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

Forward Air•Nashville, TN

3d•$24 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Depot Clerk/Freight Handler is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, staging, scanning, and movement of freight. As a certified forklift operator, this role handles and documents cargo within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment, supporting productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. Experienced team members without direct reports may mentor and onboard new Material Handlers and help resolve complex operational problems on the floor. The position also supports depot administration, inventory management, technology use, and day-to-day terminal operations. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Base pay is $24–$25 per hour.

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 email communication, data entry, and navigating computer-based systems.
Ability to use 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 accurately recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings and perform basic arithmetic to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.
Ability to safely operate material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, forklifts, reach trucks, and other site-required equipment.
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, with exposure to temperature extremes, occasional outdoor conditions and precipitation, vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Experience maintaining inventory records, tracking materials, conducting inventory checks, and ensuring accurate documentation.

Responsibilities

Load and unload freight using forklifts, reach trucks, and other material handling equipment, along with approved physical lifting techniques.
Support and coordinate daily depot operations and the completion of depot-related activities.
Operate material handling equipment to safely move, load, unload, and organize freight and materials.
Maintain inventory records, track incoming and outgoing materials, perform inventory checks, and help ensure inventory accuracy.
Provide clerical and administrative support, including email correspondence, data entry, recordkeeping, and operational documentation.
Use company technology, computer systems, and digital tools to support terminal operations and daily operational needs.
Serve as a technology resource for the terminal, navigate systems, troubleshoot basic issues, and support operational processes.
Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas according to procedures.
Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
Assist drivers with loading and unloading in accordance with 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 personal protective equipment 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, 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.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.