Preload Associate

J-J-Mcdonnell-; Elkridge (MD); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

J.J. McDonnell, located in Elkridge, Maryland, is seeking a Preload Associate for a Tuesday–Saturday shift from 1:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

The role involves organizing, verifying, staging, and loading outbound product by delivery route to ensure timely departures. Candidates will work with Transportation, Warehouse, and Inventory teams to resolve discrepancies and maintain dock efficiency. Responsibilities include route staging, manifest verification, loading with forklifts and pallet jacks, and

Qualifications

• Experience in shipping, warehouse operations, order staging and loading processes.
• Ability to read manifests and labels and follow loading instructions.
• Forklift operation training and valid driver's license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Route staging and consolidation for each delivery route.
• Verify outbound quantities against manifests and check sheets.
• Load and unload products using forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Position trucks at dock doors and maintain a safe, organized workspace.
• Document shortages, overages, and discrepancies for resolution.

Skills

Shipping

Warehouse operations

Order staging

Truck loading

Electric pallet jacks

Attention to detail

Education

Forklift training

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Description

Preload Associate

Shift & hours: Tuesday–Saturday schedule from 1:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Hourly Rate: $17-$19 p/h

Reports To: Transportation Manager

The Company

J.J. McDonnell was founded in 1945 and was originally located in the downtown Baltimore Seafood Market. In 1984, J.J. McDonnell relocated its operations to the Maryland Seafood Market in Jessup, Maryland. In October of 2016 J.J. McDonnell moved into a larger facility in Elkridge, Maryland, where we currently reside. J.J. McDonnell has established a market leadership position in Maryland, Washington D.C, and Northern Virginia as a provider of high-quality seafood products and services.

Over the years, the product focus has transitioned from predominately fresh fish to a healthy mix of fresh and frozen seafood. We cater to a wide range of customers, from Retail to Bar & Grill, Sushi to American Steakhouse, or from small ‘Mom and Pop’ stores to a large National Chain.

J.J. McDonnell prides itself on being a company that offers more than just a product. We offer our customers a wealth of knowledge, information and education about the seafood industry and the products our customers are buying and serving. It is our pleasure and purpose to provide seafood products, services, and support that will enable our customers to enhance their own business.

The Opportunity

The Preload Associate organizes, verifies, stages, and loads outbound product by delivery route. The position helps ensure orders are complete, accurate, and ready for timely departure, reducing the need for drivers to locate or sort merchandise before leaving the facility.

Working closely with Transportation, Warehouse, and Inventory personnel, the associate helps resolve discrepancies, maintain orderly staging areas, and support efficient use of dock doors. The role also includes positioning assigned straight trucks for loading and, when qualified and authorized, providing occasional backup delivery coverage.

Reporting Relationship

The Preload Associate reports to the Transportation Operations Manager.

Responsibilities

• Route staging: Consolidate product for each assigned route in designated staging areas. Identify orders by route and stop, and arrange product according to established loading instructions.
• Manifest verification: Compare physical counts, product labels, and SKU codes against outbound manifests and check sheets to confirm the correct products and quantities before loading.
• Loading and unloading: Use forklifts, electric pallet jacks, hand trucks, and appropriate manual handling methods to load and unload product. Follow assigned loading sequences and secure product to minimize shifting and damage.
• Pallet configuration: Build, break down, consolidate, and wrap mixed pallets to maintain stability, protect product, and support efficient loading and delivery.
• Truck positioning: Position assigned straight trucks and equipment at designated dock doors as directed, following company authorization requirements and safe vehicle movement procedures.
• Discrepancy tracking: Identify, document, and promptly report shortages, overages, damaged product, and incorrect items. Coordinate resolution with the appropriate department and elevate unresolved issues to the Transportation Operations Manager before departure.
• Departure readiness: Communicate staging status, missing product, and loading delays to transportation management. Complete required verification and loading documentation.
• Dock organization: Keep staging areas clearly identified and aisles and dock access unobstructed. Coordinate product movement to reduce congestion and make efficient use of dock space.
• Equipment and product care: Complete required equipment checks, report equipment concerns, and follow company food safety, product handling, and temperature control procedures.
• Backup delivery support: Provide occasional delivery coverage as needed only when qualified and authorized to operate the assigned vehicle. Follow company delivery procedures and applicable driving requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Safety:

• Follow company safety policies and procedures, use required personal protective equipment, and promptly report hazards or unsafe conditions.
• Operate equipment only after completing required training and evaluations and receiving company authorization. Use appropriate equipment or team assistance when handling heavy or awkward loads.

Education and Certifications

• Complete company-required equipment training and evaluations before operating assigned forklifts or other powered equipment.
• Employees assigned delivery duties must hold the appropriate valid driver’s license and meet applicable company, insurance, and regulatory requirements before operating a delivery vehicle.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Experience in shipping, warehouse operations, order staging, truck loading, or operating electric pallet jacks is a plus.
• Delivery driving experience, including operating straight trucks, is a plus but is not required. Candidates without driving experience are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to accurately read manifests, product labels, SKU codes, and loading instructions and identify quantity or product discrepancies.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage multiple orders, follow instructions, and work efficiently within scheduled departure times.
• Ability to meet company requirements for safely positioning assigned straight trucks on company property.
• Availability to consistently work Tuesday–Saturday, 1:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

Location

Elkridge, Maryland

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and use of hands to handle product and operate equipment.
• Occasionally lift and move products weighing up to 100 pounds, using appropriate lifting equipment or team assistance as needed, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Climb in and out of assigned trucks and safely access loading areas as required.

Work Environment

Work is performed in refrigerated warehouse and loading dock areas, inside truck cabs, and occasionally outdoors. Conditions may include cold, wet or humid areas, changing outdoor temperatures, moving equipment, and varying noise levels. Required personal protective equipment must be worn in designated areas. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

J.J. McDonnell is committed to providing a diverse workforce experience. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, veteran, or disability status. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merits, and business needs.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.