Overview of the Parcel Sorter Role
It is a Parcel Sorter’s job to unload, sort, and distribute parcels based on their delivery destination. A Parcel Sorter will need to have some physical fitness to deal with lifting and moving heavy items, and for standing for an extended amount of time.
A Parcel Sorter also needs good time management and organisational skills to process parcels quickly and efficiently, making sure that they label them correctly and read addresses clearly so that the parcels can be sent to the correct conveyor belt for distribution.
It is important to have good focus, as small mishaps can lead to issues for both delivery drivers and customers if a parcel is late or delivered to the wrong address.
Gaining experience in this role can lead to higher-level warehouse jobs.
Dress Code
A Parcel Sorter will typically wear casual clothes consisting of comfortable clothing like jeans, t-shirs and closed-toe shoes, or a company-provided uniform, and safety vest.
Parcel Sorter Responsibilities
A Parcel Sorter is responsible for scanning, sorting and distributing parcels using their excellent time management and organisational skills to make sure parcels are sent to the correct place for distribution.
Parcel Sorter Tips
Develop your attention to detail, physical stamina, and organisational skills. Make sure you read addresses accurately and keep a steady speed when organising parcels on a conveyor belt to make sure they will be delivered to the correct addresses.
Build up your physical stamina to cope with long shifts that require standing, walking and lifting.
Key Parcel Sorter Skills
It is important for a Parcel Sorter to be physically fit as they will spend most of their time on their feet while sorting parcels. It’s also important to have good time management skills to meet productivity quotas.
Physical Fitness
A Parcel Sorter should be somewhat physically fit, as the job will require a lot of walking and lifting. A Parcel Sorter will often have to carry large objects and will therefore needs good lower back strength and lifting posture.
Shift hours can be long, and Parcel Sorters will often be on their feet for extended periods of time, it is important to have good stamina for moving parcels to and from delivery trucks, into storage spaces within a warehouse, or into parcel trolleys to be taken to delivery vehicles.
Time Management
A Parcel Sorter should be able to work quickly while staying organized and focused on their task. It is essential that the parcels are sent to the correct delivery route, as sorting items incorrectly will cause issues for other staff and for the customer, who will either receive their parcel late or, if they are given the wrong parcel, will have to return it.
Identify and prioritize urgent or time-sensitive parcels when necessary, and while sorting items on a conveyor belt, maintain a consistent pace to avoid any backlog or delays.
Duties of a Parcel Sorter
It is part of a Parcel Sorter’s duties to scan and label packages for tracking when necessary. They also ensure that parcel distribution is accurate and sort parcels into the correct delivery route.
Sorting Parcels by Delivery Route
Sorting parcels by delivery route is essential for speeding up delivery times, as knowing where to place the parcel depending on when it will be delivered on the delivery driver’s route increases productivity for everyone involved in the delivery process.
Parcel sorting this way can also increase customer satisfaction, as they will receive their parcel in a timely manner, and delivery drivers won’t need to sort through all their parcels to find the correct one.
Scanning & Labelling Packages for Tracking
It is part of the Parcel Sorter’s job to add a barcode, or QR code to the packages, to accurately track the location and destination of the parcel throughout the delivery process.
This is useful for automated sorting, which will use the barcode data to determine the destination of the package and send it to the appropriate conveyor belt for sorting. Completing this step takes focus and accuracy to attach the barcode or QR code correctly. It will also speed up productivity.
Ensuring Accurate & Efficient Distribution
Accuracy and efficiency are important skills for a Parcel Sorter, as parcels must be distributed correctly. Verifying addresses, carefully scanning barcodes and ensuring each parcel is directed to the correct delivery area are all essential Parcel Sorter duties.
Be precise when scanning and sorting and maintain a consistent sorting speed that will ensure accuracy. It is important to reduce errors where possible, as any mishaps are less cost efficient and will slow down delivery times.
Parcel Sorter Career Progression and Advancement
With enough experience and skill improvement, a Parcel Sorter could progress to a warehouse team lead role or perhaps into supply chain management.
Warehouse Team Leader Roles
To progress into a team leader role, it is important to develop your leadership skills. When possible, mentor new parcel sorters to improve your leadership capabilities. Learn about warehouse safety while becoming familiar with the way that the warehouse operates.
A team leader will need to know how to plan and prioritise assignments, delegating tasks to the appropriate staff to maximise productivity. Most importantly, they will need to make sure the parcels are delivered on time and troubleshoot any issues that might occur.
Supply Chain Management Opportunities
There are many roles within supply chain management, such as Logistics Manager, Procurement Manager, and Purchasing Manager, amongst others. Each role will need different requirements, however, all of them will need exceptional time management and organisational skills, which a Parcel Sorter will have from extensive experience.
When moving into supply chain roles, consider higher education to gain necessary qualifications, and improve on your problem-solving and communication skills which will be very important in all roles.
FAQs on Becoming a Parcel Sorter
How Long Does It Take to Become a Parcel Sorter?
Typically, it will take between a few days to a week to become a Parcel Sorter, as the role requires minimal training and is often considered entry-level.
Is Parcel Sorting a Seasonal Job?
Parcel Sorting is often considered a seasonal job because of the high demand for Parcel Sorters during peak holiday periods like Christmas. This makes it a popular temporary position.
How Much Does a Parcel Sorter Earn?
A Parcel Sorted can expect to earn an average base pay of around £22,000 per year in the UK. This will differ depending on your location and the company you work for.
What Does a Parcel Sorter Do?
A Parcel Sorter is responsible for receiving, scanning and sorting parcels based on their delivery destination. They must also load the parcels onto the appropriate truck or container, ensuring that they are directed to the correct delivery route.
