A Packer is a worker who prepares products for shipping. They make sure that items are packed safely and securely, labeled correctly, and ready to be sent to customers, retailers, or distributors.
What Does a Packer Do?
- Select and pack products based on customer orders or shipping instructions.
- Inspect items for damage or defects before packing.
- Use packaging materials like boxes, bubble wrap, foam, tape, etc.
- Label packages correctly with shipping and tracking info.
- Seal and stack boxes for transport.
- Sometimes help with loading/unloading trucks or containers.
- Keep the work area clean and organized.
Tools and Equipment
- Tape dispensers
- Box cutters
- Label printers
- Scales (to weigh packages)
- Barcode scanners
- Sometimes pallet jacks or forklifts (with certification)
Skills Needed
- Attention to detail – accuracy is important to avoid wrong shipments.
- Speed and efficiency – especially in fast-paced warehouses.
- Basic math and reading skills (to read orders and measurements).
- Physical stamina – some lifting, standing for long hours.
- Teamwork and sometimes basic computer skills (for inventory systems).
Safety and Certifications
- Must know how to handle refrigerants (like R-22, R-410A) safely.
- In many places, technicians need EPA Where Do Packers Work?
- Warehouses
- Manufacturing plants
- Fulfillment centers
- Food processing units
- Export/import companies
- Retail distribution centers Certification or local equivalents.
- Protective gear includes gloves, goggles, and sometimes respirators.
Career Path
- Entry-level role with opportunities to move up to:
- Warehouse supervisor
- Inventory controller
- Shipping/receiving clerk
- Forklift operator
- Or into logistics/supply chain roles with further training