Forklift Operator

Forward Air Services•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Forklift Operator safely, accurately, and efficiently loads, unloads, stages, scans, and moves freight in a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment. The role uses certified forklift operation and other material handling equipment to support productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. As an experienced team member without direct reports, the operator may help mentor and onboard Material Handlers and resolve complex operational problems on the floor. Compensation is $21 per hour. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The job description also says assigned schedules may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.

Requirements

Valid forklift certification or licensure, or ability to obtain it before operating equipment.
At least 3 years of dock or warehouse experience.
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.
Willingness and ability to learn and use basic computer systems, handheld scanners, and freight-tracking devices.
Ability to safely operate material handling equipment, including pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, forklifts, reach trucks, and other site-required specialized 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, with occasional lifting of freight up to 75 pounds with assistance or mechanical aids.
Vision, hearing, and verbal communication 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 and precipitation, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED/equivalent is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Load and unload freight using sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, and other appropriate material handling equipment, following approved physical lifting techniques.
Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas according to operating 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 to maintain accuracy and documentation integrity.
Identify damaged freight and promptly report issues, unsafe conditions, or 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 to developing roles.
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.