Job Spotlight: Receiving Clerk
“I love the fact that my days are rarely the same”
Hugo, receptionist at Logisseo
The receiving clerk is responsible for ensuring that all handling operations in the receiving department run smoothly . This means they are in charge of unloading and inspecting products that come into the company. They check each item for quality and quantity. They are also responsible for putting the products into stock.
The duties of the receiving clerk
The receiving clerk’s primary responsibility is unloading the goods. In this role, they serve as the first point of contact for drivers, whom they greet daily and who hand over the packages to them. As a result, they are responsible for ensuring that all the characteristics of the items or pallets match what was originally ordered. They also check the condition in which they arrive to identify any potential issues, then print a slip summarizing the order details, which they have the carrier sign.
The operator’s second task is to verify the quantities received and put them into stock. To do this, the operator scans each item with their handheld device. This allows them to see the expected quantity and enter the quantity actually received. All this information is sent directly to our client via our online portal.
Once the quantity has been entered, the computer system indicates where to store the item, ensuring that the FIFO (first-in, first-out) principle is followed:
- For picking, directly available to order pickers if there is no stock available in the warehouse.
- On hold if there is already stock in the warehouse. The items are then typically grouped together on a pallet, which is stored on our pallet racks.
The receptionist also plays a role in maintaining the premises and equipment, helping to organize them and ensuring they remain clean. They may also be called upon to assist the preparation and inventory management teams as needed.
The skills required to be a good receptionist
To be a good receptionist, it is essential to have a variety of skills. This ensures that all tasks can be handled with confidence and completed on time. Here are some of the necessary skills:
- Using business software and a practical assignment
- Organization
- Team spirit
- Clarification
- Compliance with procedures
- Compliance with safety rules and guidelines
What training and qualifications are required to become a receptionist?
To work as a receiving clerk, it can be beneficial to have completed training in the logistics field: this will be a major asset in understanding the various tasks assigned and the challenges involved, as well as in carrying them out effectively.
There are no training programs specifically designed for the role of receiving clerk; however, it is possible to pursue a vocational high school diploma in logistics, a CAP in logistics operations, or a CAP in service operations.
The CSR aspect of the receptionist role
That's right— the receptionist does indeed have a role to play in implementing the company's CSR initiatives!
With this in mind, at Logisseo, he is tasked with promoting reuse by setting aside clean packing materials received in shipments so they can be made available to order fulfillment staff. By reusing whatever can be reused, he helps reduce the amount of waste generated by his department.
The receptionist also plays a role in ensuring that waste is recycled properly: they must strictly follow the guidelines for sorting different materials.
Finally, to minimize the physical risks associated with the job, employees are encouraged to follow the movements and postures recommended by the company.
The example of Hugo, a receptionist at Logisseo
Hugo has been working at Logisseo since 2022. Before joining the company, he worked as a order picker at another firm. To get to where he is today, Hugo completed a training program to become a warehouse logistics technician—a skill he uses every day!
At Logisseo, Hugo wears two hats, as he splits his time between the receiving team and the inventory management team. For the past few months, he has also been filling in on the shipments.
Hugo believes that to fulfill all the duties of a receptionist, one must be thorough, organized, quick, and responsive.
What he likes best about his days—like many of his colleagues at Logisseo—is that no two days are alike: he loves the variety of his assignments!
Now you know everything there is to know about the role of a receiving clerk! To learn more about the day-to-day operations of a logistics company, follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram.
