Hostler

About the role

The Hostler role sits at the core of our Operations function, ensuring the continuous, safe, and efficient movement of freight and equipment across the service center. This position directly impacts dock flow, trailer utilization, and overall throughput—making it essential to maintaining operational velocity and service reliability.

Responsibilities

• Execute yard and dock movement with precision
• Shuttle empty and loaded trailers across dock doors, staging areas, and parking lots
• Interpret work orders and verbal instructions to prioritize equipment movement
• Align trailer positioning with inbound/outbound scheduling needs
• Maintain continuous flow to eliminate bottlenecks and idle time
• Support freight handling operations
• Load, unload, and transport freight across dock, storage, and staging areas
• Move materials using forklifts, pallet jacks, or industrial equipment
• Stack, bundle, and secure freight to ensure safe handling and shipment readiness
• Verify and count freight accurately during movement
• Maintain safety, compliance, and equipment standards
• Follow all safety protocols, including hazardous material handling procedures
• Perform routine checks and safe operation of forklifts and hoisting equipment
• Secure loads properly to prevent damage or operational risk
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free work areas
• Enable operational efficiency and teamwork
• Cookordination closely with operations and dock supervisors to align priorities
• Participate actively in team initiatives to improve workflow and productivity
• Adapt to shifting demands with speed and attention to detail
• Support team performance by maintaining consistency and reliability
• Execute with accountability and attention to detail
• Track tasks and complete assignments with minimal supervision
• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and safety
• Communicate clearly across teams to ensure operational clarity

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 0–3 years of experience in warehouse, logistics, or freight handling environments
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification
• Hazardous Materials training or willingness to complete training
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, work orders, and procedural documentation
• Working math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, and fractions)
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across operations teams
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and handle multiple responsibilities
• Demonstrated sound judgment in environments with limited structure

Qualifications

• Preferred: Experience operating yard tractors, hoists, or other material handling equipment

Skills

• Systems thinking
• Ownership of outcomes
• Safety first
• Precision and discipline
• Focus and composure
• Clear communication
• Adaptability

Benefits

Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off

Pay

$18.00–$20.00 per hour

Schedule

Onsite – Chicago, IL