Shipping & Receiving Associate

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nTEMP to HIRE Shipping & Receiving Associate – Job Description Position Summary The Shipping & Receiving Associate receives, inspects, documents, and stores incoming materials, and picks, packs, and ships outgoing customer orders accurately and on time. This role keeps inventory accurate, keeps production supplied, and makes sure customers receive the right product in good condition. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, safety-conscious, comfortable using computers and warehouse systems, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced warehouse environment. Employment Type: Temp-to-hire. The associate starts through a staffing agency and may be offered direct hire based on performance, attendance, and business needs. Key Responsibilities Receiving & Inspection • Receive inbound deliveries from suppliers, carriers, and other locations. • Verify incoming shipments against purchase orders, packing slips, and other receiving documentation. • Inspect shipments for quantity, product condition, damage, and discrepancies. • Identify and report shortages, overages, damaged products, or incorrect shipments to the Warehouse Supervisor. • Document receiving discrepancies and assist with resolution as needed. • Apply appropriate labels, identification, and documentation to received materials. • Record received products accurately in the warehouse or ERP system. Put-Away & Inventory Control • Move received materials to designated warehouse locations using appropriate material-handling equipment. • Complete put-away activities accurately and efficiently. • Maintain organized storage locations and store products according to established procedures. • Verify product identification, lot numbers, expiration dates, and quantities when applicable. • Assist with cycle counts and physical inventory activities. • Report inventory discrepancies to the Warehouse Supervisor. • Maintain accurate inventory records and transaction documentation. Shipping & Order Fulfillment • Review daily shipping schedules, sales orders, and pick lists to prioritize outbound orders. • Pick finished goods and materials accurately by item, lot number, and quantity, following first-expired, first-out (FEFO) or first-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation. • Pack orders securely using the correct cartons, packing materials, and pallet configurations to prevent damage in transit. • Verify each order against the pick list and sales order before it ships. • Prepare and print shipping documents, including packing slips, bills of lading (BOL), shipping labels, and pallet labels. • Build, wrap, and label pallets for LTL and truckload shipments. • Prepare small-parcel shipments (UPS, FedEx, USPS) and create labels using carrier shipping software or websites. • Stage completed orders in the designated shipping area and load trucks safely and efficiently. • Coordinate carrier pickups and communicate with drivers on pickup times and load requirements. • Record shipment details, tracking numbers, and lot numbers in the warehouse or ERP system. • Report backorders, short shipments, or order issues to the Warehouse Supervisor and Customer Service. • Process customer returns according to established procedures. Food Safety & Quality • Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), SQF food safety requirements, and company sanitation procedures. • Inspect inbound and outbound trailers for cleanliness, odors, pests, and damage before loading or unloading. • Maintain lot traceability on all received and shipped products. • Place damaged, contaminated, or questionable products on hold and notify Quality Assurance. Safety & Equipment • Follow all warehouse safety procedures, company policies, and OSHA requirements. • Perform required safety checks before operating forklifts or other material-handling equipment. • Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, carts, and other warehouse equipment safely when authorized and trained. • Inspect equipment before use and immediately report damage or mechanical issues. • Keep receiving, shipping, storage, and work areas clean and unobstructed. • Handle products properly to prevent damage to materials, equipment, and facilities. Warehouse Operations • Assist other warehouse functions, including staging and production support, as needed. • Prioritize receiving and shipping activities based on production, customer, and operational requirements. • Communicate clearly with warehouse leadership, Customer Service, Purchasing, and other departments about incoming and outgoing materials. • Follow established warehouse procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs). • Assist with improving warehouse organization, processes, and workflow. • Perform other warehouse duties as assigned. Daily Shipping & Receiving Process The associate is expected to follow the standard process below each day. Receiving 1. Check in with the Warehouse Manager. 2. Review scheduled inbound deliveries and purchase orders. 3. Inspect the trailer, then receive and unload incoming materials safely. 4. Verify the shipment against the purchase order and packing slip. 5. Inspect materials for quantity, condition, damage, and discrepancies. 6. Document receiving information and discrepancies. 7. Label and identify materials as required. 8. Enter or verify the receipt in the warehouse/ERP system. 9. Move materials to the appropriate staging or storage location. 10. Complete put-away and keep the receiving area organized. Shipping 1. Review the day’s open orders, pick lists, and scheduled carrier pickups. 2. Pick orders by item, lot number, and quantity using proper stock rotation. 3. Verify picked items against the order before packing. 4. Pack, palletize, wrap, and label orders. 5. Print packing slips, bills of lading, and shipping labels. 6. Record shipment, tracking, and lot information in the warehouse/ERP system. 7. Stage orders in the shipping area by carrier and pickup time. 8. Inspect the trailer, then load shipments and obtain driver signatures on the BOL. 9. File signed shipping paperwork and confirm orders are marked shipped. End of Day 1. Communicate any unresolved receiving or shipping issues to the Warehouse Supervisor. 2. Clean and reset the shipping and receiving areas for the next shift. Qualifications Education & Experience • High school diploma or equivalent preferred. • 1+ year of warehouse, shipping, receiving, inventory, or material-handling experience preferred. • Experience in a food, beverage, or manufacturing warehouse is a plus. • Forklift experience or certification preferred. Computer Skills (Required) • Comfortable using a computer, tablet, and handheld barcode scanner daily. • Ability to enter receipts, picks, and shipments accurately in a warehouse management or ERP system, and to learn new systems quickly. • Basic Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets skills: entering data, sorting and filtering, and updating simple logs or trackers. • Ability to use email (Outlook or Gmail) to communicate with supervisors, Customer Service, and other departments. • Experience printing labels and documents, and using carrier websites or shipping software (UPS, FedEx, USPS, or LTL carrier portals) to create labels and track shipments. • Ability to look up orders, inventory locations, and tracking information in company systems. Skills & Abilities • Ability to read and understand purchase orders, sales orders, pick lists, packing slips, bills of lading, labels, and basic warehouse documentation. • Ability to accurately count and verify materials. • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. • Ability to work independently while following established procedures. • Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, drivers, and other departments. • Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus. Physical Requirements • Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 75 pounds. • Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift for extended periods. • Ability to safely operate or learn to operate warehouse equipment. • Ability to work in varying warehouse temperatures and conditions, including loading docks and trailers. • Ability to safely perform repetitive physical tasks. • Ability to view a computer screen and handheld scanner for extended periods. Performance Expectations Success in this position will be measured by: • Receiving accuracy and accurate quantity and product verification • Order picking and shipping accuracy (right product, lot, and quantity) • On-time shipments and timely completion of receiving and put-away • Damage-free packing and loading • Inventory accuracy • Accurate and timely system entries and shipping documentation • Proper documentation of discrepancies • Safe operation of equipment • Warehouse organization and cleanliness • Compliance with warehouse procedures, food safety, and safety requirements • Dependability, attendance, and teamwork Reporting Structure Employment Type: Temp-to-hire Reports To: Warehouse Supervisor / Warehouse Manager Works Closely With: Warehouse Operations, Production, Purchasing, Inventory Control, Quality Assurance, Customer Service, carriers and drivers, and other operational teams.\n\nCompany Description:\n\nQTrade is the nation's most prominent importer of organic teas and botanicals, boasting a distinguished history of over three decades in the industry. We are one of the few full-service manufacturers, overseeing every aspect from direct sourcing to master tea blending, in-house production, and order fulfillment. This comprehensive approach enables QTrade to offer an all-encompassing partnership model within the industry while maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency.\n\nWatch Our Journey and Capabilities: our website: to learn more

Company Description

QTrade is the nation's most prominent importer of organic teas and botanicals, boasting a distinguished history of over three decades in the industry. We are one of the few full-service manufacturers, overseeing every aspect from direct sourcing to master tea blending, in-house production, and order fulfillment. This comprehensive approach enables QTrade to offer an all-encompassing partnership model within the industry while maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency.\r\n\r\nWatch Our Journey and Capabilities: our website: to learn more