Depot Clerk/Freight Handler- Full Time- 1st Shift

Forward Air Services•Nashville, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Depot Clerk/Freight Handler is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, staging, scanning, documentation, and movement of freight in a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment. The role operates certified forklifts and other material handling equipment and supports productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. As an experienced team member without direct reports, the employee may help mentor and onboard Material Handlers and resolve complex operational issues on the floor. The position also supports depot administration and inventory management, using company technology and computer systems to maintain records, communicate, and assist with day-to-day operations. Work is performed in a non-climate-controlled dock environment around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight. The listed schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the posting also states that assigned schedules may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.

Requirements

At least 3 years of dock, warehouse, depot, inventory management, or material handling experience.
Valid forklift certification or licensure, or the ability to obtain it before operating equipment.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with email, data entry, and computer-based systems.
Comfort using technology to support daily terminal and depot operations.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, recordkeeping, and email 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.
Basic arithmetic skills to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.
Ability to safely operate material handling equipment as required by the site, including pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, forklifts, and reach trucks.
Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist extensively for 8–12 hours per shift.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50 pounds without assistance, and occasionally handle freight up to 75 pounds with assistance or mechanical aids.
Vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to work safely in a noisy dock environment.
Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including temperature extremes, occasional outdoor work or precipitation, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; preferred but not required.
Experience maintaining inventory records, tracking materials, conducting inventory checks, and ensuring accurate documentation.

Responsibilities

Load and unload freight using sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, and other appropriate material handling equipment.
Oversee and support daily depot operations and coordinate the completion of depot-related activities.
Safely move, load, unload, and organize freight and materials throughout the depot.
Maintain accurate inventory records, track incoming and outgoing materials, conduct inventory checks, and ensure inventory accuracy.
Provide administrative and clerical support, including email correspondence, data entry, recordkeeping, and operational documentation.
Use company technology, computer systems, and digital tools to support terminal operations and maintain accurate records.
Support technology-related operational processes and troubleshoot basic system issues.
Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas.
Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
Assist drivers with loading and unloading according to dock and safety procedures.
Label, scan, and track freight using handheld scanning devices and company systems.
Identify damaged freight and promptly report issues, unsafe conditions, and equipment concerns to supervisory personnel.
Follow company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE standards.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized dock environment, including work areas, tools, and material handling equipment.
Perform tasks under appropriate supervision while learning equipment operation, safety protocols, and job procedures where applicable.
Support dock productivity, workflow efficiency, and operational goals.
Work assigned schedules, which may include 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.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.