Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 1 of 11 tasks
Compute amounts, such as space available, shipping, storage, or demurrage charges, using computer or price list.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 7.0% of the role's time · $2.7B · all three pass it
Does not pass
Examine shipment contents and compare with records, such as manifests, invoices, or orders, to verify accuracy.
physical work, outside the screen · 14.2% of the role's time · $5.5B
Pack, seal, label, or affix postage to prepare materials for shipping, using hand tools, power tools, or postage meter.
physical work, outside the screen · 11.3% of the role's time · $4.4B
Prepare documents, such as work orders, bills of lading, or shipping orders, to route materials.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 11.0% of the role's time · $4.2B · waiting on a check
Record shipment data, such as weight, charges, space availability, damages, or discrepancies, for reporting, accounting, or recordkeeping purposes.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 10.9% of the role's time · $4.2B · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed
Confer or correspond with establishment representatives to rectify problems, such as damages, shortages, or nonconformance to specifications.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 10.6% of the role's time · $4.1B
Requisition and store shipping materials and supplies to maintain inventory of stock.
physical work, outside the screen · 9.0% of the role's time · $3.5B
Deliver or route materials to departments using handtruck, conveyor, or sorting bins.
physical work, outside the screen · 8.2% of the role's time · $3.2B
Determine shipping methods, routes, or rates for materials to be shipped.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 7.7% of the role's time · $3.0B
Contact carrier representatives to make arrangements or to issue instructions for shipping and delivery of materials.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 6.6% of the role's time · $2.6B
Compare shipping routes or methods to determine which have the least environmental impact.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 3.4% of the role's time · $1.3B · passed by Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warehousing and Storage | 92,970 | $4.3B | $297M | $297M |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods (4232, 4233, 4235, 4236, 4237, and 4239 only) | 38,620 | $1.7B | $121M | $121M |
| Employment Services | 33,150 | $1.3B | $89.8M | $89.8M |
| Couriers and Express Delivery Services | 19,490 | $1.1B | $76.9M | $76.9M |
| Food and Beverage Retailers (4451 and 4452 only) | 25,110 | $1.1B | $74.6M | $74.6M |
| Clothing and Clothing Accessories Retailers | 28,820 | $966M | $67.5M | $67.5M |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods (4244 and 4248 only) | 20,390 | $966M | $67.5M | $67.5M |
| General Merchandise Retailers | 21,930 | $938M | $65.6M | $65.6M |
| Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | 20,180 | $925M | $64.7M | $64.7M |
| Electronics and Appliance Retailers | 22,890 | $864M | $60.4M | $60.4M |