Industry Profile -- by Christina Marriott

What comes to your mind when you hear the words "warehousing careers?" Do you envision a large dusty building where big, burly workers are pushing around boxes and barrels? Well think again. Stepping inside a warehouse today will reveal a well kept, modern facility where men and women work in an industry that is chugging along at incredible speeds.

In the world of warehousing, high-tech handling equipment combined with the latest computer technology has catapulted the distribution of goods and materials across the globe. Operating a warehouse effectively involves million-dollar automated storage and retrieval systems, computerized information programs, and changing technology to meet the demands of greater speed, productivity and accuracy.

Most warehousing jobs are located in large urban centres where manufacturers, wholesalers, and large retailers have their warehouses. Warehousing professionals may be employed in a variety of settings, such as freezers or refrigerated storage areas, and work with a wide range of materials, from fruit to pharmaceuticals. Working in a unionized warehouse is not uncommon. In Canada there are over 38,000 warehousing companies, producing shipments worth $434.2 billion a year. In 1998, over 400,000 Canadians worked directly in warehousing related industries, including transportation, storage, postal and courier services. Another 480,000 were employed in manufacturing, wholesale, retail trade and other industries.

Today, warehouses play an important role in the logistics industry being used to store supplies, equipment, machinery, retail merchandise and so much more. (Logistics is the broad category that includes the shipping, warehousing and delivery. Watch for a future edition of nextSteps.org for more on the shipping and delivery sides of the equation.) Careers in warehousing require excellent manual dexterity and physical stamina, the ability to work independently, good math, communication and computer skills, and the ability to get along well with customers. Warehousing professionals can develop the knowledge and skills they need by learning on-the-job and through formal training at accredited institutions.

The future of warehousing looks bright and opportunities for employment within the warehouse industry look extremely promising. Here's a look at some of the careers available in the warehouse industry and the more-encompassing logistics industry:

Warehousing Professionals fill and prepare orders, receive shipments, handle and store products, and clean and maintain storage areas. Other duties of technicians include re-arranging storage areas, responding to customer demands, and purchasing products. In this field, working indoors in an office or warehouse is common, and shift work is required. To be successful, physical stamina, good math and computer skills, and excellent communication skills are required. Individuals should also be able to work independently and get along well with customers. (Sub-divisions of this job title could include order pickers, forklift operators, loaders and others.)

• Pay will range from $12,700 to $45,200 per year
• Average occupational growth is expected to the year 2005

Parts technicians (typically work in the automotive industry) are responsible for selling supplies and parts, ordering parts and maintaining inventory. In a warehouse, technicians handle stock, organize and ship parts, prepare statements and submit bills. Although the work is not physically strenuous, parts technicians are required to work on their feet much of the time and perform heavy lifting. The ability to deal effectively with customers and pay careful attention to detail is also required. Basic math skills and a flexible attitude are also important.

• Pay will range from $12,700 to $45,200 per year
• Average occupational growth is expected to the year 2005

Shippers and receivers assemble packages for delivery, direct delivery trucks and inspect and count items received. Additional tasks involve unpacking and storing goods, maintaining accurate records, and operating heavy machinery. Shippers and receivers work mostly indoors in large warehouses and may be required to lift heavy items. Physical strength and stamina, good organizational skills, the ability to help others and a courteous attitude are important skills a shipper and receiver should possess. Mechanical aptitude is a definite asset.

• Pay will range from $11,700 to $45,100 per year
• Below average occupational growth is expected until 2005

Traffic managers schedule dispatching of goods, manage transportation costs, and prepare and control transportation budgets. Other common duties include training and supervising employees, developing transportation policies, and finding locations for new warehouses. In a smaller company, traffic managers may monitor shipments, co-ordinate deliveries, and issue shipping instructions. Extensive travelling may be involved in this area of work and shift work is required. Characteristics of traffic managers include the ability to analyze information, strong decision-making and creative problem solving skills, and a good memory for details. Communication skills and the ability to work quickly with numbers are also required.

• Pay will range from $22,900 to $76,300 per year
• Well below occupational growth is expected until 2005

Truck drivers operate trucks, trailers and other vehicles to transport materials locally and internationally. They will also inspect vehicles, load trucks, secure cargo and conduct security checks and inspections en route. Truck drivers will keep accurate records of delivered loads and collect payment and delivery charges for materials. Work loads and schedules vary for truck drivers and they drive in all kinds of weather and traffic conditions. Good health and vision, the ability to remain alert and maintain a high level of concentration are essential in this field. Good judgement, mechanical ability, and the ability to react quickly in emergency situations are also important characteristics.

• Pay will range from $17,900 to $45,000 a year
• Well above occupational growth is expected to the year 2005

Couriers (or messengers) are responsible for pickup and delivery services, operate vehicles, and maintain a stockroom. They may be required to perform heavy lifting and work various shifts. Courier's value working with little direction and supervision, enjoy variety in tasks, and must be responsible and conscientious. Being bondable is required.

• Pay will range from $12,900 to $23,200 per year
• Average occupational growth is expected to the year 2005

Customs brokers arrange to pay duties, taxes, and goods transportation charges, and provide advice regarding export and import restrictions. Brokers will identify problems and represent clients in dealing with government officials. Those employed as brokers work in large urban centres and have flexible work hours. The ability to work well with others, evaluate shipments and work under pressure are important characteristics of customs brokers. Good communication skills and the ability to stay informed on procedures, laws and regulations are also required.

• Pay will range from $22,900 to $76,300 per year
• Well below occupational growth is expected until 2005