Senior Forklift Operator & Dock Lead

Forward Air; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air is seeking a Freight Handler (Forklift Operator) to safely load, unload, stage, scan, and move freight within a multimodal terminal, warehouse, or dock environment. You will mentor newer handlers and resolve on-floor operational issues under supervision.

The role requires a valid forklift certification, 3+ years of dock/warehouse experience, and strong English communication. Expect varied shifts, manual lifting, and adherence to safety policies and PPE standards.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Valid forklift certification/licensure (or ability to obtain before operating equipment) required.
• Experience: 3+ years of dock or warehouse 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 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: 8-12 hours per shift with lifting up to 75lbs with assistance or mechanical aids.
• Vision, hearing, and verbal communication in a noisy dock environment.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using forklifts and related MHE, and other equipment.
• Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors and designated areas.
• Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
• Assist drivers with loading/unloading following safety procedures.
• Label, scan, and track freight to ensure accuracy and documentation integrity.
• Identify damaged freight and report issues to supervision.
• Maintain a clean, safe dock environment and PPE standards.
• Learn equipment operation and safety procedures under supervision.
• Support dock productivity and overall operational goals.
• Work schedules including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Safely handle oversized or high-value freight.
• Assist with dock coordination and workflow management.
• Prioritize freight and coordinate task assignments, potentially leading without supervisory authority.
• Serve as SME on dock operations and training.
• Train and mentor other Material Handlers.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Forklift certification

English communication

Basic arithmetic

Safety procedures

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Tools

Handheld scanners

Freight-tracking devices

Basic computer systems

Job description

Forward Air is seeking a Freight Handler (Forklift Operator) to safely load, unload, stage, scan, and move freight within a multimodal terminal, warehouse, or dock environment. You will mentor newer handlers and resolve on-floor operational issues under supervision.

The role requires a valid forklift certification, 3+ years of dock/warehouse experience, and strong English communication. Expect varied shifts, manual lifting, and adherence to safety policies and PPE standards.