FT Dockworker - Northeast Atlanta, GA

Saia; Buford (GA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Saia is seeking a Freight Handler in Buford, GA to sort and load/unload freight using forklifts and pallet jacks. You will verify shipments, maintain safety standards, and support efficient operations in a fast-paced dock environment.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, U.S. work authorization, and clear English communication. Forklift or pallet jack experience is preferred; training is available with competitive hourly pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and able to read, write, and comprehend English.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Strong attention to safety and accuracy when handling freight.

Responsibilities

• Loads and unloads trailers using forklifts, pallet jacks and other equipment.
• Ensures freight is secured and loaded in compliance with regulations.
• Verifies shipments by reading labels and securing freight for loading/unloading.
• Maintains safe, clean work environment and follows safety procedures.
• Logs shortages and damages and reports issues.
• Supports quick and cost-efficient shipments through proper handling.

Skills

English proficiency

Safety awareness

Team player

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

Pallet jack

Job description

Full Time opportunities available!

Ready To Go Further?

Saia is a different kind of logistics and transportation company. We do things the right way. You’ll see it in our commitment to our people, customers, and community. You’ll feel it in the support you get on day one – from leadership and from your team. A job with Saia is packed with opportunity – from learning new skills and advancing to competitive compensation and great benefits. It's all here and it’s exactly what going further is all about.

Position Summary

Sorts and handles freight in and out of over-the-road equipment, containers, city trailers, and straight trucks. Operates forklifts and pallet jacks to load and unload freight.

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

• Loads and unloads trailers using forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment in compliance with state, federal, and Department of Transportation regulations.
• Operates dock tools to ensure freight is loaded securely and properly, including maintaining straps, bars, air bags, cardboard, and dunnage.
• Loads, recoups, rewraps, and stacks freight as needed.
• Verifies shipments by reading labels and correctly securing freight for both loading and unloading trailers.
• Follows established bill and quality control procedures to ensure timely, claims-free, and cost-efficient shipments.
• Logs, reports, and processes any shortages and damages to freight.
• Promotes and maintains a safe and clean work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Read, write, communicate and comprehend the English language in order to perform the various tasks of the job, including but not limited to: converse with co-workers and members of the general public; understand oral and written instructions as well as governmental regulations; respond to questions and inquiries from management and government representatives; and accurately complete various shipping documents, reports and records required of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Warehouse, freight, dock, forklift, or pallet jack experience.
• Forklift certification or hazmat training.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in verifying shipments.

Work Conditions and Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoops, and lift throughout the shift.
• Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying freight up to 100 pounds; team lift or mechanical assistance required for heavier items.
• Regular use of hands and arms for handling freight, operating pallet jacks, and securing loads.
• Ability to climb on and off forklifts, trailers, and dock platforms safely.
• Adequate vision and hearing (with or without correction) to operate equipment, read labels, and follow safety signals.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow due to dock and yard exposure.
• Ability to work varying schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays based on operational demands.

Pay Rate: $26.85 - $30.80 per hour, based on experience

Benefits

At Saia, your success is our success! That’s why we work hard to provide you with what you need to build an awesome career. We are committed to rewarding superior employee performance so that when you work hard, your achievements won’t go unnoticed.

Make Your Move

At Saia, our people are the reason we’ve been successful for over a century in the industry. Together, we’ve created a positive culture that’s driven by our core values – like dignity and respect, a customer‑first approach, safety and more. With hundreds of terminals across the country and growing, we’re always looking for more collaborative and motivated individuals to join our team. So, if you’re ready to put your career on a solid path, let’s go further.

Saia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.