This article was originally published on Employbridge.com

If you have a knack for organization and a passion for customer service, then the role of a warehouse expeditor might be the perfect fit for you. In this article, we’re exploring the importance of warehouse expediting and the relevant skills you’ll need to thrive in the field.

What is a warehouse expeditor?

Warehouse expeditors are the professionals responsible for overseeing and expediting the movement of goods within a warehouse. This generally involves ensuring efficient inventory management, timely processing of orders, and smooth coordination between different departments.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, expeditors fall under the category of Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks. Of the more than 389,000 individuals who work in this sector, around 14,000 have jobs in the warehousing and storage industry. They ultimately aim to optimize the flow of products through their organization’s supply chain. But expeditors aren’t only vital in warehouses, they thrive across diverse environments such as:

• Manufacturing facilities
• Retail chains
• E-commerce companies
• Transportation and logistics firms
• And more

The key responsibilities of a warehouse expeditor 

“Expedite” generally means to accomplish something quickly — and that’s exactly what an expeditor does. To ensure an efficient workflow, they’re typically expected to undertake essential tasks such as:

• Inventory management: controlling inventory levels, conducting regular stock counts, reconciling discrepancies, and coordinating with procurement for stock replenishment.
• Order processing: receiving and reviewing customer orders, prioritizing them according to urgency and shipping requirements, and generating picking lists to ensure accurate order fulfillment.
• Shipping coordination: communicating with shipping carriers to schedule pickups and deliveries, ensuring proper packaging and labeling of outgoing shipments, and tracking shipment statuses while resolving any delivery issues that arise.
• Quality control and quality assurance: inspecting incoming and outgoing goods for damage or defects, implementing quality control procedures to maintain product integrity, and documenting and reporting any concerns.
• Workflow optimization: analyzing processes, identifying areas for improvement, implementing efficiency measures to streamline workflows, and collaborating with other departments to enhance operations.

What are the necessary skills and qualifications for the role?

Research reveals that 27% of expeditors excel in customer service, cleanliness, and training. Plus, these professionals are frequently recognized for their soft skills, such as communication, customer support, and attention to detail.

Other competencies required of a warehouse expeditor include:

• Strong organizational skills to efficiently manage inventory, orders, and shipments.
• Effective communication with team members, suppliers, and customers to coordinate tasks, resolve issues, and maintain positive relationships.
• Time management expertise, such as prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and optimizing workflows, to maximize productivity and meet customer demands.
• Proactive problem-solving to overcome obstacles, minimize disruptions, and ensure seamless operations.
• Adaptability to adjust to changing priorities, handle unexpected situations, and maintain efficiency in dynamic and unpredictable warehouse environments.

Looking at common education and training requirements

38.6% of expeditors hold a bachelor’s degree, while just 2.6% have earned master’s degrees. However, it’s worth noting that you can become a warehouse expeditor with a high school diploma or GED.

It typically takes one to two years for new expeditors to officially establish themselves in the field. During this period, beginners are encouraged to accumulate warehouse skills and experience in relevant areas, while making the most of on-the-job training provided by supervisors and seasoned colleagues.

How much can you earn as an entry-level warehouse expeditor?

Factors such as your education, certifications, relevant skills, and years of experience will influence your earning potential as a warehouse expeditor. However, entry-level expeditors typically earn between $37,900 and $49,900, with an average of $43,500. As you continue to develop your warehouse experience skills and advance in your career, you can expect to see your salary potential increase to between $53,473 and $80,959.