Forklift Operator & Dock Mentor (Onsite, Evening Shift)

Forward Air Corp.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corp. is seeking a skilled Forklift Operator to safely load, unload, and move freight within our dock environment. This onsite role operates Monday through Friday 2pm-10pm, with training where needed, and requires certification and strong safety practices.

You will use MHE, scanners, and shipping documentation to ensure accurate handling, staging, and shipping, while mentoring newer team members and maintaining high productivity and freight integrity.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Certification/Licensure: Valid forklift certification/licensure (or ability to obtain before operating equipment) required.
• Experience: 3+ years of dock or warehouse experience required.
• 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.
• Technology: Willingness and ability to learn and use basic computer systems, handheld scanners, and freight-tracking devices.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

Skills

English communication

Safety awareness

Basic math

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation (certified)

Handheld scanners

Freight tracking devices

Job description

Forward Air Corp. is seeking a skilled Forklift Operator to safely load, unload, and move freight within our dock environment. This onsite role operates Monday through Friday 2pm-10pm, with training where needed, and requires certification and strong safety practices.

You will use MHE, scanners, and shipping documentation to ensure accurate handling, staging, and shipping, while mentoring newer team members and maintaining high productivity and freight integrity.