Depot Clerk/Freight Handler- Full Time- 1st Shift

Forward Air Corporation; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corporation is seeking a Depot Clerk/Forklift Operator in Nashville to load, unload, and move freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and other MHE. You will maintain accurate inventory, support depot operations, and assist drivers with loading and unloading while adhering to safety policies and PPE standards.

Qualified candidates have 3+ years in dock/warehouse roles, a valid forklift certification, and strong data entry/communication skills.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED/equivalent preferred but not required.
• Certification/Licensure: Valid forklift certification/licensure (or ability to obtain before operating equipment) required.
• Experience: 3+ years of dock, warehouse, depot, inventory management, or material handling experience required.
• Technology: Strong computer skills with proficiency in email communication, data entry, and navigating computer-based systems.
• Inventory Management: Experience maintaining inventory records, tracking materials, conducting inventory checks, and ensuring accurate documentation preferred.
• Administrative Skills: Strong attention to detail and accuracy when completing data entry, maintaining records, and communicating through email.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, to understand safety and operational instructions, work assignments, and freight documentation.
• Ability to recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings accurately, and to perform basic arithmetic to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks, along with other MHE such as pallet jacks, carts, and dollies.
• Oversee and support daily depot operations, ensuring efficient coordination and completion of depot activities.
• Operate forklifts and other heavy material handling equipment to move, load, unload, and organize freight and materials.
• Maintain accurate inventory records, track incoming/outgoing materials, conduct inventory checks, and ensure accuracy.
• Provide administrative support for depot operations, including email, data entry, and documentation.
• Utilize company technology to support terminal operations and maintain records.
• Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and warehouse areas per procedures.
• Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
• Assist drivers with loading/unloading following dock and safety procedures.
• Label, scan, and track freight using handheld devices and company systems.
• Identify damaged freight and report issues or unsafe conditions to supervision.
• Maintain a clean, safe dock environment and comply with PPE standards.
• Learn equipment operation and safety procedures while performing tasks under supervision.

Skills

Strong computer skills

English communication

Data entry

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

MHE operation equipment

Pallet jacks

Job description

Job Description

The Depot Clerk/ Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, staging, scanning, and movement of freight. As certified forklift operators within the operation, they provide safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, movement, and documentation of cargo/freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment, directly contributing to productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. As the most experienced team members without direct reports, they often assist with mentoring, guiding, and onboarding new Material Handlers and solving complex operational problems on the floor.

Base Pay: $24-$25 per hour

Schedule: Monday- Friday 7am-4pm

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks, along with other appropriate Material Handling Equipment (MHE), such as pallet jacks, carts, and dollies, and approved physical lifting techniques.
• Oversee and support daily depot operations, taking responsibility for the efficient coordination and completion of depot-related activities.
• Operate forklifts and other heavy material handling equipment to safely move, load, unload, and organize freight and materials throughout the depot.
• Manage and maintain accurate inventory records, including tracking incoming and outgoing materials, performing inventory checks, and ensuring inventory accuracy.
• Provide administrative and clerical support for depot operations, including email correspondence, data entry, recordkeeping, and maintaining accurate operational documentation.
• Utilize company technology, computer systems, and digital tools to support terminal operations, maintain accurate records, and assist with day-to-day operational needs.
• Serve as a technology resource for the terminal, demonstrating strong computer skills and the ability to navigate systems, troubleshoot basic issues, and support operational processes.
• Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas in accordance with operating procedures.
• Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
• Assist drivers with loading and unloading activities following 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.
• Abide by all 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 (for developing roles).
• Support dock productivity, workflow efficiency, and overall 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.
• All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)/equivalent preferred but not required.
• Certification/Licensure: Valid forklift certification/licensure (or ability to obtain before operating equipment) required.
• Experience: 3+ years of dock, warehouse, depot, inventory management, or material handling experience required.
• Technology: Strong computer skills with proficiency in email communication, data entry, and navigating computer-based systems. Must be comfortable utilizing technology to support daily terminal and depot operations.
• Inventory Management: Experience maintaining inventory records, tracking materials, conducting inventory checks, and ensuring accurate documentation preferred.
• Administrative Skills: Strong attention to detail and accuracy when completing data entry, maintaining records, and communicating through email.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, to understand safety and operational instructions, work assignments, and freight documentation.
• Ability to recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings accurately, and to perform basic arithmetic to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.
• Basic arithmetic skills to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.
• Equipment: Ability to safely operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks (with company-assisted certification/training), and/or other specialized MHE as required by the site.
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Physical Demands: Extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8-12 hours per/shift, with the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50lbs without assistance, with occasional lifting of freight up to 75lbs with assistance or mechanical aids throughout each 8-12 hour shift, multiple times per/week.
• Vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to work safely in a noisy dock environment.
• Environment: Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold), occasional outdoor work and/or exposure to precipitation (rain, sleet, snow, etc.), regular exposure to moving equipment, vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.