Forklift Operator-2nd Shift

Forward Air Services•Des Plaines, IL

17h

About The Position

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, staging, scanning, and movement of freight in a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment. The role supports productivity, workflow coordination, freight integrity, and accurate cargo documentation. 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. The position pays $20.58 per hour and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 6 PM to 2:30 AM. The role may also require working nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.

Requirements

At least 3 years of dock or warehouse experience.
Valid forklift certification or licensure, or the ability to obtain it before operating equipment.
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.
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, and reach trucks, as required by the site.
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 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, vehicle traffic, 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 forklifts, reach trucks, and other appropriate material handling equipment and 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 while following 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, or 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.
Support dock productivity, workflow efficiency, and operational goals.
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.