Forklift Operator

Forward Air Services • Tampa, FL

26d • Onsite

About The Position

The Freight Handler (Forklift Operator) safely, accurately, and efficiently loads, unloads, stages, scans, documents, and moves freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment. The role supports productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. As an experienced team member without direct reports, the operator may mentor and onboard new Material Handlers and help resolve complex operational issues on the floor.

The position requires operating forklifts and other material handling equipment, following company and OSHA safety requirements, and maintaining a clean and organized work area. Work may include handling oversized, high-value, or complex freight and coordinating dock workflow. The posted schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM–3:00 PM, with Saturday and Sunday off; the posting also says schedules may include 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 ability to obtain it before operating equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, and 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 such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, forklifts, and reach trucks, with company-assisted certification or training where applicable.
• 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 weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance and occasionally handle freight weighing 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 frequent exposure to hot and cold temperatures, occasional outdoor work and precipitation, and regular exposure to vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using forklifts, reach trucks, and other appropriate material handling equipment and approved 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, maintaining accurate documentation.
• Identify damaged freight and 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.
• 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.
• Work assigned schedules, which may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED