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RetailGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerk

Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products. May prepare items for shipment.

Annual openings

1,585

Median wage

$47,130

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+1%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required.

Are you organized and detailed? Do you like when things are in order and working smoothly? If so, a job as a clerk might be just right for you. You could work in the warehouse of an advanced manufacturing company, in charge of tracking and organizing the shipments of raw materials that arrive and the finished products that leave.
As a Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerk, you’ll keep records of all the shipments that come in and go out, making sure that each one contains the correct items, inspecting those items for quality, and getting them to the right destination. You might need to communicate with the shipping company, the customer, or the supplier if an issue comes up. You’ll also direct sorters and handlers as to where the incoming shipments are stored and how to correctly package outgoing orders. Depending on the company, you may be asked to pack and unpack parcels yourself.
Shipping to international locations adds complexity to the role related to import/export compliance rules.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Transportation

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Requisition and store shipping materials and supplies to maintain inventory of stock.
  2. Deliver or route materials to departments using handtruck, conveyor, or sorting bins.
  3. Contact carrier representatives to make arrangements or to issue instructions for shipping and delivery of materials.
  4. Determine shipping methods, routes, or rates for materials to be shipped.
  5. Examine shipment contents and compare with records, such as manifests, invoices, or orders, to verify accuracy.
  6. Prepare documents, such as work orders, bills of lading, or shipping orders, to route materials.
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