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Outbound Ship Dock Associate Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Organizing and transporting freight on the dock, include loading and unloading trailers without ... Could be crossed training in multiple areas of the warehouse including Inbound, Outbound, Wire, and ...

Receiving Manager

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

$84K - $127K/yr

... dock operations, vendor compliance, and coordination with inventory and outbound teams. The ... Lead, train, and develop a team of supervisors, leads, and associates, ensuring clear performance ...

Material Handler III

Manassas, VA · On-site

$48K - $77K/yr

Unload inbound shipments - Operate dock equipment (dock leveler, pallet jack, forklift, hand truck ... Pick and stage outbound orders - Retrieve items from storage based on pick tickets or wave releases ...

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Outbound Ship Dock Associate information

What is the difference between Outbound Ship Dock Associate vs Warehouse Associate?

AspectOutbound Ship Dock AssociateWarehouse Associate
Primary RoleLoading, unloading, and organizing shipments at the dockGeneral warehouse tasks like inventory, stocking, and order fulfillment
Work EnvironmentDock or shipping area, often outdoors or in loading baysWarehouse floor, storage areas, and inventory zones
CredentialsTypically no formal certifications, but forklift or OSHA training may be preferredUsually no formal certifications required; OSHA training beneficial
Industry UsageCommon in logistics, transportation, and distribution centersWidespread across retail, manufacturing, and distribution warehouses

While both roles involve physical work in a warehouse setting, the Outbound Ship Dock Associate focuses on managing shipments at the dock, whereas the Warehouse Associate handles broader warehouse tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and career goals.

What is an outbound ship dock associate?

Outbound Ship Dock Associates are logistics professionals responsible for managing the shipping process in warehouses or distribution centers. Their primary duties include preparing outgoing shipments, verifying and labeling packages, loading products onto trucks, and ensuring all items are shipped accurately and on time. They often operate equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks, follow safety protocols, and work with other warehouse staff to maintain efficient workflow. This role is vital in ensuring that customers receive their orders promptly and in good condition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an outbound ship dock associate?

To thrive as an Outbound Ship Dock Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle physical tasks, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems, handheld scanners, and pallet jacks or forklifts is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are key soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure accurate order processing, timely shipments, and a safe, efficient dock operation.

What are some typical challenges faced by an outbound ship dock associate, and how can they be managed effectively?

Outbound Ship Dock Associates often encounter challenges such as managing tight shipping deadlines, handling large volumes of packages, and ensuring accuracy in order fulfillment. Effective time management and attention to detail are crucial in this fast-paced environment. Associates usually work as part of a coordinated team, relying on clear communication and collaboration to keep operations running smoothly. Familiarity with warehouse management systems and safety protocols also helps in minimizing errors and maintaining efficiency.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Outbound Ship Dock Associate jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Outbound Ship Dock Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Outbound Ship Dock Associate job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Warehouse Associate - Night Shift

Shepherd Electric Supply

Laurel, MD • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


Shepherd Electric Supply rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 415 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

About Shepherd Electric Supply
Since 1892, Shepherd Electric Supply has been the first call when complex, time-critical electrical challenges need to be solved, and reliability truly matters. We move materials accurately and on time, so contractors stay on schedule, projects stay on track, and customers never have to wonder if we will come through.
Our success comes from people who take pride in doing things the right way - safely, accurately, and with care for teammates and customers alike. If you want to do work that matters at a company that notices, this is the place.
Why This Role Matters
Every order that leaves the facility passes through the shipping department. That means every contractor waiting on wire, every job site running against a deadline, and every customer who counts on Shepherd depends on this role being done right.
The Warehouse Associate - Night Shift is not just a packing station. You are the last set of eyes before an order goes out the door. When shipping is accurate - right product, right quantity, right documentation - customers stay on schedule and Shepherd's reputation holds. When it isn't, the entire chain breaks.
This role is for someone who pays attention when the pace is high, who catches the mistake before it leaves the building, and who understands that their work is the final stamp of quality on everything Shepherd promises to deliver.
Work Shift and Hours:
  • Monday - Friday, 7:00pm - 4:00am
Compensation Details:
  • The expected pay rate for this position is starting between $20.00 - $22.00 per hour depending on experience.
How This Role Connects to Our Compass
  • We Keep Our Promises: Every outbound order you touch is a promise Shepherd made to a customer. Right product, right count, right label - every time. If something is off before it leaves the dock, you catch it. If it goes out wrong, someone's job site feels it.
  • We Stay Hungry: You notice what slows the shipping floor down and you say something. You look for a smarter staging sequence, a faster verification habit, a better way to document exceptions. You do not just run the process - you improve it.
  • We Grow Together: Shipping does not work in isolation. You coordinate with the warehouse team, counter sales, and dispatch every day. When communication is clean - on priority orders, on exceptions, on timing - the whole branch executes better.
  • We Own It: You do not pass the problem forward. If an order is short, you resolve it before it stages. If documentation is missing, you track it down. If something looks wrong, you stop and ask. Ownership in shipping means the customer never finds out about the mistake.
  • We Go Above & Beyond: You make sure will-call orders are staged before customers arrive. You flag time-critical shipments before dispatch asks. You see what's coming and you get ahead of it. That's what above-and-beyond looks like on a shipping dock.
Key Outcomes - Organized by what matters, not just what you do.
Outbound Order Accuracy & Fulfillment
  • Confirm shipping documentation is complete and accurate on every outbound shipment before it leaves the dock
  • Conduct a final physical check on staged orders to catch discrepancies before they become customer problems
Shipping Documentation & Compliance
  • Generate and verify bills of lading, packing slips, and delivery confirmations for all outbound shipments
  • Document all shipping exceptions - shortages, substitutions, split shipments - clearly and promptly
  • Maintain accurate records of outbound activity in the warehouse management system
  • Flag documentation errors or system discrepancies to the Warehouse Manager before they leave the building
Inventory Integrity at the Dock
  • Return mis-picks, over-pulls, and damaged product to proper locations immediately
  • Report recurring pick errors or bin location discrepancies to the Warehouse Manager for root cause review
  • Treat every inventory discrepancy at the dock as a signal, not an inconvenience
Equipment, Safety & Facility
  • Operate pallet jacks, hand trucks, and shipping equipment safely in compliance with Shepherd standards
  • Conduct pre-shift equipment checks and report maintenance needs before they become failures
  • Keep the shipping area organized, labeled, and clear of hazards - aisles open, staging zones clean
  • Maintain safety compliance at your workstation and alert leadership to unsafe conditions immediately
Continuous Improvement
  • Surface workflow friction, recurring errors, or staging inefficiencies to the Warehouse Manager
  • Cross-train on receiving and warehouse floor functions to build team flexibility
  • Support onboarding of new shipping team members by modeling accuracy standards and Shepherd values
What Success Looks Like - After 90 days, you and your Manager should both be able to point to these markers:
  • Outbound orders leave the dock accurately - right product, right quantity, complete documentation - every shift
  • Will-call orders are staged and ready before customers arrive, without being asked
  • Shipping exceptions are documented and communicated the same day they occur
  • The shipping area is organized, hazards are addressed, and equipment is maintained every shift
  • You have surfaced at least one meaningful improvement - a staging tweak, a documentation habit, a catch - in your first 90 days
  • The Warehouse Manager trusts that every order that left the dock today left correctly
Who Thrives Here - This role is a strong fit if:
  • You take ownership of accuracy without being reminded - you do not hand off a problem you can solve
  • You pay attention when the pace is high, especially on details others rush past
  • You treat the shipping dock like a quality checkpoint, not just a staging area
  • You communicate clearly and directly - with your team, with dispatch, with counter sales
  • You stay steady when priorities shift and volume spikes
  • You care about the work being right, not just done
  • You want to be part of a team that notices when you do the job well
Qualifications & Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Prior shipping, warehouse, or fulfillment experience preferred; motivated entry-level candidates will be considered
  • Forklift or pallet jack certification required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire
  • Familiarity with warehouse management systems and standard computer tools (Excel, Word, email) preferred
  • Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. regularly and stand for extended periods
  • Ability to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirements

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals occupying this position of employment. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skill required of all individuals assigned to this job title. Management reserves the right to modify all or part of this job description at its discretion in order to meet location requirements, staffing levels, and/or any other needs of the business. All of the essential functions of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or equivalent state law, may not have been described. All requests for reasonable accommodation(s) will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Why should you join Shepherd Electrical Supply?
At Shepherd Electric Supply, excellence in service, pricing, and products has been our mission since 1892. As the oldest wholesale electrical distributor in the Baltimore/Washington area, we take pride in our exceptional customer service and extensive inventory.
We have a rich history of partnering with industry leaders like Siemens and Eaton, and our commitment to quality and innovation has made us a trusted name in the industry. Join our team and be a part of our legacy!
Apply now and find out what's next for you.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled
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