Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Examine shipment contents and compare with records, such as manifests, invoices, or orders, to verify accuracy.81
Requisition and store shipping materials and supplies to maintain inventory of stock.76
Prepare documents, such as work orders, bills of lading, or shipping orders, to route materials.76
Pack, seal, label, or affix postage to prepare materials for shipping, using hand tools, power tools, or postage meter.75
Record shipment data, such as weight, charges, space availability, damages, or discrepancies, for reporting, accounting, or recordkeeping purposes.74
Confer or correspond with establishment representatives to rectify problems, such as damages, shortages, or nonconformance to specifications.74
Deliver or route materials to departments using handtruck, conveyor, or sorting bins.72
Contact carrier representatives to make arrangements or to issue instructions for shipping and delivery of materials.70
Determine shipping methods, routes, or rates for materials to be shipped.70
Compute amounts, such as space available, shipping, storage, or demurrage charges, using computer or price list.68
Compare shipping routes or methods to determine which have the least environmental impact.67

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Speaking56
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening53
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension53
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Persuasion44
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation41
Actively looking for ways to help people.

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Writing41
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing38
Teaching others how to do something.
Active Learning35
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Negotiation35
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Mathematics31
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Monitoring31
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Learning Strategies28
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Quality Control Analysis28
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Systems Analysis28
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation28
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control25
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operations Analysis10
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Equipment Selection6
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Administrative61
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics54
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Production and Processing52
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language51
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics51
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management50
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service48
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training47
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Transportation46
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Public Safety and Security43
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mechanical38
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Economics and Accounting37
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

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Telecommunications35
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Personnel and Human Resources31
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Engineering and Technology29
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Communications and Media28
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Sales and Marketing28
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Psychology22
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Geography20
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sociology and Anthropology19
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Building and Construction17
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Law and Government17
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Design16
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Food Production15
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Therapy and Counseling15
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Foreign Language14
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Physics14
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Chemistry12
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Medicine and Dentistry12
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Biology8
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Fine Arts8
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
History and Archeology8
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology8
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Information Ordering56
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Expression56
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity56
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Arm-Hand Steadiness53
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Oral Comprehension53
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

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Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension50
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Trunk Strength47
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Extent Flexibility44
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Fluency of Ideas44
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Multilimb Coordination44
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Static Strength44
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Visual Color Discrimination44
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Control Precision41
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Flexibility of Closure38
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Number Facility35
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Visualization35
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception31
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Mathematical Reasoning31
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Stamina31
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Originality28
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Rate Control28
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing28
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Glare Sensitivity25
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Night Vision25
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Reaction Time25
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation25
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization25
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation25
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Strength22
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Equilibrium22
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Explosive Strength19
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Dynamic Flexibility6
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information83
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates81
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information72
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Handling and Moving Objects72
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities71
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work67
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge65
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events62
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Training and Teaching Others60
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others59
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment58
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Processing Information58
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

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Scheduling Work and Activities58
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships57
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards57
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems57
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Working with Computers56
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials55
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others55
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People54
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others53
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Controlling Machines and Processes52
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Performing Administrative Activities51
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Coaching and Developing Others48
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public47
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Thinking Creatively46
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information45
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates45
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources45
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings45
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Developing and Building Teams44
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Selling or Influencing Others42
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Analyzing Data or Information41
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization40
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Developing Objectives and Strategies40
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others40
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Assisting and Caring for Others38
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Staffing Organizational Units35
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment29
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment28
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment21
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability82
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail79
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Integrity58
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cautiousness49
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Cooperation37
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Stress Tolerance30
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Perseverance29
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation28
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Control21
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability20
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Sincerity18
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Initiative14
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Self-Confidence12
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Social Orientation11
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Humility8
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism4
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy0
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional100
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic50
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Enterprising35
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social6
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative4
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day90%
E-Mail
- Every day87%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day75%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
Time Pressure
- Every day74%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
Contact With Others
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Telephone Conversations
- Every day70%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom32%
- Limited freedom11%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important54%
- Very important32%
- Important12%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important36%
- Very important56%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom26%
- Some freedom63%
- Limited freedom11%

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Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility63%
- Moderate responsibility24%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility43%
- Moderate responsibility18%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important21%
- Very important65%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours29%
- 40 hours70%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day37%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never24%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day40%
- Never15%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results23%
- Important results15%
- Minor results24%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never16%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never27%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually13%
- More than half the time22%
- Less than half the time24%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually32%
- More than half the time16%
- Never11%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Very important12%
- Fairly important12%
- Not important at all36%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive17%
- Moderately competitive16%
- Not at all competitive31%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually29%
- Less than half the time57%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Never16%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time24%
- Less than half the time14%
- Never12%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week63%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)15%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)33%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated29%
- Slightly automated21%
- Not at all automated17%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never20%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually14%
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time23%
- Never14%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually19%
- About half the time23%
- Never13%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Never55%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious16%
- Very serious16%
- Fairly serious32%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time63%
- Never13%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never33%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never59%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day17%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never60%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time65%
- Never23%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never63%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never59%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never76%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day12%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never75%
Exposed to High Places
- Every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never73%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never70%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never83%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never44%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Every day12%
- Never88%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never77%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never75%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never87%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never99%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)99%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Infor ERP Visual, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, SAP software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Bill of lading software, Varsity ShipSoft Supply Chain Execution Suite, Warehouse management system WMS, WindowBook Postal Package Partner
Label making software
Barcode labeling software, Endicia Internet Postage, Laser Substrates PostalXport
Data base user interface and query software
FileMaker Pro, MSR Visual Exporter
Enterprise application integration software
Electronic Data Interchange EDI systems, MSR Visual Exporter Enterprise Integrator
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Accounting software
Sage 50 Accounting
Access software
Citrix cloud computing software
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Enterprise Systems RFID Data Management
Document management software
MSR Visual Exporter Document Library
Procurement software
Aestiva Purchase Order
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Web browser software
Compliance software
Kewill Compliance Partner
Inventory management software
Inventory management systems, Inventory tracking software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Inspect shipments to ensure correct order fulfillment.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Store items.
Package objects for shipping.
Record shipping information.
Respond to customer problems or complaints.
Deliver items.
Analyze shipping information to make routing decisions.
Coordinate shipping activities with external parties.
Calculate shipping costs.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology