all about order packer jobs

Order packers (or order pickers) are common positions in warehouses. Companies in various industries need them to ship products to customers in a timely manner. 

In addition to your order packing duties, you may also be required to process damaged goods, maintain equipment, add incoming shipments into inventory, load and unload trucks, conduct inventory counts, and input and manage data around packing and inventory duties. Depending on your role, you may also be required to operate a forklift and be trained on additional order packing tools and inventory management.

what order packer jobs entail

You work in a warehouse environment, reporting to a shift supervisor or warehouse manager. You are responsible for the accuracy of your orders, and to ensure the goods or materials you pack are in excellent condition. You may work full-time or part-time hours. The hours you keep can vary greatly. Some organizations have their warehouses operating 24/7, particularly during busy seasons. If you take night or weekend shifts you may make a premium rate.

average order packer salaries

Order packers can expect an entry level salary of $12.50 to $16 per hour to start. With 5 or more years of experience, you'll find you can make up to $19 per hour, or about $40,000 per year in a full-time position.

The hourly rate you receive will depend on where you work, the type of work and responsibilities you are assigned, and your level of training and specialized skills. You may also receive shift premiums for working overtime, night shifts, or for being a team leader. Getting promoted to a warehouse management position or taking on additional responsibilities (such as managing health and safety) can also increase your wage.

your day to day tasks

Order packers are responsible for collecting and packing items to ship to customers or retail stores. You must be able to work under pressure and meet quotas. You may also be required to conduct inventories. Your tasks may include:

• filling customer orders
• loading and unloading inventory
• inventory management and reporting
• filling customer requests
• checking orders for accuracy
• driving a forklift and using barcode scanners

where you can work

Order packers can work all across Canada. Typically, order packers work in manufacturing or warehousing, though they're also commonly hired to work in retail or  distribution centers. The companies you can work for as an order packer can be public or private, and the size of the warehouse can depend on the size of the company and product demand.

what you bring to the table

To thrive as an order packer, you need endurance, efficiency, diligence and the ability to follow instructions. You perform your role accurately and pay close attention to detail. Some skills that qualify you for order packing jobs include:

• good health, physically fit
• able to stand for long hours
• organizational skills, attention to detail
• ability to use inventory management systems and databases
• problem solving and troubleshooting
• logistics skills

training and certifications

Order packer jobs may require a high school diploma. If you plan to move up in the logistics industry, a college diploma in logistics is an asset and will help you move into a management role. You can also work your way up the ranks by seeking out supervisor roles.

Some companies require a license for forklift operation. Other organizations have automated packing machinery that you may be required to operate and manage. In most order packing jobs, training will be provided, but experience with these systems is an asset. Some positions may also require you to have a driver's license.

where your career is headed

While you start out on the ground level, there are opportunities to advance into supervisory positions or be trained on operating equipment that will increase your earning potential.

Over time, you may find opportunities to advance into office positions such as inventory supply chain, or administration. Countless Canadian companies depend on order packers to fulfill their logistics customers’ needs.