.
- Physical fitness (Required)
Ability to lift 15-25kg regularly and perform manual handling tasks
- Computer literacy (Required)
Competence with warehouse management systems and documentation software
- Availability for early shifts (Required)
Flexibility to work early morning starts aligned with freight schedules
- Freight software experience
Familiarity with WMS, TMS or freight management systems
- Previous logistics experience
Background in warehouse, distribution or freight forwarding
- Forklift licence
Current forklift licence (highly desirable)
- Dangerous goods handling
Dangerous goods training or certification
- Customs knowledge
Understanding of import/export and customs documentation
- WMS experience
Experience with warehouse management systems
Working conditions
Set clear expectations about the shipping and receiving environment
- Early morning shifts typically 5am-7am to accommodate freight schedules
- Working in warehouse and loading dock environments with varying temperatures
- Physical demands including lifting, carrying and moving freight
- Standing and walking for extended periods throughout shifts
- Operating equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks and hand trucks
- Fast-paced environment with time-sensitive carrier deadlines
Award coverage
Understanding the Storage Services and Wholesale Award for logistics
Storage services and wholesale award 2020
Shipping and receiving clerk positions are covered by the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084). Clerks typically fall under Level 1-3 classifications based on experience and responsibilities. View current Logistics Award pay rates.
Ensure you classify roles correctly and use award interpretation software to calculate penalty rates for early morning, shift work, weekend and public holiday work accurately.
Career progression
Shipping and receiving clerks can progress to senior clerk positions, warehouse supervision, logistics coordination, freight management or supply chain roles. Building strong system knowledge, developing carrier relationships and demonstrating accuracy and reliability opens advancement opportunities.
Many logistics operations offer training programs in warehouse management systems, dangerous goods handling and customs procedures, making shipping and receiving roles excellent entry points to logistics careers.
Who should use this template?
This job description template is designed for Australian logistics businesses with shipping and receiving operations
Clear job descriptions attract candidates with the right accuracy and reliability for critical freight operations.
How to use this template
Tips for customising the shipping and receiving clerk job description
Specify freight schedules
Outline typical delivery and pickup times, carrier schedules and volume patterns so candidates understand shift requirements and workflow expectations.
Detail physical requirements
Be specific about lifting weights, manual handling frequency and physical demands to ensure candidates can meet the role's requirements.
List systems and software
Identify the warehouse management systems, freight software and tracking tools used so candidates know what technical skills they'll need.
Clarify carrier relationships
Specify which carriers you work with and the nature of coordination required, including any specialized systems or procedures.
Verify award classification
Confirm the appropriate Level 1-3 classification based on experience requirements and responsibilities under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award.
Include training opportunities
Mention any forklift training, dangerous goods certification, WMS training or career development opportunities to attract motivated candidates.
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and logistics industry practices at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your business, operation size and specific requirements. Confirm the applicable modern award classification and support compliance with all relevant employment laws. For complex situations, seek independent legal or HR advice.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about shipping and receiving clerk job descriptions, qualifications and employment. Built for Australian small businesses.
- A shipping and receiving clerk manages the flow of goods in and out of a facility. They receive incoming shipments, verify deliveries against documentation, process outgoing shipments, coordinate with carriers, maintain accurate records and ensure proper documentation of all freight movements under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award.
- Shipping and receiving clerks typically fall under Level 1-3 of the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084). Level 1 covers basic receiving and dispatch duties, Level 2 covers those with documentation and system skills, and Level 3 covers those with specialist knowledge or supervisory responsibilities. See our Logistics Award pay rates guide.
- Some businesses separate these roles: receiving clerks focus on incoming goods, verification and documentation, while shipping clerks handle outgoing shipments, carrier coordination and dispatch. Many positions combine both functions, particularly in smaller operations where one person manages all freight movements.
- Forklift licences are highly desirable for shipping and receiving roles, especially in warehouse and distribution environments. While not always mandatory, having a current forklift licence significantly increases job opportunities and enables clerks to handle loading and unloading operations more efficiently.
Related resources
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See how RosterElf helps logistics businesses manage staff scheduling, payroll and compliance.
Learn moreLogistics award pay rates
Current pay rates, penalty rates and allowances under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020.
View ratesRegulatory sources
This job description is aligned with Australian workplace award requirements.
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Disclaimer
This document is a general job description template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.