Shipping Manager Onboarding Checklist

Shipping Manager Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Shipping Manager 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 Shipping Manager, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Shipping Manager onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Shipping Manager Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The shipping manager should receive a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including safety protocols, quality control measures, and ethical guidelines. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated trainer.

2. Familiarization with shipping software and systems: The shipping manager needs to become proficient in using the company’s shipping software and systems. This includes learning how to generate shipping labels, track shipments, and manage inventory. The IT department or a designated software trainer usually handles this task.

3. Understanding the company’s shipping processes: The shipping manager should be provided with a detailed explanation of the company’s shipping processes, including order fulfillment, packaging, and carrier selection. This task is typically performed by a senior shipping manager or a designated mentor.

4. Introduction to key stakeholders: The shipping manager should be introduced to key stakeholders within the company, such as the operations manager, warehouse supervisor, and customer service team. This allows them to understand the roles and responsibilities of each department and establish effective communication channels. The operations manager or HR department usually handles this task.

5. Training on health and safety regulations: The shipping manager should receive training on health and safety regulations specific to the logistics industry. This includes understanding proper handling of hazardous materials, compliance with transportation regulations, and maintaining a safe working environment. The HR department or a designated safety officer typically performs this task.

6. Familiarization with shipping documentation: The shipping manager should be trained on the various shipping documents required for domestic and international shipments, such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, and customs declarations. This task is usually performed by a senior shipping manager or a designated mentor.

7. Introduction to carrier relationships: The shipping manager should be introduced to the company’s carrier partners and learn about the specific services they offer, pricing structures, and performance metrics. This task is typically performed by the operations manager or a designated carrier relationship manager.

8. Understanding customer requirements: The shipping manager should be provided with an overview of the company’s customer base and their specific shipping requirements. This includes understanding delivery timeframes, packaging preferences, and any special handling instructions. The customer service team or a designated account manager usually handles this task.

9. Training on inventory management: The shipping manager should receive training on the company’s inventory management system, including how to conduct regular stock checks, manage stock levels, and handle returns or exchanges. This task is typically performed by the warehouse supervisor or a designated inventory management specialist.

10. Introduction to performance metrics and reporting: The shipping manager should be familiarized with the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure shipping efficiency and effectiveness. They should also be trained on how to generate and interpret shipping reports to identify areas for improvement. The operations manager or a designated reporting analyst usually handles this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Shipping Manager checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Shipping Manager 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.