Lead FT Dock Worker

saia; Maine; On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Saia is seeking a dock operations associate to support supervisors and direct dock activities. You will lead a team of dockworkers, train new staff, and ensure freight is loaded/unloaded safely using forklifts and pallet jacks. Compliance with DOT regulations and accurate shipping documentation is essential.

The role emphasizes teamwork, accuracy, and maintaining a safe, efficient terminal environment. Evening and weekend hours may be required based on operations.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• English reading/writing/comprehension for shipping documents and instructions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct daily dockworker functions under supervision.
• Coach, train and mentor dockworkers.
• Load/unload trailers using forklifts and pallet jacks per safety rules.
• Inspect shipments and secure freight for loading/unloading.
• Follow bill of lading and quality control procedures.
• Log and report freight shortages and damages; promote safety.

Skills

Warehouse experience

Forklift operation

Hazmat training

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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

Supports supervisors with leading terminal operational activities. Directs dockworkers to efficiently sort and handle freight into and out of over-the-road equipment, containers, city trailers, and straight trucks.

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

• Assists supervisors with leading and directing the daily functions of dockworkers.
• Coaches, trains, and mentors new and existing dockworkers.
• 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.
• Inspects and verifies shipments by reading labels and 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 freight shortages and damages.
• 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

• 2 years of 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: $28.95 - $33.20 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.