Senior Freight Handler & Forklift Operator – Onsite

Forward Air Corporation; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corporation is seeking an experienced Forklift Operator at our Louisville, KY facility. The role focuses on safe, accurate loading, unloading, staging, and documentation of freight in a multimodal terminal environment.

The position requires 3+ years of dock/warehouse experience and a valid forklift certification, with strong English communication and basic math skills for freight counts and weights. Onsite schedule with potential overtime and mentoring responsibilities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Valid forklift certification/licensure required (or ability to obtain).
• 3+ years of dock or warehouse experience required.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, to understand safety instructions and freight documentation.
• Ability to recognize labels, barcodes, and freight markings; perform basic arithmetic to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.
• Willingness to learn basic computer systems and handheld freight-tracking devices.
• Ability to safely operate MHE such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, and reach trucks (with training).
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Physically capable of standing for long hours and lifting up to 75 lbs with assistance or mechanical aids.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks, and other MHE.
• 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 using handheld devices to ensure accuracy.
• Identify damaged freight and report safety or equipment concerns.
• Maintain a clean, safe dock environment and PPE compliance.
• Support dock productivity and workflow efficiency.
• Work shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Act as a subject-matter expert on dock operations and train others.

Skills

English communication

Basic math

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Handheld scanners

Pallet jacks

Reach trucks

Job description

Forward Air Corporation is seeking an experienced Forklift Operator at our Louisville, KY facility. The role focuses on safe, accurate loading, unloading, staging, and documentation of freight in a multimodal terminal environment.

The position requires 3+ years of dock/warehouse experience and a valid forklift certification, with strong English communication and basic math skills for freight counts and weights. Onsite schedule with potential overtime and mentoring responsibilities.