A Beginner’s Guide to Shipping and Receiving Jobs in Tulsa

If you’re looking for a stable career that offers steady hours, hands-on work, and room to grow, shipping and receiving jobs in Tulsa can be a great fit. These roles are essential to keeping businesses running, and you don’t need years of experience to get started. 

Did you know there’s been a rise in distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and retail warehouses across the Tulsa area? With that in mind, opportunities continue to grow for people ready to learn new skills and start a reliable career path.

In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn what shipping and receiving work looks like, the skills you need to succeed, and how you can take your first steps toward a job in this field. You’ll also see how these roles connect to broader logistics jobs in Tulsa, which offer even more long-term career options.

What Do Shipping and Receiving Jobs Involve?

When you work in shipping and receiving, you help keep products moving in and out of a warehouse or business. You may check deliveries, organize inventory, prepare shipments, and make sure items get to the right place on time. 

Almost every type of company depends on these workers. That’s why shipping and receiving jobs in Tulsa are in demand across industries like manufacturing, retail, and transportation.

Your daily tasks may include:

• Checking incoming shipments
• Loading or unloading trucks
• Preparing outgoing orders
• Updating inventory systems
• Labeling products, and
• Communicating with drivers or supervisors.
  
  

Because this work connects to many parts of the supply chain, it can serve as a stepping-stone to more advanced logistics jobs in Tulsa. These might include tasks such as inventory control, warehouse supervision, or transportation coordination.

Skills You Need to Succeed in Logistics Jobs in Tulsa

Even if you’re new to warehouse work, you can build the skills needed to succeed. Employers often look for people who are dependable, safety-minded, and willing to learn. 

Basic math, communication, and organization skills are helpful, as well as being comfortable moving around throughout the day. Many workers also learn to use tools like barcode scanners, pallet jacks, or inventory software. Further, our shipping and receiving training offers forklift certification!

As you grow in your role, you may gain experience with forklift operation or learn more about workplace safety. National standards like those shared by OSHA can help you understand what safe warehouse work looks like. These foundational skills can prepare you for higher-level logistics jobs in Tulsa, including quality control, materials handling, and shipping coordination.

With the right training and hands-on experience, you can move into roles that offer higher pay and more responsibility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, warehouse and logistics jobs continue to see steady demand nationwide, especially in regions with strong manufacturing and distribution networks like Tulsa. 

How to Get Started With Shipping and Receiving Jobs in Tulsa

You don’t need a college degree to begin a career in shipping and receiving. Many entry-level workers start with little or no experience. What matters most is your willingness to learn and your interest in growing within the field.

One of the best ways to begin is by getting short-term training that builds your confidence and helps you stand out when applying for jobs. Programs that teach basic warehouse skills, forklift safety, communication, and teamwork can make a big difference. 

WorkAdvance offers free training that prepares you for roles in warehousing, manufacturing, and the broader logistics sector. We also offer multiple other free technical training programs that might suit your desired career path. It’s up to you to take that first step and contact us, but we’ll be there for every career step you take after that!

When you’re ready to apply for your first job, look for positions with titles such as:

• Shipping Clerk
  
  
• Receiving Clerk
  
  
• Warehouse Associate
  
  
• Inventory Associate
  
  
• Materials Handler
  
  

These roles allow you to build the skills, experience, and confidence needed to move into higher-level positions within shipping and receiving or across other logistics jobs in Tulsa. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry - that’s where our expert career coaches can help you.

Why Shipping and Receiving Is a Strong Career Path

Starting in shipping and receiving jobs in Tulsa gives you access to a growing field with many advancement opportunities. As companies continue to expand their warehouses and distribution centers, they need skilled workers who can keep operations moving. 

You’ll learn real-world skills that transfer across industries. On top of that, you’ll have the chance to build a stable career without taking on the cost of a long training program.

Another benefit is flexibility. Shipping and receiving roles often offer different shift options, which can help you fit work around your family or personal schedule. Many employers also offer overtime opportunities if you want to earn extra income.

As you gain experience, you may find yourself ready for leadership roles or more specialized positions in logistics, transportation, or manufacturing. Training programs, including those offered by WorkAdvance, can support you in taking that next step and becoming a stronger candidate for advancement.

Take the Next Step Toward a Logistics Career

If you’re ready to start working in a hands-on, fast-growing field, logistics jobs in Tulsa can open the door to many opportunities. Whether you’re just entering the workforce, changing careers, or exploring new skills, this path can help you build the stability and confidence you deserve.

WorkAdvance offers free technical training that can help you get started and move forward in your career. To explore warehousing and logistics opportunities, check out the Warehousing Training page and take your next step today towards shipping and receiving jobs in Tulsa.