Material Handler

Forward Air Corp.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 22,469 - 32,001; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corp. is seeking an entry-level Material Handler 1 to perform freight handling and dock operations in a fast-paced environment. You will support loading, unloading, movement, and documentation of freight within a multimodal terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock setting.

You will receive foundational training in logistics operations, safety standards, and dock processes under close supervision, with schedules that may include nights, weekends, and overtime as required.

Qualifications

• Education: HS diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Experience: no directly related work 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).
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Physical Demands: extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8-12 hours per shift, with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and occasional up to 75 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using approved physical lifting techniques and light MHE.
• Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas.
• Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
• Assist drivers with loading and unloading activities following safety procedures.
• Label, scan, and track freight using handheld scanning devices and company systems.
• Identify damaged freight and report issues or unsafe conditions to supervision.
• Maintain a clean, safe dock environment and comply with PPE standards.
• Learn equipment operation and safety protocols under supervision.
• Work schedules including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Safely handle oversized or high-value freight.

Skills

English communication

Basic math

Safety awareness

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Handheld scanners

MHE operation

Dock equipment

Job description

Material Handler 1

Pay Rate: $19.77 per hour

Schedules available

• Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, with occasional Saturdays during quarter‑end and year‑end cycle counts.
• Thursday–Monday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, with occasional Saturdays during quarter‑end and year‑end cycle counts.

The Material Handler 1 is an entry‑level position responsible for performing freight handling and dock operations in a fast‑paced environment. They support the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, movement, and documentation of freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment. Working under close operational supervision, this position provides foundational training in logistics/transportation operations, safety standards, and dock processes.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using approved physical lifting techniques and appropriate light Material Handling Equipment (MHE), such as carts and dollies.
• 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).
• Work assigned schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.
• Safely and accurately handle oversized, high‑value, or complex freight.
• All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)/equivalent preferred but not required.
• Experience: no directly related work 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.
• Basic arithmetic skills 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.
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Physical Demands: Extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8-12 hours per shift, with the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50 lbs without assistance, with occasional lifting of freight up to 75 lbs with assistance or mechanical aids throughout each 8-12 hour shift, multiple times per week.
• Vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to work safely in a noisy dock environment.
• Environment: Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non‑climate‑controlled environment, including frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold), occasional outdoor work and/or exposure to precipitation (rain, sleet, snow, etc.), regular exposure to moving equipment, vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.