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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Freight Machine Operator

💰 $18 - $27 Per Hour

LogisticsSupply ChainWarehouseOperationsManufacturing

🎯 Role Definition

As a Freight Machine Operator, you are the backbone of our logistics and distribution center operations. This pivotal role involves the expert operation of various heavy machinery, including forklifts, reach trucks, and pallet jacks, to ensure the seamless flow of goods from receiving to shipping. You will be responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient movement of products, playing a direct part in our ability to meet customer demands and maintain a world-class supply chain. This position requires a keen eye for detail, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate
  • General Laborer
  • Forklift Operator Trainee

Advancement To:

  • Lead Machine Operator / Team Lead
  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Shipping and Receiving Clerk
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Quality Assurance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate various types of powered industrial trucks (PIT), such as forklifts, reach trucks, turret trucks, and electric pallet jacks, to move, locate, relocate, stack, and count merchandise.
  • Safely and efficiently load and unload freight from trailers, containers, and railcars, ensuring proper weight distribution and securing of cargo according to company standards.
  • Perform rigorous daily pre-operational safety checks on all assigned material handling equipment and promptly report any malfunctions or necessary repairs to the maintenance team or supervisor.
  • Utilize a Radio Frequency (RF) scanner and Warehouse Management System (WMS) technology to accurately track product movement, update inventory records, and process inbound and outbound orders.
  • Transport raw materials, work-in-process goods, and finished products to and from storage areas, production lines, and shipping docks according to production schedules and shipping orders.
  • Meticulously inspect inbound and outbound shipments for damage, defects, or discrepancies against packing lists, and report any issues to quality control or management for resolution.
  • Accurately pull, stage, and prepare products for shipment, ensuring that the exact number and type of product is loaded and shipped as per the bill of lading (BOL).
  • Stack and arrange products in designated storage bays, racks, or other warehouse locations, following inventory control procedures and optimizing space utilization.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in the warehouse, including aisles, loading docks, and equipment storage areas, by adhering to 5S principles.
  • Strictly adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA regulations to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property or product.
  • Assist in conducting physical inventory counts and cycle counts to ensure the accuracy and integrity of warehouse inventory records.
  • Securely wrap, band, or package pallets and materials as required for safe, stable transport and long-term storage.
  • Read and interpret complex work orders, shipping orders, and other operational records to determine items to be moved, gathered, or distributed.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, team leads, and other warehouse personnel to coordinate activities and ensure a smooth operational flow.
  • Expertly position forks, lifting platforms, or other lifting devices under, over, or around loaded pallets, skids, and materials to transport loads to designated areas without incident.
  • Manually or mechanically load or unload materials from pallets, skids, platforms, or other transport vehicles when machinery is not applicable.
  • Monitor product quality throughout the handling process and report any non-conforming materials or items to the appropriate leadership for corrective action.
  • Participate actively in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and continuous improvement training sessions to stay updated on operational changes and best practices.
  • Safely change and maintain batteries for powered industrial trucks, following all required safety protocols for battery handling and charging station management.
  • Weigh materials or products and record weight, dimensions, and other critical production data on tags or labels for inventory and shipping purposes.
  • Sort and place materials or items on racks, shelves, or in bins according to a predetermined sequence such as size, type, style, color, or product code.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new machine operators on equipment operation, safety standards, and warehouse procedures.
  • Perform minor preventative maintenance on equipment, such as cleaning and lubricating, to ensure optimal performance.
  • Participate in continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing warehouse efficiency, safety, and quality.
  • Support other warehouse functions, including picking, packing, and shipping/receiving, during peak periods or as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Certified Forklift Operation (Sit-down, Stand-up)
  • Reach Truck & Cherry Picker Operation
  • Electric Pallet Jack Proficiency
  • RF (Radio Frequency) Scanner Usage
  • Warehouse Management System (WMS) Experience
  • Loading and Unloading Techniques
  • Inventory Control and Cycle Counting
  • OSHA Safety Standard Compliance
  • Basic Equipment Maintenance and Inspection
  • Reading and Interpreting Bills of Lading (BOL)
  • Order Picking and Fulfillment
  • Palletizing and Stretch Wrapping

Soft Skills

  • Strong Attention to Detail
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Clear and Effective Communication
  • Time Management and Prioritization
  • Problem-Solving Abilities
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Strong Work Ethic and Reliability
  • Spatial Awareness and Judgment

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training or certification in forklift operation or logistics.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1 - 3 years of experience operating powered industrial trucks in a warehouse or distribution environment.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of experience in a high-volume distribution center or manufacturing facility.
  • Current, valid certification on multiple types of material handling equipment (e.g., forklift, reach truck).
  • Experience with a variety of WMS platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Manhattan).
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