Freight Handler- Full Time- 3rd Shift

Forward Air • Nashville, TN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Freight Handler is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, staging, scanning, and movement of freight. As a certified forklift operator within the operation, the role handles and documents cargo and freight in a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment, contributing to productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. Experienced team members without direct reports may mentor, guide, and onboard new Material Handlers and help resolve complex operational problems on the floor.

The position is onsite and scheduled Sunday through Thursday, 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Compensation is $20.00 per hour, with a $3 shift differential between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

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 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, sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, and other specialized equipment required by the site. Company-assisted certification and training are available for some 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 weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance, and occasionally handle freight weighing 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; preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, and other appropriate material handling equipment, including pallet jacks, carts, and dollies, using 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 activities in accordance with dock and safety procedures.
• Label, scan, and track freight using handheld scanning devices and company systems to ensure 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 material handling equipment.
• Perform tasks under appropriate supervision while learning equipment operation, safety protocols, and job procedures, as 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: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed