Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Freight Sorter

🎯 Role Definition

As a Freight Sorter, you are the backbone of our logistics and distribution center. Your primary mission is to efficiently and accurately handle, sort, and stage inbound and outbound freight. You will be instrumental in ensuring that packages and shipments are directed to their correct destinations, maintaining the flow of goods and upholding our commitment to timely delivery. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role that requires physical strength, precision, and a commitment to safety and teamwork. You'll work within a dynamic team to meet daily operational goals, directly impacting customer satisfaction and the overall success of the supply chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Warehouse Associate
Retail Stocker

Advancement To:

Lead Freight Sorter
Warehouse Team Lead
Forklift Operator
Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Package Handler
Material Handler
Shipping & Receiving Clerk

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Unload and break down inbound freight from trucks, trailers, and shipping containers, ensuring careful handling to prevent damage to goods.
Accurately sort and segregate freight and packages based on destination codes, postal codes, or specific customer requirements.
Utilize handheld RF (Radio Frequency) scanners to scan barcodes, track package movement, and update inventory systems in real-time.
Load sorted freight onto outbound trailers, pallets, or conveyor systems, ensuring proper stacking and weight distribution for safe transit.
Physically lift, carry, push, and pull packages and freight of varying weights, frequently up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
Operate manual and electric pallet jacks, dollies, and other material handling equipment to move large quantities of freight within the warehouse.
Read and interpret shipping labels, manifests, and sortation instructions to ensure precise routing of all shipments.
Stage and organize freight in designated staging areas, ensuring it is ready for the next step in the logistics process, such as quality control or loading.
Perform visual inspections of incoming and outgoing shipments, identifying and reporting any damaged, misrouted, or tampered-with packages to a supervisor.
Build and secure stable pallets of goods, using shrink wrap and other materials to ensure stability and prevent shifting during transport.
Maintain a consistent and demanding pace of work to meet or exceed established productivity targets and operational deadlines.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain a secure work environment.
Handle non-conveyable, oversized, or irregular-shaped items by following specific handling procedures to ensure their safe and proper sorting.
Keep work areas, including docks, sortation aisles, and staging zones, clean, organized, and free of hazards.
Communicate effectively with team members, leads, and supervisors regarding operational issues, freight status, and safety concerns.
Verify freight against shipping documents and manifests to confirm accuracy and completeness of shipments.
Assist in the proper labeling and placarding of shipments, including those containing hazardous materials, according to regulatory guidelines.
Document and record freight discrepancies, such as overages, shortages, or damages, using designated forms or systems.
Collaborate with other warehouse teams, including receiving, picking, and shipping, to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.
Participate in periodic inventory counts and cycle counts to help maintain accurate stock levels.
Monitor and operate automated sorting systems and conveyor belts, troubleshooting minor jams and alerting maintenance to larger issues.
Rotate through various tasks and work stations within the sorting department as directed by operational needs.

Secondary Functions

Perform routine housekeeping duties to maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
Assist with inventory cycle counts and physical inventory verification as requested by management.
Report any equipment malfunctions or safety hazards to the appropriate team lead or supervisor immediately.
Provide support to other departments, such as shipping or receiving, during periods of high volume or staff shortages.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in using handheld RF (Radio Frequency) scanners for tracking and sorting inventory.
Experience operating material handling equipment such as manual/electric pallet jacks, dollies, and hand trucks.
Ability to consistently lift, carry, and maneuver packages weighing up to 50-75 pounds.
Basic mathematical skills for counting, verifying, and recording freight quantities.
Ability to read and comprehend shipping labels, manifests, and safety instructions.
Knowledge of proper lifting techniques and warehouse safety protocols.
Forklift operation certification is a significant plus but not always required.
Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) is advantageous.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in sorting and routing.
Excellent time management and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
High degree of physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift for the duration of a shift.
Teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
Strong work ethic and reliability, with a commitment to punctuality and attendance.
Adaptability to changing workflows, priorities, and operational needs.
Proactive communication skills to report issues and coordinate with the team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in logistics or warehouse operations.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics
Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years of experience in a related field.

Preferred: 6+ months of prior experience in a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing environment. Experience as a package handler, material handler, or general laborer is highly valued.