Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Freight Handler

🎯 Role Definition

The Freight Handler is a pivotal member of the operations team, responsible for the manual and equipment-assisted movement of goods within a warehouse, distribution center, or cross-dock terminal. This dynamic role involves the efficient and safe loading, unloading, sorting, staging, and securing of freight. A successful Freight Handler ensures the accurate and timely processing of shipments, maintaining the flow of commerce and upholding the integrity of the supply chain. This position demands physical stamina, a keen eye for detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Warehouse Associate
Package Handler

Advancement To:

Lead Freight Handler / Dock Lead
Dock Supervisor or Warehouse Supervisor
Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Forklift Operator (Specialized)
Inventory Control Clerk
Shipping & Receiving Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Skillfully load and unload freight from various vehicles, including semi-trailers, pup trailers, and containers, ensuring proper handling to prevent damage.
Operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as sit-down forklifts, stand-up forklifts, and electric pallet jacks with a high degree of safety and efficiency.
Manually lift, carry, and position freight weighing up to 75 pounds, often repetitively, throughout the duration of the shift.
Sort and segregate freight by destination, routing codes, and other specifications, staging it in designated areas for outbound loading.
Utilize radio frequency (RF) scanning equipment to accurately track freight movement, update inventory status in the Warehouse Management System (WMS), and verify shipment details.
Meticulously inspect inbound and outbound shipments for damages, shortages, or overages, and report any discrepancies to supervisors immediately.
Secure freight within trailers using load bars, straps, and dunnage to ensure stability and prevent shifting during transit, adhering to proper weight distribution and securement protocols.
Read and interpret shipping documents, including bills of lading (BOL), manifests, and freight labels, to determine handling and routing requirements.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment on the dock and in the warehouse, adhering to all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
Efficiently build stable and secure pallets of freight, optimizing cube utilization while ensuring product integrity.
Affix labels, placards (including hazmat), and other required markings to freight to comply with transportation and safety regulations.
Work collaboratively with team members, supervisors, and truck drivers to coordinate the smooth and efficient flow of freight through the facility.
Perform pre-shift safety inspections on forklifts and other equipment, reporting any mechanical issues or maintenance needs to the appropriate personnel.
Handle hazardous materials in strict accordance with company policies and federal regulations, including proper identification, segregation, and documentation.
Meet and exceed established productivity and quality standards for freight handling, including pieces per hour and accuracy rates.
Adapt to working in various environmental conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather, as dock doors are frequently open.
Break down and re-palletize inbound shipments for distribution, ensuring items are sorted and stacked correctly for their next destination.
Assist in conducting physical inventory and cycle counts to maintain precise records and resolve inventory discrepancies.
Weigh and measure freight to verify dimensions and ensure accurate billing and compliance with carrier capacity limits.
Guide drivers in backing trailers to the correct dock doors and assist with chocking wheels and securing the trailer for safe loading/unloading.

Secondary Functions

Perform routine housekeeping duties, such as sweeping the dock and warehouse floors, to ensure a safe and orderly workspace.
Provide operational support to adjacent departments, like shipping or receiving, during periods of high volume or staff shortages.
Participate actively in daily pre-shift safety briefings and other training sessions to stay current on best practices and company policies.
Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and suggesting process enhancements for safety, quality, and efficiency.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Forklift Operation: Certified proficiency in operating sit-down and/or stand-up forklifts in a congested, fast-paced environment.
Material Handling Equipment (MHE): Experience with a range of warehouse equipment, including electric pallet jacks, hand trucks, and dollies.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Ability to effectively use handheld RF scanning devices to track inventory and manage freight data.
Load Securement & Building: Knowledge of proper techniques for stacking pallets and securing freight inside a trailer using straps, airbags, and load bars.
Physical Strength & Stamina: The ability to consistently lift, push, and pull heavy objects (up to 75 lbs) and remain physically active for extended periods.
Reading Comprehension: Skill in reading and interpreting bills of lading, manifests, and hazardous material placards.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Basic understanding or experience interacting with WMS software for inventory tracking.
Spatial Awareness: Excellent awareness of surroundings to safely navigate equipment and move freight without causing injury or damage.
Basic Mathematics: Ability to perform simple arithmetic for counting freight, verifying quantities, and checking documentation.
Safety Protocol Adherence: Strong knowledge of OSHA standards and general warehouse safety procedures.

Soft Skills

Strong Work Ethic: A reliable, self-motivated individual with a sense of urgency and a commitment to getting the job done right.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in checking paperwork, verifying counts, and inspecting freight for damage.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others to achieve common operational goals.
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing priorities, work schedules, and a fast-paced, physically demanding workload.
Time Management: Capable of prioritizing tasks and working efficiently to meet tight deadlines and productivity targets.
Communication: Clear and concise communication with supervisors, team members, and drivers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or technical certification in Forklift Operation or Logistics.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 - 3 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, or similar physical labor role.

Preferred:

At least 1 year of direct experience as a freight handler, dock worker, or forklift operator in a cross-dock or LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) environment.
Prior experience handling hazardous materials is a significant plus.