Prepare items for shipment. Exclude Laborers, Stock Clerks, and workers whose primary duties involve weighing and checking. The normal workweek is 40 hours, but when products, merchandise or materials are needed in a hurry, clerks may have to work overtime on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and evenings. Overtime is usually paid at time and a half. Fringe benefits can include paid vacations and holidays, group life, health and dental insurance, sick leave and retirement.
Some employers offer clerks stock purchase and profit sharing plans.
Although employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all jobs from now until 2005, a lot will depend on the economy and the amount of goods being shipped. Many firms now use computers to handle their shipping and receiving operations and use better mechanical equipment to move orders. These changes may slow down job growth for Shipping and Receiving Clerks, but the demand for Clerks hasn't seemed to slow down as certain duties can't be automated. Advancement Promotional opportunities for Shipping and Receiving Clerks are better in big companies and depend on proven skill and ability. Chances for more advancement are better for workers who continue to improve their skills and pick up other skills.