Freight Stocker | Torchora

🎯 Role Definition

As a Freight Stocker, you are a critical part of the team that ensures our store is always ready for business. Your primary mission is to efficiently and accurately unload incoming shipments, sort merchandise, and stock it on the sales floor or in the backroom. This role requires a high level of physical activity, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to safety and organization. You will work closely with the freight team, typically during overnight or early morning hours, to transform a truckload of products into a well-organized, customer-ready shopping experience. Your efforts directly impact inventory accuracy, product availability, and overall store success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Entry-Level / No Prior Experience
General Laborer or Warehouse Worker
Retail Sales Associate or Cart Attendant

Advancement To:

Freight Team Lead / Stocking Supervisor
Receiving Manager / Backroom Supervisor
Department Manager or Assistant Store Manager

Lateral Moves:

Inventory Control Specialist
E-Commerce Fulfillment Associate
Sales Floor Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Diligently unload merchandise from incoming trucks, trailers, and containers, utilizing equipment such as pallet jacks, U-boats, and hand trucks.
Systematically sort and stage freight by department, aisle, and product category to optimize the stocking workflow.
Accurately scan and verify incoming shipments against manifests or purchase orders, noting any discrepancies, damages, or shortages.
Efficiently move pallets, carts, and boxes of merchandise from the receiving area and backroom to the sales floor.
Meticulously stock shelves, racks, pegs, and displays with new products, adhering to company planograms and presentation standards.
Execute product rotation using the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) method to ensure product freshness and minimize waste.
Break down and consolidate cardboard, plastic wrap, and other packaging materials, disposing of them in the appropriate balers or recycling containers.
Perform "facing" and "fronting" of all products on shelves to create a full, neat, and visually appealing shopping environment for customers.
Identify, document, and report any damaged, expired, or incorrect merchandise to the team lead or supervisor for proper handling.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in the receiving dock, backroom, and on the sales floor by clearing aisles and removing hazards.
Utilize handheld RF scanners and other inventory management technology to track product movement, update stock levels, and perform inventory tasks.
Assemble and install promotional displays, endcaps, and new store fixtures as directed by merchandising plans.
Strictly adhere to all company safety protocols and procedures, including proper lifting techniques, safe equipment operation, and hazard communication.
Work with a sense of urgency to meet or exceed established productivity goals and stocking timelines, often within a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
Ensure all overstock merchandise is accurately labeled, organized, and placed in its designated location in the backroom for easy retrieval.

Secondary Functions

Assist with periodic inventory counts, cycle counts, and store-wide audits to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy.
Provide courteous and effective customer service on the sales floor, helping shoppers locate products or answering basic questions when working during store hours.
Communicate clearly and proactively with team members and supervisors regarding workflow status, potential issues, and task completion.
Operate power-lifting equipment, such as forklifts or stock pickers, after completing all required company training and certification.
Contribute to general store cleanliness and upkeep, including sweeping floors, clearing spills, and ensuring aisles are free of debris.
Support other departments with operational tasks as needed to ensure overall store success and smooth functioning.
Actively participate in pre-shift team meetings to discuss daily goals, safety topics, and operational best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Pallet Jack & Hand Truck Operation: Safely and efficiently maneuver manual lifting equipment.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Experience using handheld devices for inventory tracking, receiving, and order picking.
Inventory Management Systems: Basic understanding of how to interact with software that tracks stock levels.
Safety Protocol Knowledge: Familiarity with proper lifting techniques, hazard identification, and general workplace safety.
Forklift/Powered Equipment Operation: Certification or willingness to be trained on powered industrial trucks (PIT) is a major plus.
Basic Math & Counting: Ability to accurately count, verify, and check shipment quantities.
Planogram Interpretation: Skill in reading and implementing merchandising layouts and product placement guides.
Material Handling: Experience with sorting, staging, and moving large quantities of diverse products.

Soft Skills

Physical Stamina & Strength: Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull objects up to 50 pounds and be on your feet for extended periods.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in ensuring products are placed correctly, rotated properly, and counts are accurate.
Time Management & Urgency: Excellent at prioritizing tasks and working efficiently to meet tight deadlines, especially during overnight shifts.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively within a team to achieve common goals.
Adaptability: Capable of thriving in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment and handling unexpected challenges.
Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated with a commitment to completing tasks thoroughly.
Organizational Skills: A knack for keeping workspaces clean, orderly, and efficient.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues like discrepancies or damages and take the appropriate steps to resolve them.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

Not applicable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Not applicable.

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years.

Preferred: Prior experience in a retail, warehouse, logistics, or stocking environment is highly valued but not required. We are committed to training motivated candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.