Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Freight Worker

🎯 Role Definition

As a Freight Worker, you are the backbone of our logistics and supply chain operations. You will be instrumental in ensuring the seamless flow of goods by handling, loading, and unloading freight in a fast-paced, safety-focused warehouse or dock environment. This role requires physical strength, precision, and a commitment to teamwork to meet deadlines and maintain the integrity of our customers' shipments. You are a key player in keeping the global supply chain moving, directly impacting our ability to deliver exceptional service.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Warehouse Associate
Retail Stocker
No prior experience (entry-level)

Advancement To:

Lead Freight Worker / Dock Lead
Dock or Warehouse Supervisor
Terminal or Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Forklift Operator
Inventory Control Specialist
Dispatch Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Efficiently load and unload freight from trailers, containers, and trucks, utilizing manual lifting techniques and material handling equipment such as forklifts, dollies, and pallet jacks.
Systematically sort, segregate, and stage freight by destination, ensuring accuracy and readiness for outbound shipment or storage.
Expertly use handheld RF scanners and other warehouse management systems (WMS) to track inventory, document freight movement, and verify shipment details.
Verify freight bills, manifests, and shipping documents to confirm the accuracy of incoming and outgoing shipments, noting any damages or discrepancies.
Properly secure and brace freight within trailers using load bars, straps, and dunnage to prevent shifting and damage during transit.
Operate forklifts and other powered industrial trucks in a safe and proficient manner, adhering to all OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
reprogramming of bills of lading and other shipping documents for accuracy.
Perform routine pre-trip and post-trip inspections on material handling equipment to ensure it is in safe operating condition, reporting any defects immediately.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area on the dock and in the warehouse, clearing debris and organizing materials to prevent hazards.
Accurately weigh and dimension freight to ensure proper billing and compliance with transportation regulations.
Handle hazardous materials according to strict company and regulatory guidelines, including proper labeling, segregation, and documentation.
Wrap pallets and packages securely to protect them from damage and to ensure stability for stacking and transportation.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, drivers, and other team members to coordinate a smooth and efficient flow of freight through the terminal.
Follow detailed instructions for special handling of fragile, high-value, or temperature-sensitive goods to maintain product integrity.
Monitor and manage the flow of freight on the dock to prevent congestion and maximize operational efficiency.
Participate actively in daily safety briefings and training sessions to stay current on best practices and company policies.
Assist in conducting physical inventory counts and cycle counts to ensure data accuracy in the warehouse management system.
Build stable and well-organized pallets of mixed freight, considering weight distribution and crushability.
Read and interpret labels, bills of lading, and other documents to correctly route freight to its designated staging area or trailer.
Adhere to strict timelines and performance metrics to ensure on-time departure of outbound trucks.

Secondary Functions

Assist with inventory counts and report discrepancies to supervisors to support data accuracy and reconciliation.
Provide feedback on operational processes to contribute to the continuous improvement of dock and warehouse procedures.
Communicate effectively with dispatch, drivers, and other terminal staff to ensure smooth and efficient freight flow.
Participate in daily pre-shift meetings to review safety protocols, daily goals, and operational changes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Forklift Operation: Certified or able to become certified to operate sit-down, stand-up, or other powered industrial trucks.
Material Handling Equipment: Proficient use of manual/electric pallet jacks, hand trucks, and dollies.
inbound/outbound shipments.
RF Scanner Usage: Experience using handheld radio-frequency scanners for inventory tracking and order fulfillment.
Load Planning & Securement: Knowledge of proper freight stacking, weight distribution, and securing techniques (strapping, bracing).
Basic Math & Measurement: Ability to perform simple calculations, read tape measures, and understand weights and dimensions.
Warehouse Management System (WMS) Experience: Familiarity with software used for tracking and managing inventory.

Soft Skills

Physical Stamina & Strength: Ability to frequently lift, push, and pull heavy objects (often 50-75 lbs) and be on your feet for extended periods.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in checking paperwork, reading labels, and identifying damaged goods to ensure accuracy.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with a diverse team to achieve common goals in a fast-paced setting.
Time Management: Skilled at prioritizing tasks and working with a sense of urgency to meet tight deadlines.
Safety Consciousness: A strong commitment to following all safety rules and procedures to maintain a hazard-free work environment.
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing priorities, freight volumes, and work assignments.
Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify issues (e.g., discrepancies, damages) and report them through the proper channels.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational or technical training in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics
Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 - 2 years of experience in a warehouse, dock, manufacturing, or general labor environment.

Preferred:

At least 1 year of experience in a Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), cross-dock, or high-volume distribution center environment.
Prior certification and experience operating a forklift.