Forklift Operator

Forward Air•Tampa, FL

26d•Onsite

About The Position

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

Requirements

Valid forklift certification or licensure, or the 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 counts, quantities, and weights.
Willingness and ability to learn and use basic computer systems, handheld scanners, and freight-tracking devices.
Ability to safely operate MHE 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; 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, multiple times per week.
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 equipment and 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 and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, and other material handling equipment (MHE), as well as 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 scanners and company systems, maintaining 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 MHE.
Perform tasks under appropriate supervision while learning equipment operation, safety protocols, and job procedures where applicable.
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.