Description
Receive, unload, verify, and record incoming merchandise and materials; inspect for damage, reconcile paperwork, label and stage goods for putaway or cross-dock, and maintain accurate inventory and a safe, organized receiving area. May operate material-handling equipment and process returns or claims.
- • Receive and unload inbound shipments from carriers.
- • Verify contents against purchase orders, packing lists, and invoices.
- • Count, measure, or weigh items to confirm quantities.
- • Inspect goods for damage, defects, or expiration and report discrepancies.
- • Record receipts in inventory systems using computers or RF scanners.
- • Apply labels, barcodes, identification tags, and date or lot information.
- • Mark stock items with required identification or regulatory labels.
- • Stage and route items for putaway, cross-dock, or internal transfer.
- • Store items in designated locations following FIFO/FEFO and environmental requirements.
- • Maintain an orderly, accessible receiving dock and staging areas.
- • Compare carrier documents, such as bills of lading, to shipments and obtain signatures.
- • Close out receiving documents and file or upload paperwork.
- • Communicate shortages, overages, and damages to supervisors, buyers, and vendors.
- • Initiate claims, replacements, or RTVs for damaged or short-shipped items.
- • Assist with cycle counts and physical inventory reconciliations.
- • Take inventory or flag items requiring replenishment or reordering.
- • Determine proper storage methods and locations based on product characteristics.
- • Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment safely.
- • Clean and maintain docks, equipment, and storage areas to meet safety standards.
- • Dispose of damaged or defective items per policy or return to vendors.
- • Keep records of received, returned, and transferred goods.
- • Coordinate dock appointments and carrier check-in as needed.
- • Maintain temperature or condition checks for perishable or sensitive items when required.
- • Provide direction or assistance to other receiving or warehouse staff.
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Supply Chain & Transportation
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Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
