Forklift Operator – Dock/Warehouse Pro (All Shifts)

Forward Air Corporation; Irving (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corporation in Iowa is seeking a Freight Handler (Forklift Operator) to safely load/unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and other MHE. You will move, stage, and prepare items for shipping in a multimodal terminal, helping to maintain accurate documentation and dock productivity.

The role requires 3+ years of dock/warehouse experience, forklift certification, and strong safety awareness.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Valid forklift certification/licensure (or ability to obtain before operating equipment) required.
• 3+ years of dock or warehouse experience required.
• 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.
• 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, sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks (with company-assisted certification/training).
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Physical Demands: 8-12 hours per shift, lifting up to 50-75 lbs with/without assistance.
• Vision, hearing, and verbal communication to work safely in a noisy dock environment.
• Environment: Safe work around moving equipment in a non-climate-controlled setting with temperature extremes.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and other MHE like pallet jacks and dollies.
• Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated areas.
• Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
• Assist drivers with loading/unloading following dock and safety procedures.
• Label, scan, and track freight with handheld devices to ensure accuracy.
• Identify damaged freight and report issues or unsafe conditions to supervision.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized dock environment and comply with PPE standards.
• Perform tasks while learning equipment operation and safety protocols.
• Support dock productivity and workflow efficiency.
• Work assigned schedules including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Skills

Forklift operation

Dock experience

Forklift certification

English communication

Basic arithmetic

MHE proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Pallet jacks

Dollies

Hand trucks

Order pickers

Pallet riders

Conveyors

Dock plates

Dock levelers

Job description

Forward Air Corporation in Iowa is seeking a Freight Handler (Forklift Operator) to safely load/unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and other MHE. You will move, stage, and prepare items for shipping in a multimodal terminal, helping to maintain accurate documentation and dock productivity.

The role requires 3+ years of dock/warehouse experience, forklift certification, and strong safety awareness.