Warehouse Associate I
At National Trade Supply, the Warehouse Associate I is a versatile, cross-trained fulfillment team member who plays a direct role in the accurate and efficient movement of product through our fulfillment center. This is a single role that spans the full breadth of warehouse operations — from receiving and putting away inbound shipments, to picking and packing outbound orders, processing Ready-to-Ship (RTS) orders, and preparing and labeling Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) shipments in full compliance with Amazon's requirements. Every Warehouse Associate I is expected to develop competency across all functions, work safely, and rotate between areas as operational needs require.
We are seeking reliable, detail-oriented team members who take pride in getting the right product to the right place at the right time — and understand that accuracy and speed are both non-negotiable in a fulfillment environment. Success in this role requires the ability to learn multiple warehouse processes, follow standard operating procedures precisely, maintain consistent productivity throughout a full shift, and hold yourself and your work to a high standard regardless of which function you are assigned to that day.
At National Trade Supply, we operate with a shared set of core values that guide how we work and grow together: Grit, Bias for Action, Critical Thinking, Self-Awareness, and Operational Excellence. These principles shape our culture, influence our decisions, and define what it means to succeed on our team.
Key Responsibilities
Inbound
- Unload inbound shipments safely and efficiently, verifying product counts and inspecting for damage upon arrival.
- Confirm received goods match the corresponding purchase order for item accuracy, quantity, and condition; report discrepancies or shortages to the Fulfillment Supervisor promptly.
- Scan and record all received inventory accurately in the warehouse management system (WMS) in accordance with established receiving procedures.
- Label, sort, and store products in designated warehouse locations following established layout, storage, and slotting procedures.
- Maintain organization and accessibility within the inbound staging and storage areas in accordance with 5S standards.
- Assist with restocking and relocation of inventory as directed to support warehouse efficiency and inventory accuracy.
- Identify and communicate inventory discrepancies, misplaced stock, or receiving errors to the supervisor immediately.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Outbound — Picking
- Accurately pick products from inventory locations based on order sheets, pick lists, or system-directed picking using handheld scanners or WMS.
- Verify item codes, quantities, and specifications at the point of pick to ensure order accuracy before product moves to packing.
- Stage picked orders in designated areas in an organized manner to support efficient and timely packing.
- Report damaged items, inventory shortages, location discrepancies, or missing product to the supervisor promptly.
- Meet or exceed daily pick rate targets while maintaining accuracy standards throughout the full shift.
- Assist with inventory cycle counts and restocking of pick locations as directed.
Outbound — Packing
- Pack outbound orders securely using appropriate cartons, dunnage, and packaging materials to protect products during transit.
- Inspect items for defects, damage, or discrepancies prior to packing — do not pack product that does not meet quality standards.
- Verify order completeness, item accuracy, and quantity before sealing each carton.
- Apply correct shipping labels, packing slips, and any required documentation accurately and in the correct location on each carton.
- Ensure finished cartons are sealed securely and staged in designated outbound lanes in a neat and organized manner.
- Maintain packaging material inventory at the packing station and communicate replenishment needs before running out.
- Meet or exceed daily pack rate targets while maintaining accuracy and quality standards throughout the full shift.
Ready to Ship (RTS)
- Process Ready-to-Ship orders efficiently and accurately, ensuring all items are verified, properly packaged, and labeled before being staged for carrier pickup.
- Confirm that RTS shipments comply with all applicable carrier requirements including correct label placement, carton dimensions, and weight limits.
- Organize and stage RTS shipments in the correct outbound lanes by carrier and service level to ensure on-time pickup.
- Audit completed RTS orders for label accuracy, carton condition, and shipment completeness before releasing to the carrier.
- Communicate any exceptions, holds, or order issues to the Warehouse Supervisor promptly to prevent delays.
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
- Prepare FBA shipments in full compliance with Amazon's current packaging, labeling, and shipment creation requirements — including FNSKU labeling, poly bagging, bubble wrapping, and case pack configurations as required by the product type.
- Create and manage FBA shipment plans in Amazon Seller Central, confirming correct destination fulfillment centers and shipment quantities.
- Apply Amazon-compliant carton labels accurately, including the correct FBA shipment ID label on each carton, ensuring labels are flat, unobstructed, and scannable.
- Verify product condition, labeling accuracy, and packaging integrity for every unit before it is added to an FBA shipment — Amazon compliance is non-negotiable.
- Stay current on Amazon FBA packaging and prep requirements, which may change; communicate any requirement updates or compliance concerns to the supervisor immediately.
- Stage completed FBA pallets or cartons for pickup in the designated FBA outbound area, properly organized and ready for carrier collection.
- Maintain accurate FBA shipment records and documentation as required by the company and Amazon's guidelines.
Safety & Housekeeping
- Adhere to all established company safety policies and procedures, with special attention to PPE requirements and safe material handling practices at all times.
- Operate powered industrial trucks (PITs), including forklifts and pallet jacks, only within the scope of current certification.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout the shift in accordance with 5S standards.
- Report any safety hazards, near-misses, equipment issues, or injuries to the supervisor immediately.
- Clean and prepare the work area at shift end to ensure the incoming shift can begin without delay.
The Outcome We Are Seeking
Success in this role looks like a fulfillment center where inbound shipments are received accurately and put away promptly, outbound orders are picked and packed correctly the first time, RTS shipments go out on time and without exceptions, and every FBA shipment that leaves our dock meets Amazon's requirements without fail. The Warehouse Associate I is the operational core of our fulfillment center — their accuracy, speed, and attention to detail directly determines whether our customers and retail partners receive what they ordered, when they expected it.
A strong Warehouse Associate I is cross-trained, dependable, and accuracy-driven. They follow the process as written, raise concerns before errors compound, and show up every day ready to contribute — no matter the function. Over time, they build the breadth of knowledge that creates real value in the operation and opens the door to advancement.
Performance will be measured by:
- Receiving accuracy and timeliness of inbound putaway
- Pick accuracy rate and adherence to daily pick rate targets
- Pack accuracy including order completeness, item verification, and label placement
- RTS shipment accuracy and on-time staging for carrier pickup
- FBA compliance rate — zero Amazon non-compliance charges or shipment rejections
- Safety compliance, PIT certification status, and incident rates
- Attendance, reliability, and punctuality
- Work area cleanliness and adherence to 5S standards
- Cross-training progress and demonstrated competency across all warehouse functions
Why Choose Us?
- Competitive hourly pay and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being.
- Cross-training across all fulfillment functions — building skills that make you more valuable every week.
- A clear path to grow — our tier-based pay structure rewards skill development, cross-training, and consistency.
- A stable, team-oriented environment where your work directly impacts the customers and partners we serve.
- A culture that's always striving to improve — we invest in the people who show up and do the work.
- Clear expectations, defined processes, and team leads and supervisors who are there to support your success.