The Freight Handler (Forklift Operator) is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, staging, scanning, and movement of freight. As certified forklift operators within the operation, they provide safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, movement, and documentation of cargo/freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment, directly contributing to productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. As the most experienced team members without direct reports, they often assist with mentoring, guiding, and onboarding new Material Handlers and solving complex operational problems on the floor.
Responsibilities
Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks, along with other appropriate Material Handling Equipment (MHE), such as pallet jacks, carts, and 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 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.
Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)/equivalent preferred but not required.
Certification/Licensure: Valid forklift certification/licensure (or ability to obtain before operating equipment) required.
Experience: 3+ years of dock or warehouse experience required.
Communication: 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.
Basic arithmetic skills to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.
Technology: Willingness and ability to learn and use basic computer systems, handheld scanners, and freight-tracking devices.
Equipment: 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), and/or other specialized MHE as required by the site.
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, with the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50lbs without assistance, with occasional lifting of freight up to 75lbs with assistance or mechanical aids throughout each 8-12 hour shift, multiple times per/week.
Vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to work safely in a noisy dock environment.
Environment: Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including 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.
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