Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Goods Loader

🎯 Role Definition

As a Goods Loader, you are the backbone of our warehouse and distribution operations. You will be directly responsible for the physical handling, loading, and unloading of freight, ensuring that products are moved safely, accurately, and efficiently from our facility to their final destinations. This role requires a high level of physical fitness, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety. You will operate material handling equipment and work collaboratively with a team to meet shipping deadlines and maintain the integrity of our inventory, directly impacting customer satisfaction and our company's success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Retail Stocker
Mover / Packer

Advancement To:

Lead Loader / Team Lead
Warehouse Supervisor
Certified Forklift Operator

Lateral Moves:

Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Inventory Control Associate
Order Picker / Packer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and efficiently load and unload freight, parcels, and materials from trailers, containers, and delivery trucks, utilizing proper lifting techniques and material handling equipment.
Meticulously verify incoming and outgoing shipments by checking items against shipping documents, purchase orders, and bills of lading to ensure 100% accuracy in quantity and product type.
Operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as electric and manual pallet jacks, dollies, and hand trucks to move goods to and from storage areas, production lines, and shipping docks.
Skillfully build, wrap, and stage pallets of goods according to company standards and customer-specific requirements, ensuring load stability and safety for transport.
Utilize Radio Frequency (RF) scanning devices to accurately track the movement of inventory, process orders, and update the Warehouse Management System (WMS) in real-time.
Proactively maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the loading dock and warehouse areas, adhering to 5S principles and company housekeeping standards.
Adhere strictly to all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and company safety protocols, including the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
Promptly identify and report any damaged products, equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or inventory discrepancies to the shift supervisor for immediate investigation and resolution.
Collaborate effectively with team members, truck drivers, and supervisors to coordinate loading/unloading schedules and ensure a smooth, efficient workflow at the dock doors.
Interpret work orders, pick tickets, shipping labels, and verbal instructions to determine which items need to be moved, gathered, staged, or distributed for shipment.
Expertly secure cargo for transport using braces, dunnage, padding, and strapping to prevent shifting, damage, or accidents during transit.
Sort and place materials or items on racks, shelves, or in bins according to predetermined sequences such as size, type, style, color, or product code for organized storage.
Perform daily pre-operational safety inspections on all material handling equipment before use and report any maintenance needs or operational defects.
Participate actively in regular inventory counts, including cycle counts and full physical inventories, to help maintain data accuracy and control stock levels.
Consistently meet or exceed established productivity targets for loading, unloading, and order staging while maintaining impeccable standards of quality and safety.
Manage the flow of vehicle traffic at the loading dock, directing trucks to assigned doors and ensuring proper docking and safety procedures are followed before loading/unloading begins.
Accurately weigh and count items for distribution within the warehouse to ensure conformance to company standards and order specifications.
Manually lift, carry, and maneuver heavy items, often weighing up to 50 pounds, either individually or as part of a team effort, throughout the shift.
Ensure proper segregation and handling of materials, including hazardous materials or temperature-sensitive goods, according to specific handling procedures.
Prepare and arrange outgoing shipments by assembling, packing, protecting, and labeling containers based on customer and carrier requirements.

Secondary Functions

Assist with periodic inventory cycle counts and ad-hoc stock checks as requested by the Inventory Control team.
Provide constructive feedback on warehouse processes and suggest potential improvements for operational efficiency and workplace safety.
Communicate clearly and professionally with truck drivers and logistics coordinators to ensure timely departures and arrivals, facilitating smooth dock operations.
Participate in daily pre-shift meetings and team huddles to align on performance goals, safety topics, and priorities for the day.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation: Proficiency in operating manual and electric pallet jacks, hand trucks, and dollies. Forklift certification is a major plus.
RF Scanner Usage: Experience using handheld RF scanners for tracking inventory, picking orders, and confirming shipments.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Basic understanding of or ability to quickly learn WMS software for inventory lookups and transaction entries.
Basic Math and Literacy: Ability to count accurately, perform basic arithmetic, and read and interpret shipping documents and labels.
-Safety Compliance: Knowledge of fundamental warehouse safety procedures, including proper lifting techniques and adherence to OSHA guidelines.
Load Securing: Skill in properly bracing, blocking, and strapping cargo to ensure secure transport.

Soft Skills

Physical Stamina and Strength: Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs) repeatedly for an entire shift.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in checking paperwork, counting items, and inspecting for damage to prevent errors.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Works well with others to achieve common goals and maintains a positive, cooperative attitude.
Time Management: Excellent at prioritizing tasks and working with a sense of urgency to meet tight shipping and receiving deadlines.
Reliability and Punctuality: Demonstrates a strong work ethic with a consistent record of being on time and ready to work.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly understand and follow verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in Logistics, Warehousing, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics and Distribution

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years

Preferred:

1+ years of experience in a fast-paced warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
Prior certification and experience operating a forklift, reach truck, or other powered industrial trucks is a significant advantage.
Demonstrable experience working in a role that required meeting performance metrics for speed and accuracy.