 While warehouses have existed in various forms for centuries, ecommerce warehouses are a relatively new concept. With ecommerce sales continuing to rise every year, many online retailers are looking for more efficient ways to keep up with orders and streamline the distribution process. Ecommerce retailers have different needs and face different challenges than traditional brick and mortar retailers, so their warehousing needs are also unique. Let’s take a closer look at the basics of ecommerce warehousing, the different types of ecommerce warehouses, and some of the most common ecommerce warehouse jobs. Ecommerce Warehousing 101In the simplest terms, ecommerce warehousing is the storage and management of goods that will be sold by an online retailer. In this case, storage and management encompass several additional duties like tracking the amount of inventory on hand, where items are stored, when items arrive at the warehouse, and following any necessary safety procedures for the storage and shipment of items. The practice of running an ecommerce warehouse is referred to as ecommerce warehouse management. In addition to the duties listed above, ecommerce warehouse management also involves:
Many of the basic attributes of ecommerce warehouses are the same as other kinds of warehouses, however, ecommerce warehouses can vary greatly by size, location, number of employees, and more. Types of Ecommerce WarehousesFrom one-person shops, to small and mid-size teams, to worldwide corporations, the landscape of ecommerce retailers is diverse. A business’s warehousing needs will evolve as it grows and what’s right for one company may not be right for another. With that in mind, here are three of the most common types of ecommerce warehouses. At Home WarehousesFor entrepreneurs and one-person teams who are just starting an ecommerce business, having a fully-staffed warehouse likely isn’t practical, much less affordable. In these cases, a person’s home can also serve as their warehouse. This solution makes sense for businesses that operate entirely out of the owner’s home with their basements, garages, or spare rooms essentially functioning as small warehouses. On-Demand WarehousesOn-demand warehousing is when businesses rent available warehousing and storage space for short periods. This is typically a service provided by tech companies that contract warehouses to share their excess space. This model is particularly useful for companies that operate seasonally or experience seasonal sale surges as it allows for warehouse space to be rented for a shorter time. Fulfillment CentersFulfillment centers have become an increasingly popular choice for ecommerce retailers. Fulfillment centers take care of receiving and storing a business’s inventory as well as picking, packing, and shipping orders for delivery. Fulfillment centers are usually outsourced to third-party service providers who fulfill orders on a business’s behalf. Many of the ecommerce warehouse jobs that Summit Staffing hires for are at fulfillment centers. Most Common Ecommerce Warehouse JobsMany of the job titles you’ll find for ecommerce warehouse jobs are similar to those you’ll find at more traditional warehouses. However, as ecommerce warehouse jobs are often found at fulfillment centers, there is a greater variety of job titles available that are specific to the shipping, receiving, and storage of inventory. Some of the most common ecommerce warehouse job titles include:
Find Ecommerce Warehouse Jobs with Summit!Whether you’re a job seeker interested in ecommerce warehouse work or an employer looking to find great talent, Summit Staffing can help! We specialize in light industrial staffing and work with employers to fill jobs at ecommerce warehouses throughout the midwest. Contact us today to learn more!
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 Oak Brook, IL February 1, 2022 – Summit Staffing, Inc., a leading staffing agency announced today that they have won the Best of Staffing Client 5 Year Diamond Award for providing superior service to their clients for at least five (5) consecutive years. Presented in partnership with presenting sponsor Indeed and gold sponsor Talent.com, ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. On average, clients of winning agencies are twice as likely to be completely satisfied with the services provided compared to those working with non-winning agencies. Winners who earned the Diamond Award distinction have won the Best of Staffing Award for at least 5 years in a row, consistently earning industry-leading satisfaction scores from their clients. Summit Staffing, Inc. received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 86.7% of their clients, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 41%.
“Our team has worked harder than ever the last two years to prioritize our clients needs, and maintain our standards of quality among our workforce. Working through the toughest labor market I have seen in our 36 years in business, as well as the ever changing political and covid climates, has proven to be an incredible learning opportunity for us all. I am immensely proud of my team, and am looking forward to years of continued growth and success” Summit Staffing’s President and CEO, Fiorella Auriemma “Winners of the 2022 Best of Staffing award have demonstrated their commitment to delivering exceptional service, even as Covid-19 has forced them to reimagine and rebuild their approach to business," said ClearlyRated's CEO and Founder, Eric Gregg. "These service leaders have kept the client, talent, and employee experience at the heart of their business strategy, and it's my honor to celebrate and showcase the 2022 Best of Staffing winners alongside feedback from their actual clients on ClearlyRated.com!” About Summit Staffing, Inc. Summit Staffing is a family owned and operated light industrial staffing firm, founded by Fiorella in 1986, it is now lead by the second generation of the Auriemma family and its leadership team. Growing from a single office, Summit presently operates a network of both branch and client on-site offices throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. and has developed both a loyal client base and dedicated team of temporary associates that are the keys to our success. About Best of Staffing ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients, placed talent, and internal employees. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials. Contact Analisa Gutierrez, VP of Client Services p. (708) 450-1600 analisa@summitstaffing.net  If your business is struggling to hire and retain warehouse employees as the busy holiday season looms large, you're not alone. Warehouses everywhere have been struggling to fill positions, and when they can, it often comes at a high cost. Additionally, high employee turnover can hurt your bottom line—after all, it takes time and resources to onboard and train employees. So how can you reduce employee turnover and retain your best warehouse employees? Try these four tips to attract and retain employees in your warehouse or industrial facility for the holiday season and beyond. 1. Offer an attractive wage and benefitsIt almost goes without saying, but it's worth touching on: pay is the number-one most important factor for warehouse job seekers and workers. However, while pay might be the most important factor, it's not the only important factor. Warehouse workers also place high value on job security, company culture and healthcare. Offering a comprehensive benefits package and engaging workplace could be the determining factor in retaining your best employees. 2. Don't Neglect Company Culture and TrainingDid you know roughly 10,000 baby boomers retire each day? With this aging workforce, warehouses must turn to younger generations to fill positions. However, younger generations have often been less interested and hard to retain in warehouse jobs due to what's often perceived as a poorly-defined career path. However, by providing additional training, an engaging company culture that makes employees feel valued, and career advancement opportunities, you can better retain employees while keeping them engaged and motivated. As mentioned above, company culture is important. Investing time in cultivating a positive and enjoyable company culture can help attract and retain younger workers. 3. Consider Both Full and Part-Time EmployeesWith the advent of remote work for other industries, the importance of flexibility in a work schedule has been made abundantly clear. Offering multiple different shifts and part-time work can boost your ability not only to retain employees, but to attract them as well. Part-time work can attract students, parents, semi-retirees, and other individuals who may not be available for an eight-hour shift, but are highly motivated, reliable, and have desire or need for work. 4. Offer Flexible PTOWhile it doesn't directly benefit your bottom line, providing employees with the resources to be flexible can save you money and hassle in the long run. Strict leave policies that lead to termination can come back to bite you, as everyone is susceptible to emergencies that can’t be planned for. 5. Ask Your Employees What They WantWhile the four tips above can help you retain talent, there’s going to be circumstances that aren't addressed by any of them. Having discussions with your employees about their wants and needs can help build trust and morale, which are also crucial to employee retention. Having these conversations early is important, as it will lay the groundwork and set expectations for your employees' tenure. Find warehouse workers in your area todayIf a warehouse is a machine, then its workers are the gears. Without taking care of them, the whole thing grinds to a halt. Finding the right employees is half the battle, and Summit Staffing can help you win it.
For over 30 years, our offices throughout the Midwest have drawn from a vast pool of qualified candidates to help businesses succeed, and we can help yours too. If you're ready to find qualified permanent hires or temporary workers for the holiday season, sign up for our talent network today. Need more information? Contact us today  If you’re searching for a job, you’ve likely seen some jobs categorized as light industrial work. But what is light industrial work and, more importantly, is it the right kind of work for you? Let’s go over the basics of light industrial work, some job titles you’ll likely come across, and the benefits of working a light industrial job. Light Industrial vs. Heavy IndustrialIndustrial work can easily be separated into two categories; light and heavy work. Most light industrial work is found in either the distribution or manufacturing industries and will involve working in a factory or warehouse setting. Heavy industrial work also typically involves these industries, however, the difference between light and heavy work is the size and scale of the products being produced. For example, light industry work involves the production and distribution of things like food, clothing, and consumer electronics and can be done with smaller machines and manual labor. In contrast, heavy industry work is focused on the production of larger items that use heavy machineries and is the work you’d find at steel mills, shipyards, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Light industrial work is also often the production of smaller products and materials that will later be used as part of larger goods. A good example of this is automobile parts. Automobiles are made up of tens of thousands of smaller parts that are all assembled to make the final product. A light industrial job could involve the production of those smaller parts, packaging and shipping the parts to their next destination, performing quality control tests, or operating the machines used for production. Examples of Light Industrial JobsTo better understand the type of work available in the light industry, it’s helpful to know some of the most common job titles. Some of the roles we most frequently fill include:
Benefits of Light Industrial WorkOne of the best benefits of light industrial work is job security. Light industrial jobs commonly involve the production and distribution of goods that have a steady supply and demand, so there’s always a need for workers. Additionally, light industrial jobs are found in every market, so whether you live in a big city, a small town, or a rural area, you can find opportunities in the industry. Light industrial work is also a great option for students and anyone looking for seasonal or temporary work to earn extra money during the summer or holiday season. If you’re new to light industrial work, you might be wondering what skills are necessary to succeed. Some of the top skills employers look for include strong attention to detail, dependability, experience operating computers, and a commitment to following safety guidelines. Light industrial work also involves working on your feet and lifting and moving materials, so some level of physical exertion is necessary. If you have these skills, light industrial work could be a good fit for you! Ready to Get Started?Let Summit Staffing help match you with your next job in the light industrial market in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin! We specialize in staffing for the light industrial market, so whether you are looking for general labor, forklift, machine operating, or more, we'll work one-on-one with our associates to make sure we have the right fit.
Check out our office locations or contact us to learn more! Warehousing is just one of the many moving parts of the highly-intricate manufacturing and logistics industries. Each day, warehouses everywhere process, receive, and send thousands of shipments, each of which are valuable contributors to the greater economy. Shipping and receiving clerks are in some of the most crucial positions in a warehouse's day-to-day operations. So what is a shipping clerk, and what do they do?  What does a shipping and receiving clerk do?A shipping and receiving clerk is responsible for a number of tasks, though specifics will depend on the type and scale of the operation. Generally speaking, a shipping and receiving clerk is responsible for:
In some operations, shipping and receiving clerks may have additional responsibilities such as setting workers' schedules, assembling packaging, operating equipment/machinery, and estimating shipping costs. How do I become a shipping and receiving clerk?Shipping clerks carry many responsibilities in warehouses; their decisions can impact efficiency throughout the warehouse and overall business. Employers want to ensure their shipping clerks are exceptional employees. Because of this, the best way to become a shipping clerk is to demonstrate your value in the warehouse environment. Here are a few tips to show you're ready for the position. 1. Demonstrate an attention to detail As you probably guessed from the list of responsibilities above, the job is very detail-oriented and requires attentiveness, detailed knowledge of logistics, as well as a firm grasp on the larger scope of operations. Proving yourself as a reliable, focused employee will go a long way in demonstrating to your employer that you have the necessary skills to be a shipping clerk. 2. Be a team player While shipping and receiving clerks regularly manage and process orders on their own, they're almost never working alone. Great communication skills are critical for shipping and receiving clerks, as they often need to gather information or share it with clients and others in their workplace. By being an effective communicator and contributor to the warehouse team's efforts, you show that you possess the qualities of a successful and competent shipping clerk. 3. Be reliable Shipping and receiving clerks are vital to keeping warehouses running smoothly and on time, so employers need to be able to rely on their shipping clerks. Being punctual, communicating with your coworkers and employer effectively and courteously, and getting your work done on time illustrates to your employer that you're someone they can count on to handle more responsibilities. Find shipping and receiving clerk positions in your areaOne of the best ways to get your foot in the door to become a shipping and receiving clerk is to demonstrate your value on the warehouse floor. Fortunately, there are lots of opportunities to get started. With the continued rise in e-commerce and the upcoming holiday season, warehouses are hiring. In fact, the warehousing and transportation sectors added roughly 53,000 jobs in August alone.
Summit Staffing’s extensive employment network can help you find warehouse jobs in your area. Want more information? Contact us today! Why Should You Become a Forklift Operator?Did you know that the forklift operator position is one of the highest paid in the warehousing industry? This is because it’s a position that requires certification, which results in the starting wage being much higher than other roles due to the upfront work. Not only does a forklift certification set you apart on the job hunt, it can also provide job security. With last year's increase in e-commerce sales, forklift operators have been and will continue to be in high demand, meaning you'll always have work, or be able to find work. Tip: due to the fact that forklift jobs are higher paid, consider starting as a warehouse associate and make it known that you are interested in forklifts. If you show reliability as an employee (on time, no missed days, good performance, great safety record, etc) it will open the door to new opportunities.  What Are The Steps to Becoming a Forklift Operator?Obtaining your forklift operator's certification takes time and effort but pays off in the end. To become a certified forklift operator, your first course of action is to complete an OSHA-approved certification course. These are offered by many vocational colleges and private companies. Courses usually take about 6-8 hours, and usually cost less than $200. There are typically four parts of a forklift operation course.
Obtaining a forklift operation certification doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be driving a forklift on your first day, though. Companies are required by OSHA to verify your skills, as forklifts are powerful pieces of equipment that can damage facilities or lead to serious injuries. As a result, each company will usually provide additional training to ensure everyone’s safety and acclimate you to operating in their specific location. What Does a Forklift Operator Do?As a forklift operator, you can expect to move heavy materials using powerful industrial equipment and machines. This might take place in a factory, at a construction site or in a warehouse. In fact, because there are so many different uses for forklifts, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has categorized seven classes of forklifts. The 7 Classes of ForkliftsClass 1: Electric Motor Rider Truck This type of lift is very versatile. Its tires are intended for use in a warehouse with smooth floors, and Class 1 lifts with pneumatic tires can be outside in dry weather. Class 2: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Truck Class 2 forklifts are primarily used in warehouse settings. When a company is looking to save on storage space, they might utilize the narrow profile of Class 2 forklifts to minimize the area needed to navigate the vehicle. Class 3: Electric Motor Hand or Hand-Rider Truck These forklifts are primarily used for unloading pallets and other large, heavy items. Their controls are mounted on the tiller, which helps lower, lift, and steer the forklift. Class 4: Internal Combustion Engine Truck - Cushion Tires Class 4 forklifts are for transporting pallets indoors. Because their cushion tires are smaller than their counterparts, they're better suited for low-clearance operations. Class 5: Internal Combustion Engine Truck - Pneumatic Tires These forklifts are both incredibly powerful and versatile. Pneumatic tires allow for them to be used indoors or outdoors, and their high lift capacity allows them to handle loads as small as a single pallet to as big as a fully-loaded 40-foot container. Class 6: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors These vehicles, which can be outfitted with either an electric or gas engine depending on the job. Battery-powered vehicles tend to be better for indoor environments, as it improves air quality and is quieter, whereas the robust internal combustion engines are more suitable for outdoor use. Class 7: Rough Terrain Forklifts These forklifts, which are equipped with large tires, are most commonly used at construction sites where the terrain is less predictable and subject to the elements. It's important to consider what kind of work you want to do as a forklift operator. When you look for a certification course, do research to know whether they'll be equipped to train you for that kind of forklift. Summit Staffing: Find Forklift Jobs in the MidwestForklift operating jobs are currently in high demand and offer competitive pay. So, once you have your forklift operator's license, check out our latest job listings for forklift operators in the Midwest.
Additionally, becoming a warehouse associate is a great first step toward becoming a forklift operator. When you demonstrate your value to a company through outstanding work and reliability, they’ll be willing to train and invest resources in you. Let Summit Staffing help match you with your next warehouse job in Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin for a prosperous future! We specialize in the light industrial market, so whether you are looking for general labor, forklift, machine operating or more, we'll work one-on-one with our associates to make sure we have the right fit. Check out our office locations or contact us to learn more! You’ve probably been reading the wild stories about the job market in the US right now. While the US is experiencing the largest economic recovery in the world, there are still a large number of job-seekers that are delaying their reentry into the job market for a number of reasons. But it’s important to note that a massive opportunity exists right now for those who want to change careers or find a new job. Our advice: beat the rest of the crowd and get started now. Get Ahead of the OthersIt’s no secret that the pandemic created a crisis of job losses, furloughs and other unfortunate events surrounding employment for millions of Americans. As vaccination rates increase and unemployment benefits expire, the number of people job hunting is growing exponentially every day. The good news is that it’s still early in this growth period and the early bird gets the worm, so to speak. If you haven’t started your job search yet, now is a good time to start your search, before the job market becomes slim pickings once again. Companies Are Rewarding Strong Individuals More Than EverAs companies continue to compete for new talent, many workers are enjoying higher wages and more benefits. If you have a strong track record of delivering good work to previous employers, it’s possible to leverage that for a new role with higher pay. Some common benefits that employers are currently offering could include:
Increased Flexibility in the Workplace is TrendingMany company leaders agree that in-person collaboration and physical offices will never be fully replaced by remote work. However, companies are currently re-thinking how workplace flexibility improves the lives of employees. Expectations at work have also changed with a shift to remote work all over the world. Many job opportunities are allowing for a hybrid form of work or increased flexibility of hours. Be sure to talk to a recruiter about finding an opportunity that suits your needs. They are here to help you thrive! Employment Opportunity is Rapidly EvolvingAccording to the Wall Street Journal, “employment has bounced back beyond pre-pandemic levels in many sectors. Compared with February 2020, there are now 100,000 more warehousing and storage jobs, along with 39,000 more jobs in management and technical consulting, and 25,000 more jobs in insurance and finance.” The truth is that opportunities exist in nearly every industry right now and more people will be looking for jobs as we move further into the summer and fall seasons. Now is the time to get started! Let Summit Staffing Help Find Your Next Dream JobWith offices in most major cities in the Midwest, our team of recruiters is here to help you land your next dream job! Give us a call to learn why we are the best staffing agency in the midwest. We are excited to help you grow your career!
 Oak Brook, IL, March 12, 2021 – Summit Staffing, Inc., a leading staffing agency announced today that they have won the Best of Staffing Client Award for providing superior service to their clients. Presented in partnership with presenting sponsor CareerBuilder and gold sponsors Indeed & Talent.com,ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. On average, clients of winning agencies are twice as likely to be completely satisfied with the services provided compared to those working with non-winning agencies. Summit Staffing, Inc. received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 68.2% of their clients, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 38%.
“Summit Staffing has worked very hard in the last year to maintain a high level of service, and continue to provide employment to our wonderful loyal workforce. We have just celebrated our 35th anniversary, and in all those years I have never witnessed such unforeseen and evolving challenges. I am more grateful than ever for our incredible staff, and very proud of the hard work and dedication everyone displayed. This is our fourth consecutive Best of Staffing award, and absolutely the hardest earned!” Summit Staffing’s Owner, President and CEO Fiorella Auriemma “After one of the most turbulent years in modern history, winners of the 2021 Best of Staffing award have proven their commitment to go above and beyond in support of their clients and placed talent," said ClearlyRated's CEO and Founder, Eric Gregg. "These service leaders have demonstrated their capacity to be agile, to be precise, and to prioritize the client and talent experience above all else. It is my honor to celebrate and showcase the 2021 Best of Staffing winners alongside feedback from their actual clients and placed talent on ClearlyRated.com!” For more information about Summit Staffing please contact Analisa Gutierrez, information is listed below. Contact Analisa Gutierrez, VP of Client Services p. (630) 819-5313 analisa@summitstaffing.net  As the world grinded to a halt in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and mitigation measures aimed towards stopping the spread, headlines have revolved around displaced jobs in the service industry. While there is truth to the number of lost jobs in the service industry, the national narrative is ignoring a resurgence of high-paying jobs in the manufacturing and warehousing industry. In fact, an ‘epic US factory jobs boom is on its way’ according to Bloomberg. Jobs and opportunities do exist right now; and with the rollout of vaccines across the country, the situation has a chance to improve dramatically. Here are some of the best opportunities in the warehousing industry to keep tabs on. The Rise of E-Commerce in the MidwestIt’s no secret that the events of 2020 have dramatically reshaped shopping habits. The rise of e-commerce shopping has taken hold in the midwest, especially in the Chicago area, which happens to be a very strategic shipping and distribution hub for the US. With the rise in e-commerce comes a plethora of new job opportunities from logistics to warehousing and distribution. Take a look at the following warehouse jobs and reach out to our team with any questions! What are the Best Warehouse Jobs in the Midwest?
Find the Best Midwestern Warehouse Jobs ASAPLet Summit Staffing help match you with your next warehouse job in Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin for a prosperous future! We specialize in the light industrial market, so whether you are looking for general labor, forklift, machine operating or more, we'll work one-on-one with our associates to make sure we have the right fit.
Check out our office locations or contact us to learn more! This past year was a volatile year for many industries starting in March with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The staffing industry was able to step in and help with a major shift in labor in the United States and around the world. Here are a few updated statistics for 2020 with regards to the staffing industry.  Employee staffing statistics in 2020There are plenty of reasons for employees to seek out temporary work but the top ranking reasons in 2020 are:
 Employer staffing statistics in 2020The staffing industry creates thousands of jobs each year and significantly contributes to the GDP in the United States. This year was no exception as multiple industries were disrupted due to the pandemic. Staffing companies were able to achieve the following this past year:
Industrial Staffing Services in the Midwest Our team of recruiters is here to answer any other questions you may have about manual labor. In fact, Summit Staffing has more than 30 years of experience finding the right candidate for the right position and a variety of manual labor positions around Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, contact us!
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