Warehouse jobs are expected to grow at a rate higher than the average growth rate for other jobs through 2026 – 7% per year. Warehouses are large buildings where products and equipment are stored, often for shipment around the country and the world. But what does a warehouse associate do every day? Read on to find out what the people who work in them do.
Picking
Receiving orders and responding to them is called “picking,” because the work often involves picking the goods ordered off shelves.
Pickers need to be computer savvy enough to pull incoming orders from the computer system and may be required to mark the order fulfilled from the picking department when they have picked it.
They also need to have good memories and agility to move around large warehouses to find the goods. They may need the coordination and skill to use mechanical pickers as well as to pick up products by hand.
Finally, pickers need to be discerning and able to always choose the right product out of the many different products available. Mistakes in picking products can lead to returns, which impacts the company’s bottom line.
Packing
Goods are packed after they are picked. Packing can include placing the material in boxes or other containers, choosing the right material for the size and weight, labeling, and weighing.
Packing involves good judgment about the type and size of container or box. It also requires being able to pack quickly and strong coordination.
Loading and Hauling
After goods are packed, they have to be transported to the loading area. Some transport may be done via forklift or other machinery. Other transportation may be done by moving pallets on which packages have been placed or even loading robots.
Forklift drivers require specific training and may require licensing. Moving a pallet also requires training on proper procedures and proper safety procedures. Haulers may be required to wear specific safety equipment to minimize the danger of a load’s falling on them.
Loaders load the containers and boxes on trucks or other transport, where they will be taken to fulfillment centers, stores, or consumers themselves.
Stacking and Stocking
Stackers are responsible for stacking products in the appropriate place. The job requires dexterity, speed, and coordination.
Stockers are responsible for stocking shelves as the inventory is packed and shipped. Stockers can also be responsible for monitoring how much stock is left, to make sure that the shelves are filled often enough that there’s no chance of the pickers not being able to find a product.
Interested In a Warehouse Career?
No matter what type of work experience you have, exciting opportunities are waiting for you in warehouse work. To find out more, contact us today.
