Shipping Assistant Job Duties
A shipping assistant typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
Maintaining accurate records of incoming and outgoing shipments, including creating labels and packing lists, updating databases, and tracking delivery status
Packaging goods to ensure safe delivery by applying labels, strapping pallets, and shrink-wrapping items
Coordinating freight transportation with carriers such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, or Starship.
Maintaining a system for tracking shipments.
Calling clients to confirm shipment details and other pertinent information
Preparing shipping orders, including arranging pickup and delivery dates, times, and addresses
Following standard operating procedures to ensure that all items are packed correctly and safely
Providing customer service to clients by answering questions and resolving problems regarding shipping arrangements
Performing clerical tasks such as filing documents and answering phones
Shipping Assistant Skills
Shipping assistants need the following skills in order to be successful:
Attention to detail: Shipping assistants should have excellent attention to detail to ensure they complete all tasks correctly. You should be able to read and understand shipping documents, packing lists and other paperwork to ensure you send the correct items to the correct locations. You should also be able to organize and label packages correctly to ensure they arrive at their destination.
Organization: Shipping assistants should be able to organize their time and tasks to ensure they complete all duties in a timely manner. Organization skills can also help shipping assistants keep track of their shipments and ensure they send them out on time.
Communication: Communication skills are important for shipping assistants because they often work with a team. It’s important to be able to communicate effectively with your team members and supervisors. You should also be able to communicate with customers over the phone or in person.
Customer service: Customer service skills can help you interact with customers and clients in a professional manner. You may be required to answer questions, provide information and complete transactions for customers. Customer service skills can help you provide excellent service to customers and help you advance in your shipping assistant career.
Multitasking: Shipping assistants may be responsible for several tasks at once, so it’s important for them to be able to multitask. You may be responsible for scanning packages, loading a truck and unloading a truck, so it’s important to be able to handle all tasks at once.