Forklift Operator

Forward Air Services•Atlanta, GA

2d•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. Experienced team members without direct reports may help mentor and onboard Material Handlers and resolve operational problems on the floor. The position requires working the assigned schedule and may involve nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs. Work takes place around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, with exposure to temperature extremes, weather, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.

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, 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 such as 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, 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 or 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 sit-down and stand-up 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 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.
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.