Lead Forklift Operator & Dock Specialist

Forward Air Corp.; Kenner (LA); On-site; USD 19,286,400 - 27,552,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer

Paid holidays and generous PTO

Vision/Dental/Life & Disability

Stock purchase program

Commuter benefits

Culture of collaboration

Job summary

Forward Air Corp. is seeking a skilled Forklift Operator to safely load, unload, stage, and document freight in a multimodal terminal or warehouse environment. You will work under supervision, advance to lead capacities, and assist with mentoring new Material Handlers.

The role requires 3+ years dock/warehouse experience, a valid forklift certification, and fluency in English for safety and documentation. Expect to operate MHE and scanning devices in shifts that may include nights and overtime.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Valid forklift certification/licensure required (or ability to obtain).
• 3+ years of dock or warehouse experience required.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, to understand safety and operational instructions.
• Ability to recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings, and perform basic arithmetic to verify counts and weights.
• Willingness to learn basic computer systems and freight-tracking devices.
• Ability to safely operate MHE such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, conveyors, dock plates, sit‑down/stand‑up forklifts, and reach trucks.
• Regular and predictable attendance required.
• Physical ability to stand/walk 8-12 hours, lift up to 50 lbs routinely, up to 75 lbs with assistance, and work in a non-climate-controlled environment.

Responsibilities

• Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas according to procedures.
• Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
• Assist drivers with loading and unloading following safety procedures.
• Label, scan, and track freight using handheld devices to ensure accuracy and documentation integrity.
• Identify damaged freight and report issues or safety concerns to supervision.
• Maintain a clean, safe dock environment and proper PPE usage.
• Support dock productivity and workflow efficiency.
• Work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Train and mentor other Material Handlers.

Skills

English communication

Safety focus

Arithmetic skills

Reliability/attendance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Forklift certification

Tools

MHE operation (forklifts)

Handheld scanners

Job description

Forward Air Corp. is seeking a skilled Forklift Operator to safely load, unload, stage, and document freight in a multimodal terminal or warehouse environment. You will work under supervision, advance to lead capacities, and assist with mentoring new Material Handlers.

The role requires 3+ years dock/warehouse experience, a valid forklift certification, and fluency in English for safety and documentation. Expect to operate MHE and scanning devices in shifts that may include nights and overtime.