Packer jobs are plentiful in manufacturing companies, retail stores, and distribution companies. These people are in charge of packaging and shipping goods and products to other people and companies. Meat packers, warehouse packers, freight workers, and movers are all examples of packer jobs.
Meat packers divide the carcasses of slaughtered animals into cuts of meat that are sold for human consumption at slaughterhouses and farms. Byproducts are frequently sold to companies that sell pet food and companies that make clothing, glue, and other products. The meat and byproducts are placed in sterile containers that are labeled and dated by the packers. These packages are then delivered to food retailers and manufacturers in refrigerated vehicles. To ensure that foodstuffs are not contaminated by bacteria or dirt, meat packers must maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
Aside from meat packers, the food industry has a slew of other packer jobs. Farm workers inspect harvested fruit and vegetables before packing them into boxes or containers for shipment to retailers. Packers work in factories and warehouses for companies that make canned and boxed foods, and they are in charge of packaging and shipping large quantities of products like boxed cereals or canned fruit to retailers.
Packers help manufacturers ship finished goods to distributors, retailers, and consumers. Retailers typically place bulk orders for goods, which are then packed into crates or large containers by packers. Many companies also ship products directly to customers, and some companies hire packers to ship small quantities of goods to customers via overnight express delivery.
People who are responsible for preparing long-distance shipments are hired as packers at freight companies. Packers are employed by companies that sell goods overseas to place goods in metal cargo containers. Because shipping companies must declare goods at customs control and, in many cases, pay taxes on imported goods, these workers must complete reports detailing the packaged goods. As a result, freight company employees must ensure that inventory lists are accurate, or the company’s shipping partners may be in violation of customs laws.
When relocating, homeowners frequently enlist the assistance of moving companies. These businesses employ packers who assist homeowners in carefully packing delicate items in boxes made of Styrofoam or sponge to reduce the risk of damage during transit. Movers pack boxes into trucks that transport property between homes in addition to packing property into containers. When relocating their business, some companies use the services of movers.
Packer jobs are typically entry-level positions, though some companies prefer to hire packers with prior industry experience. Seasoned packers advance to supervisory positions, where they oversee the packing process in a specific department or location. Supervisors can advance to management positions in some cases, though some companies require managers to have completed college degrees in business or a related field.