The logistics and supply chain industry in Canada is made up of shipping and receiving jobs. They are central to the flow of goods and make sure that businesses run effectively and consumers get their goods in time. Whether it is retail and healthcare, manufacturing, and e-commerce, virtually every industry depends on competent employees in shipping and receiving to control the movement of goods.
Individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in this field need to know the responsibilities, qualifications, and opportunities in this field. This blog will cover all you should know about shipping and receiving jobs in Canada, skills, benefits, and challenges, and how to get the best job.
The Shipping and Receiving in Canadian Economy
The economy of Canada is highly dependent on the well-developed transportation and logistics to cope with the imports, exports, and domestic transportation of goods. Unsung heroes of these systems are shipping and receiving workers because they guarantee the delivery of materials and products in a timely and efficient manner.
These roles are even more essential because of the rapid development of such industries as e-commerce. The need to have skilled shipping and receiving workers has increased as businesses such as Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers offer faster shipping times. Also, large ports, including Vancouver and Toronto, are major centers of international trade, which generates even more employment opportunities.
These functions are not only important in terms of the efficiency of the operations of the business, but also in terms of customer satisfaction. Proper tracking of shipments, correct inventory management and on-time deliveries are part of a good customer experience.
Major Duties and Work in Shipping and Receiving
Shipping and receiving jobs involve a wide range of duties that guarantee goods are processed, checked and delivered in an accurate manner. Some of the main tasks that you may have in these jobs are as follows:
1. Receiving Shipments
Offloading goods in the trucks or containers.
Checking of goods on arrival as to whether they are damaged or not.
Checking the purchase orders and packing lists to shipment details.
2. Shipping Products
Packing and labelling of goods to be sent.
Liaising with shipping companies on transportation logistic.
Production and verification of shipping documents, including bills of lading.
3. Inventory Management
Having proper records of stocks.
Storage area organisation to provide easy access.
Marking inventory shortage or overages.
4. Quality Control
Making sure that all the packages are packed in a way that they do not break during the transportation.
Detecting and correcting mistakes in inbound or outbound shipment.
5. Equipment Use
Using equipment such as pallet jacks, conveyor systems and forklifts.
Inventory tracking and logistics computer systems and software management.
The work of shipping and receiving combines both physical and technical skills, including lifting and organising goods, data input and inventory tracking.
Skills and Qualification Required in Shipping and Receiving Jobs
The roles of shipping and receiving are available to workers of different levels of skills. Nevertheless, some conditions and desired competencies can increase your chances of getting hired:
1. High School Diploma or Equivalent
The majority of the shipping and receiving jobs in Canada involve a high school diploma or a similar degree. This equips the basic knowledge required to deal with job tasks.
2. Physical Fitness
These occupations usually require standing, heavy lifting and moving around. It is necessary to be physically fit.
3. Organisational Skills
Organizational skills, record keeping and working under strict deadlines are also essential in this profession.
4. Detail Oriented
Errors in the shipping or receiving procedures may lead to great losses. Attention to detail is useful in making sure that inspections, labelling and order management are accurate.
5. Technical Proficiency
Experience with warehouse equipment, such as barcoding systems, inventory software or operating equipment, such as forklifts, may be needed. Your employability can be enhanced greatly by having a certification of a forklift operator.
6. Communication Skills
Communication with suppliers, colleagues, and transport workers is also necessary to make the work smooth.
Although you may be offered on-the-job training, such knowledge as additional certifications or experience in logistics, warehousing, or inventory management may make you stand out in the job market.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Shipping and Receiving Job
Shipping and receiving jobs, as well as any other profession, have their own benefits and certain drawbacks. Let us take a closer look at the two:
Benefits
- Great Demand: These jobs are always needed in Canada due to the need to transport goods, which means great job security.
- Easy Point of Entry: Shipping and receiving jobs do not need high qualifications and are a good option to take up by new employees or those who are changing careers.
- Skills Developments: This area provides room to develop skills, both hard (e.g. operating equipment) and soft (e.g. time management).
- Future Earning: The average pay is dependent on the area, but employees can increase their wages by obtaining certification, like forklift certification or inventory certification.
- Industry Diversity: Shipping and receiving employees are engaged in a wide range of industries, which provides flexibility to venture into other industries such as retail, pharmaceutical and manufacturing.
- Career Growth: Experienced and committed employees have the chance to become supervisors or managers in the field of logistics or supply chain activities.
Challenges
- Physical Requirements: The position usually entails a lot of physical work, which is demanding in the long run.
- Monotony: Packing, labelling, and inventory are some of the repetitive tasks that may be boring to some workers.
- Work Schedules: Most of the jobs involve shift work or working long hours (particularly in the busy seasons of the company operations (e.g. during holiday seasons, special sales etc.).
- Seasonal Fluctuations: Some industries are seasonal and there can be fluctuation of work loads.
These challenges can be overcome by being ready and concentrating on the positive aspects of a career in this area.
How to find Shipping and Receiving Jobs in Canada
In case you are willing to take up a shipping and receiving job in Canada, here are practical steps that can guide you to get a job:
1. Take advantage of the online platforms
Shipping and receiving positions are regularly posted at websites such as Indeed, Monster, and Workopolis. Use filters such as location, industry and salary range to narrow your search.
2. Register to Recruitment Agencies
Staffing agencies such as Randstad or Adecco tend to work with industrial and logistic jobs. Collaborating with them may give access to unique employment opportunities.
3. Customize Your Resume
Note down the experience, certifications and physical skills that are relevant to the shipping and receiving jobs.
4. Meet with Industry players
Visit job fairs, online forums or industry events to connect with people and know about job opportunities.
5. Obtain Certifications
Forklift operation course, workplace safety course (WHMIS) or logistic management courses put you at an advantage, and you become a more attractive candidate.
6. Specific Employers Target
Large-scale companies, including Amazon, UPS, or Purolator, are constantly seeking qualified shipping and receiving workers. Job postings should be applied directly on their websites.
Future Career and Opportunities in Shipping and Receiving
The shipping and receiving position is not only a temporary job but can result in a worthwhile career development. Through experience and good performance, most workers advance to other positions like shipping supervisors, warehouse managers or logistics coordinators. Others also opt to specialise in inventory management or even work in procurement and supply chain analytics.
Advanced technologies have been brought to the industry by the emergence of automation and data-driven logistics. Technical minded workers also had the opportunity to expand into warehouse systems management, robotics or IT positions in logistics.
Final Thoughts
The shipping and receiving careers in Canada provide a stable job with a chance of growth. The country needs these roles in the industrial and retail sectors as they offer vital services that ensure smooth supply chains. With the competitive remuneration and skill development to the long-term growth opportunities, these are the jobs that are perfect to the person who is willing to embark on a challenging and satisfying career.
When you are thinking of joining this profession, you should begin by refining your resume, getting the required training, and finding out good employers in your locality. Shipping and receiving jobs may be the very ladder to a successful logistics career.
