Senior Forklift Operator & Dock Mentor

Forward Air Corp.; Kansas City, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corp. is seeking a Forklift Operator to safely load, unload, stage, scan, and move freight in a multimodal terminal, warehouse, or dock. Operate sit‑down/stand‑up forklifts and related MHE while adhering to OSHA and company safety policies.

Candidates should have 3+ years in dock/warehouse roles and forklift certification. The role requires English communication skills, basic arithmetic, and the ability to learn new computer systems and handheld scanners.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Certification: Valid forklift certification/licensure required or ability to obtain before operating equipment.
• 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.
• Numeracy: Ability to recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings, and perform basic arithmetic.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and other MHE.
• Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors and trailers.
• 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.
• Support dock productivity and workflow efficiency.
• Train, mentor, and support development of other Material Handlers.

Skills

English communication

Forklift certification

Dock/warehouse experience

Attendance reliability

Basic arithmetic

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Handheld scanners

Freight-tracking devices

Pallet jacks

Reach trucks

Job description

Forward Air Corp. is seeking a Forklift Operator to safely load, unload, stage, scan, and move freight in a multimodal terminal, warehouse, or dock. Operate sit‑down/stand‑up forklifts and related MHE while adhering to OSHA and company safety policies.

Candidates should have 3+ years in dock/warehouse roles and forklift certification. The role requires English communication skills, basic arithmetic, and the ability to learn new computer systems and handheld scanners.