Forklift Operator

Forward Air • Oklahoma City, OK

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Freight Handler (Forklift Operator) safely and efficiently loads, unloads, stages, scans, documents, and moves freight within a transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock. The role supports 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 operational problems on the floor.

The position involves operating forklifts and other material handling equipment, preparing freight for shipment, tracking freight, maintaining a safe and organized work area, and coordinating dock activities. The role may also train and support other Material Handlers and prioritize freight or coordinate assignments in a lead capacity without direct supervisory responsibility. The position requires working the assigned schedule and 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 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 equipment.
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to perform extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8–12 hours per shift.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50 pounds without assistance and occasionally lift 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 frequent exposure to temperature extremes, occasional outdoor work or precipitation, and regular exposure to vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using sit-down or stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, and other material handling equipment, along with 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 according to dock and safety procedures.
• Label, scan, and track freight using handheld scanning devices and company systems.
• Identify damaged freight and report issues, unsafe conditions, and equipment concerns to supervisory personnel.
• Follow company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized dock, 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, 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED