Transportation

To Become Warehouse Clerk (Shipping and receiving) in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook.

by Occupations.ca Team
11 min read

Have you ever wondered how products get from a supplier’s truck to a store shelf or an online order to your doorstep? If you enjoy hands-on work, staying organized, and keeping goods moving, a career as a Warehouse Clerk (Shipping and receiving) in Ontario might be a great fit for you.

Job Description

As a Warehouse Clerk (Shipping and receiving), you are the person who makes sure products arrive, are checked and stored properly, and then shipped out accurately and on time. You may also be called a shipper/receiver, warehouse associate, or logistics clerk. In Ontario, these roles exist in many sectors: Retail distribution centres, manufacturing plants, food and beverage, e‑commerce, Automotive, pharmaceuticals, and third‑party logistics (3PL) providers.

You will work with both people and technology. You might unload trucks, scan barcodes into a warehouse Management system, prepare orders, label pallets, complete paperwork, and coordinate pickups. You help keep inventory counts accurate and follow health and Safety rules to protect yourself and your team.

Daily work activities

  • Receiving incoming goods: unloading, verifying quantities and condition, and recording items in the system.
  • Putting stock away: moving products to shelves, racks, or bins using pallet jacks or forklifts.
  • Picking and packing orders: following pick lists, scanning items, packing securely, and preparing shipping labels and documents.
  • Shipping: staging orders, arranging carrier pickups, sealing trailers, and confirming shipments in the system.
  • Inventory control: completing cycle counts, reporting discrepancies, and rotating stock (first-in, first-out).
  • Using technology: handheld scanners, printers, and warehouse management systems (WMS).
  • Communicating: working with supervisors, drivers, dispatchers, and Customer Service or purchasing teams.
  • Health and safety: following safe lifting, lockout/tagout procedures (where applicable), and WHMIS rules.

Main tasks

  • Receive and inspect goods against purchase orders and bills of lading.
  • Input data into a WMS/ERP and generate labels and shipping paperwork.
  • Pick, pack, and palletize orders with accuracy and speed.
  • Prepare customs/commercial invoices for outbound cross‑border shipments (if required).
  • Coordinate carriers and track shipments; resolve Delivery issues.
  • Maintain clean, organized aisles and staging areas; dispose of packaging.
  • Operate Material Handling equipment (e.g., pallet jack, walkie, forklift) safely.
  • Complete inventory counts and record adjustments.
  • Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality checks.
  • Report damaged or missing items and initiate claims when needed.

Required Education

You can enter this field with a high school diploma, and you can grow your career with college programs and industry certificates. Choose the path that fits your goals, timeline, and budget.

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Diplomas and credentials

  • Certificate (1 year or less)
    • Good starting point if you want job‑ready skills. Look for certificates in Warehouse Operations, Logistics, or Supply Chain foundations.
    • Micro‑credentials can add targeted skills such as forklift operation, inventory control, or WMS basics.
  • College Diploma (2–3 years)
    • Business – Supply Chain and Operations or Supply Chain Management (often with co‑op). Strong option if you want to advance to lead, coordinator, or inventory control roles.
  • Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
    • Business/Commerce with a focus in Operations or Supply Chain. Useful if you aim to move into planning, Procurement, or logistics Coordination later in your career.

Length of studies

  • Certificate or micro‑credential: a few days (equipment certificates) to 8–12 months (college certificate).
  • College Diploma: typically 2 years (some advanced diplomas are 3 years).
  • Bachelor’s Degree: typically 4 years.

Where to study? (Ontario)

Public colleges and universities across Ontario offer supply chain and logistics programs. Explore programs and delivery options (full‑time, part‑time, online, co‑op).

Examples of Ontario schools with relevant programs:

Industry and safety Training you may need:

Professional associations and designations (optional, useful for advancement):

Salary and Working Conditions

Salary in Ontario

Wages vary by region, sector, shift, and certifications (e.g., forklift, reach truck). Large distribution centres in the GTA/Peel Region (Mississauga, Brampton), major manufacturers (Windsor, Guelph, Cambridge), and e‑commerce hubs often pay slightly higher rates.

  • Entry‑level: approximately $17–$21 per hour (about $35,000–$44,000 per year based on full‑time hours).
  • Experienced: approximately $22–$30+ per hour (about $46,000–$62,000+ per year).
  • Supervisors/leads (with experience): $25–$35+ per hour, depending on the facility and responsibilities.

Check current Ontario wages on Job Bank (search “Shippers and receivers” or “Warehouse clerk” and select Ontario):
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport

Remember Ontario’s minimum wage (updated annually):
https://www.ontario.ca/page/minimum-wage

Overtime and hours of work are governed by the Employment Standards Act:
https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/hours-work

Working conditions

  • Schedule: Day, afternoon, or night shifts; weekday and weekend work. Peak periods (e.g., holiday seasons) may include overtime.
  • Environment: Warehouses and distribution centres can be cool or warm depending on the product (refrigerated warehouses require PPE and protective clothing).
  • Physical demands: Standing, walking, lifting (often 20–50 lb), and operating material handling equipment.
  • Technology: Use barcode scanners, mobile devices, printers, and WMS/ERP systems.
  • Safety: Strong focus on safe lifting, safe operation of equipment, and WHMIS. Employers must provide training and maintain a safe workplace under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Unionization: Some facilities in Ontario are unionized (e.g., automotive or large retail distribution centres). Unionized roles may offer wage grids, Benefits, and job Bidding based on seniority.
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Job outlook in Ontario

Ontario’s demand for Warehouse Clerks (Shipping and receiving) is supported by:

  • Growth in e‑commerce and last‑mile delivery.
  • Expansion of logistics hubs in the GTA/Peel Region, Halton, Hamilton/Niagara, London, and Windsor‑Essex.
  • Manufacturing and food processing supply chains.
  • Seasonal peaks (back‑to‑school, holidays).

For up‑to‑date labour market information and outlook by region and occupation, use:

Key Skills

To succeed as a Warehouse Clerk (Shipping and receiving) in Ontario, you need a blend of soft skills and hard skills. Many employers will train you on their systems, but you are expected to learn fast and follow procedures.

Soft skills

  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Time management and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Teamwork and clear communication.
  • Reliability and punctuality.
  • Problem‑solving and adaptability in fast‑paced environments.
  • Safety mindset and situational awareness.
  • Customer focus (internal customers such as production or Sales; external carriers).

Hard skills

  • Inventory control and data entry in WMS/ERP (e.g., scanning, cycle counts).
  • Order picking, packing, palletizing, and labelling.
  • Shipping documentation (bills of lading; basic customs paperwork for cross‑border shipments).
  • Material handling equipment operation (pallet jack, walkie, forklift; employer‑approved training required).
  • Basic math for counts, measurements, and conversions.
  • Computer skills (handheld scanners, spreadsheets, email, carrier portals).
  • WHMIS knowledge and safe handling of controlled products.
  • Understanding of carrier requirements (LTL, courier, parcel, freight terms).

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Fast entry: You can start with a high school diploma and employer‑provided training.
  • Steady demand: Logistics is essential across Ontario’s economy.
  • Clear growth paths: Move into inventory control, lead hand, logistics coordinator, dispatcher, procurement assistant, or supervisor.
  • Variety: Work in many industries—retail, food, pharma, automotive, e‑commerce.
  • Skill stacking: Add certifications (e.g., CIFFA, CITT, forklift, WHMIS) to increase your value.
  • Shift options: Nights and weekends can pay premiums in some workplaces.

Disadvantages

  • Physical work: Lifting, standing, and repetitive tasks can be tiring.
  • Shift work: Nights/weekends may affect work‑life balance.
  • Seasonal pressure: Peak periods can be intense with tight deadlines.
  • Temperature: Some warehouses are cold or hot depending on the product.
  • Injury risk: Requires consistent attention to health and safety practices.

Expert Opinion

If you are entering the workforce or changing careers in Ontario, Warehouse Clerk (Shipping and receiving) is a practical entry point into the broader supply chain sector. To stand out quickly:

  • Earn your WHMIS and basic material‑handling training early. Many employers will train you, but showing up with recent certificates signals commitment.
  • Focus on accuracy and scan discipline. Pick/ship errors are costly; employers reward clerks who keep error rates low.
  • Learn the basics of a Warehouse Management System (WMS). Even familiarity with common workflows—receiving, putaway, picking, shipping—helps you onboard faster.
  • Track metrics like picks per hour, on‑time shipments, and inventory accuracy. When you interview for your next step (inventory control or lead), Concrete results help you move up.
  • Consider a college diploma in Supply Chain and Operations if you want to grow into coordinator or supervisory roles within 1–3 years.
  • Add a targeted credential such as CIFFA (if your facility handles international freight) or start working toward CITT if you’re aiming for long‑term logistics career growth.
  • Build your safety reputation. In Ontario, employers value workers who understand the Occupational Health and Safety Act and model safe behaviours every shift.
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FAQ

Do I need a forklift “license” to work as a Warehouse Clerk (Shipping and receiving) in Ontario?

Ontario does not issue a government “forklift license.” Employers must ensure you are competent to operate lift trucks safely under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This usually means taking an employer‑approved training course (theory and practical) and being evaluated on the specific equipment at the workplace. Many employers provide or pay for this training. Learn more about Ontario’s health and safety rules: https://www.ontario.ca/page/occupational-health-and-safety

Is a college diploma required, or can I start with just high school?

You can start with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and receive on‑the‑job training. A college certificate or diploma can help you move into higher‑responsibility roles (inventory control, logistics coordinator, lead hand) and may increase your wage potential. Explore Ontario college programs: https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/business-technology/supply-chain

What software should I learn to be more employable?

Focus on fundamentals common to most systems:

  • Basic WMS workflows: receiving, putaway, picking, shipping, cycle counts.
  • Handheld scanning and label printing.
  • Spreadsheet basics (Excel or Google Sheets) for counts and reconciliation.
  • Carrier portals for booking pickups and printing labels (parcel/courier and LTL).
    If you plan to advance, exposure to ERP systems (such as SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics) can be valuable. You can find short online courses via eCampusOntario micro‑credentials: https://micro.ecampusontario.ca/

How can I move from Warehouse Clerk to a supervisor or coordinator role in Ontario?

  • Master your current role: maintain high accuracy and strong safety performance.
  • Ask for cross‑training in inventory control, returns (RMA), or shipping documentation.
  • Volunteer to help with cycle counts, process improvements, or training new staff.
  • Take a part‑time Supply Chain certificate or diploma through an Ontario college or OntarioLearn: https://www.ontariolearn.com/
  • Consider industry designations (CIFFA, CITT) if your workplace handles freight and logistics planning: https://www.ciffa.com/education/ and https://www.citt.ca/

Are there background checks or medical tests for these jobs?

Many Ontario employers require a background check (criminal record check) and a basic medical or physical abilities assessment, especially if the job involves lifting or working in temperature‑controlled environments. Employers must follow Ontario’s human rights and health and safety laws, provide appropriate training, and accommodate disabilities to the point of undue hardship. For employment standards information, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/jobs-and-employment

Final tips to get hired faster in Ontario

With the right attitude, attention to detail, and a focus on safety, you can start strong as a Warehouse Clerk (Shipping and receiving) in Ontario and build a solid career in the province’s growing Transportation and logistics sector.

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