Freight Handler/Forklift Operator

Responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, staging, scanning, and movement of freight. As certified forklift operators, they provide safe and efficient handling of cargo/freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment. They contribute to productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity while mentoring new Material Handlers and solving complex operational problems.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, carts, dollies, and approved physical lifting techniques.
• Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas in accordance with operating procedures.
• Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
• Assist drivers with loading and unloading activities following dock and safety procedures.
• Label, scan, and track freight using handheld scanning devices and company systems to ensure accuracy and documentation integrity.
• Identify damaged freight and promptly report issues, unsafe conditions, or equipment concerns to supervisory personnel.
• Abide by all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized dock environment, including work areas, tools, and material handling equipment (MHE).
• Perform tasks under appropriate supervision while learning equipment operation, safety protocols, and job procedures (for developing roles).
• Support dock productivity, workflow efficiency, and overall operational goals.
• Work assigned schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.
• Safely and accurately handle oversized, high-value, or complex freight.
• Assist with dock coordination, workflow management, and problem resolution.
• Prioritize freight and coordinate task assignments, sometimes acting in a lead capacity (without direct supervisory responsibility).
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on dock operations, equipment, and procedures.
• Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers.
• All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)/equivalent preferred but not required.
• Valid forklift certification/licensure (or ability to obtain before operating equipment) required.
• 3+ years of dock or warehouse experience required.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, to understand safety and operational instructions, work assignments, and freight documentation.
• Ability to recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings accurately, and to perform basic arithmetic to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.
• Willingness and ability to learn and use basic computer systems, handheld scanners, and freight-tracking devices.
• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, sit-down/stand-up forklifts, and reach trucks (with company-assisted certification/training).
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Physical Demands

• Extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8-12 hours per shift.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50 lbs without assistance, with occasional lifting of freight up to 75 lbs with assistance or mechanical aids.
• Vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to work safely in a noisy dock environment.

Work Environment

• Non-climate-controlled environment with frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold).
• Occasional outdoor work and/or exposure to precipitation (rain, sleet, snow, etc.).
• Regular exposure to moving equipment, vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.

Pay

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 2 PM - 10 PM