Incoming Freight Clerk Onboarding Checklist

Incoming Freight Clerk Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Incoming Freight Clerk starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Logistics onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Incoming Freight Clerk, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Incoming Freight Clerk onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Incoming Freight Clerk Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The incoming freight clerk attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated trainer.

2. Introduction to team members: The incoming freight clerk is introduced to their immediate team members, including supervisors, colleagues, and other relevant personnel. This task is usually performed by the supervisor or team leader.

3. Training on company systems: The incoming freight clerk receives training on the specific software and systems used by the company for managing freight and logistics operations. This task is typically performed by a designated trainer or the IT department.

4. Understanding company’s freight handling processes: The incoming freight clerk learns about the company’s freight handling processes, including receiving, inspecting, documenting, and storing incoming shipments. This task is usually performed by a senior freight clerk or supervisor.

5. Familiarization with safety protocols: The incoming freight clerk undergoes training on safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment. This task is typically performed by the safety department or a designated safety officer.

6. Learning about shipping regulations: The incoming freight clerk is educated on shipping regulations, including customs requirements, hazardous materials handling, and documentation compliance. This task is usually performed by a senior freight clerk or a designated compliance officer.

7. Understanding inventory management: The incoming freight clerk receives training on inventory management processes, including stock control, cycle counting, and reconciliation. This task is typically performed by a senior freight clerk or the inventory management team.

8. Familiarization with transportation modes: The incoming freight clerk learns about different transportation modes used by the company, such as air, sea, road, or rail, and their associated requirements. This task is usually performed by a senior freight clerk or a designated transportation specialist.

9. Introduction to customer service procedures: The incoming freight clerk is introduced to customer service procedures, including handling customer inquiries, resolving issues, and maintaining positive relationships. This task is typically performed by a senior freight clerk or the customer service department.

10. Shadowing experienced freight clerks: The incoming freight clerk shadows experienced freight clerks to observe and learn practical aspects of the job, such as handling paperwork, coordinating with carriers, and managing freight documentation. This task is usually performed by senior freight clerks or supervisors.

11. Reviewing company policies and procedures: The incoming freight clerk reviews company policies and procedures related to freight handling, safety, compliance, and other relevant areas. This task is typically performed independently by the incoming freight clerk, with guidance from supervisors or the human resources department.

12. Understanding performance expectations: The incoming freight clerk discusses performance expectations, key performance indicators, and goals with their supervisor or manager. This task helps set clear expectations and aligns the incoming freight clerk’s objectives with the company’s goals.

13. Introduction to company’s quality control processes: The incoming freight clerk learns about the company’s quality control processes, including inspections, audits, and corrective actions. This task is typically performed by a senior freight clerk or the quality control department.

14. Familiarization with documentation and record-keeping: The incoming freight clerk receives training on proper documentation and record-keeping practices, including maintaining accurate records of shipments, invoices, and other relevant documents. This task is usually performed by a senior freight clerk or the documentation team.

15. Introduction to company’s technology platforms: The incoming freight clerk is introduced to the company’s technology platforms, such as the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, customer relationship management (CRM) software, or other tools used for managing freight operations. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated trainer.

16. Understanding key performance indicators (KPIs): The incoming freight clerk learns about the company’s key performance indicators (KPIs) related to freight operations, such as on-time delivery, cost per shipment, or customer satisfaction metrics. This task is typically performed by a senior freight clerk or the operations management team.

17. Reviewing company’s code of conduct and ethics: The incoming freight clerk reviews the company’s code of conduct and ethics to understand the expected behavior and ethical standards. This task is typically performed independently by the incoming freight clerk, with guidance from supervisors or the human resources department.

18. Introduction to company’s reporting structure: The incoming freight clerk learns about the company’s reporting structure, including who they report to, who their peers are, and who they can reach out to for support or guidance. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or the human resources department.

19. Familiarization with company’s performance review process: The incoming freight clerk is briefed on the company’s performance review process, including how performance is evaluated, feedback mechanisms, and opportunities for growth and development. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or the supervisor.

20. Introduction to company’s values and mission: The incoming freight clerk is introduced to the company’s values and mission, helping them understand the company’s overall purpose and guiding principles. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated representative from the company’s leadership team

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Incoming Freight Clerk checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Incoming Freight Clerk up to speed and working well in your Logistics team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.