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Warehousemen receive, store, keep, retrieve, and send items. They are the stewards of the warehouse that stores different goods — inedible and edible items.

OTHER RELATED NAMES

• Warehouse worker, 

• storekeeper, 

• warehouse keeper, 

• warehouse manager, 

• warehouse stock clerk, 

• warehouse supervisor, 

• Property custodian, 

• Yard Clerk, Parts person, 

• Divisional Storekeeper, 

• Freight Associate, 

• Inventory Manager

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive, sort, and store items in the warehouse;

• Count inventory (in and out) and record the data.

• Enter data of items to logistics software.

• Label merchandise.

• Open crates and containers.

• Organise pallets.

• Prepare and ship orders.

• Receive delivery vans or trucks.

• Sort merchandise according to unique number, shape, size, and type.

• Store merchandise using a forklift.

• Use forklifts to move merchandise.

• Verify invoices and ensure their information is correct such as consignee, sender, number of items, expiration, and tracking number. 

• Confer with clients and suppliers about the items’ delivery and retrieval;

• Arrange transportation

• Coordinate with deliveries

• Retrieve items required by the clients;

• Fill up paperwork to inform customers regarding their items deliveries.

• Prepare items for shipment.

• Maintain warehouse cleanliness;

• Prevent infestations from pests such as rats and roaches;

• Report malfunctioning devices and machines;

• Check if items need special storage facilities such as extra packing and refrigeration.

• Follow and maintain safety procedures and policies;

• Use gloves, goggles, and helmets

• Use forklift safely.

• Place safety signage in designated areas

POSSIBLE EMPLOYERS AND INDUSTRIES

Industries and companies that purchase or deliver goods or require the need to store items in large numbers. 

• Airlines

• Electronics and battery manufacturers

• E-commerce companies

• Food and beverage companies that own warehouse

• Malls

• Vaccine manufacturers

• Wheel manufacturers

OTHER RELATED ROLES

• Distribution Center Manager

• Forklift Operator

• Inventory Control Manager

• Warehouse Associate

• Warehouse Clerk

• Warehouse Manager

• Warehouse packer

INVESTMENTS

Formal route

• Bachelor’s degree in warehouse management

• Supply chain management course

• Certificate in logistics

• Certificate in warehousing operations

Informal or hybrid route

You could be a warehouseman by taking an informal route. Even if you didn’t have a supply chain degree, you could work your way up the logistics ladder. You can start as a warehouse apprentice and get promoted once you learn the fundamentals and gain experience.

SKILLS NEEDED

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Your 24/7 life will likely be in the warehouse or within its premises. The warehouse size depends on the goods or products that could be a pallet of crockeries, medicines, computers, or anything that could be sold online or through stores. 

If you know some logistics software, you could be assigned to a warehouse computer room where you manage the inbound and outbound flow of goods. An entry-level warehouseman will spend time using a manual forklift to retrieve or store pallets. If you have a driving license, you can use a forklift to get merchandise. 

Stress level

The stress levels depend on the type volume of deliveries, demands, and the warehouse location. Stress can arise from handling heavy items and repetitive retrieval and storage of items. In a car parts, warehouse, you could pull out a 30 kg to 53 kg car battery and bring such human-weight items into the loading ramp and truck. You’ve to worry about the careful handling of products under your care because with one mistake you could bump into heaps of bottles or mistakenly drive the forklift in the opposite direction.

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

Salary depends on the company size, experience, location position, and skill set. According to Salaryexpert.com, the warehouse salary in the Philippines is 184,762 yearly on average. 

Data source: Salaryexpert.com

Note: The data above may change depending on year, and job market conditions.

Depending on the company size, location, and position, benefits may include:

• Free accommodation or stay-in

• Free transportation

• Free meals

• Government-mandated benefits

• Vacations and leaves

• Health cards

• Mobile Allowance

PROS AND CONS

Pros

• Stable industry — Businesses need a warehouse to distribute goods — from healthcare to automotive.

• Fitness — You spend your day walking around the warehouse, and that means you can stay fit compared to sedentary jobs.

Cons

• Can be physically exhausting — you could work in a warehouse for truck or car batteries that weigh more than 30 kg.

• Repetitive —  If you do the same menial tasks daily, you could get bored - such as picking and loading, you’ll face boredom and frustration. 

CAREER PATH

Depending on your education, company, skills, and performance, you can work your way up the career pyramid or ladder.
 

ROBOT AND AI REPLACEMENT CHECKER

Because of advancements in Artificial intelligence and robots, some warehousing roles could be replaced by machines. Robots may handle tasks that are repetitive or dangerous. For example, Amazon USA has already employed robots in their warehouses. Machines may not overtake our jobs since oversight will always go for humans and AI or robots will support human workers. 

If you like to check whether warehouseman could be replaced by robots, check this site.

JOB OUTLOOK

This occupation will continue to grow due to increase in online shopping and use of shopping platforms. Logistics is an essential part of business and will remain an essential business force today and the near future.