Torchora
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jug loader

title: Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jug Loader
salary: $30,000 - $48,000 / year (equivalent hourly range: $15 - $23)
categories: [Warehouse, Logistics, Material Handling, Shipping & Receiving, Manufacturing]
description: >
We are hiring a dependable, safety-focused Jug Loader to join our warehouse and distribution team. The Jug Loader will be responsible for loading, unloading, palletizing, and preparing bulk liquid jugs (containers, drums, and pails) for shipment and storage. Ideal candidates have strong physical stamina, attention to detail, and experience with pallet jacks, forklifts, and standard warehouse processes. This job description highlights key responsibilities, career progression, required hard and soft skills, and education/experience expectations — optimized for job seekers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

🎯 Role Definition

As a Jug Loader, you will be the frontline operator responsible for moving, securing, and preparing filled and empty jugs for storage and transport. This role requires consistent attention to safety, product integrity, and meeting daily productivity targets. You will work closely with shipping & receiving, quality control, inventory, and warehouse leadership to ensure orders are loaded accurately, safely, and on time.

Key phrases: Jug Loader, palletizing jugs, forklift operator, loading dock, shipping and receiving, warehouse material handler, pallet jack, RF scanner, inventory control, OSHA compliance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / General Laborer
  • Material Handler / Picker-Packer
  • Seasonal Shipping & Receiving Associate

Advancement To:

  • Lead Jug Loader / Lead Material Handler
  • Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
  • Forklift Operator / Certified Equipment Operator
  • Inventory Control Specialist or Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector (warehouse)
  • Palletizer or Packaging Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Safely load and unload filled and empty jugs, drums, and pails from pallets, trucks, and production lines using proper manual handling techniques and powered equipment to prevent product damage and injury.
  • Operate pallet jacks, hand trucks, and electric or manual pallet movers to position product for palletizing, shipping, and storage while maintaining safe load limits and stability.
  • Prepare pallets for shipment by stacking jugs according to packing patterns, orientation requirements, and pallet configuration standards to maximize stability and minimize shifting during transit.
  • Wrap, band, and secure pallets using stretch wrap, strapping tools, corner boards, and top sheets to comply with carrier and company loading requirements.
  • Accurately read and follow packing slips, bills of lading, work orders, and pick tickets to ensure the correct SKUs, quantities, and lot codes are loaded for each shipment.
  • Conduct inbound and outbound inspection of jugs for leaks, cracks, labeling accuracy, cap security, and overall product quality; segregate and tag any nonconforming product for QA review.
  • Stage loaded pallets in the dock area according to staging plans, dispatch schedules, and carrier instructions, ensuring first-in/first-out (FIFO) or rotation rules are followed for perishable or date-coded products.
  • Use RF scanners, handheld devices, or warehouse management systems (WMS) to scan inventory, confirm picks, and record pallet IDs and shipment confirmations accurately in real time.
  • Meet daily and hourly productivity targets set by the warehouse manager while maintaining quality and safety standards; proactively communicate capacity or throughput concerns.
  • Assist forklift operators during truck loading/unloading by securing loads, providing proper pallet placements, and ensuring truck manifests match physical inventory.
  • Execute safe load balancing, weight distribution, and center-of-gravity considerations when building pallets to prevent tipping or collapse during transport.
  • Apply appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow OSHA and company-specific safety policies, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures as needed around equipment.
  • Perform basic weight verification, count validation, and dimensional checks to confirm shipments meet carrier weight and size restrictions and to prevent overages or shortages.
  • Participate in daily pre-shift safety briefings, verify all equipment is in working order, report hazards, and immediately record any near-misses or incidents in the incident reporting system.
  • Support cross-docking operations by rapidly transferring pallets from inbound to outbound docks when required to meet just-in-time shipping schedules.
  • Execute cleaning and housekeeping duties in assigned areas, including maintaining clear aisles, removing debris, and ensuring spill kits and cleanup materials are readily available.
  • Assist quality control and production teams during recall or hold events by locating affected pallets, tagging them, and isolating product per QA instructions.
  • Load and secure mixed-pallet shipments, including mixed SKUs, ensuring accurate labeling and clearly documented packing lists to help carriers and customers identify contents.
  • Train and mentor temporary and new hires on safe jug handling, palletizing patterns, load securement, and WMS scanning procedures to maintain consistent team performance.
  • Aid in inventory cycle counts and physical inventory audits by locating stock, confirming counts, and documenting discrepancies to help maintain accurate inventory records.
  • Follow hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling protocols when applicable — including reading Safety Data Sheets (SDS), proper segregation, labeling, and spill response procedures for chemical jugs.
  • Coordinate with freight carriers and dock supervisors to ensure trucks are loaded in the correct order, with attention to load sequencing for multi-stop routes and LTL/FTL requirements.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc shipping and logistics requests, including last-minute order changes, re-labeling, and special packaging instructions required for customer-specific shipments.
  • Participate in continuous improvement efforts by suggesting layout, process, or equipment changes to improve throughput, reduce damage, and enhance safety for jug handling operations.
  • Assist maintenance technicians with basic preventive maintenance checks on pallet wrappers, stretch machines, and dock equipment; report repair needs promptly.
  • Contribute to product traceability by accurately capturing lot codes, production dates, and pallet IDs and by maintaining clear documentation to support audits and quality investigations.
  • Support training programs and SOP updates by providing operational input, documenting practical workarounds, and helping to test revised standard operating procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Forklift operation and certification (Powered Industrial Truck — sit-down or stand-up), including safe load handling of jugs and drums.
  • Proficient use of pallet jacks (manual and electric), hand trucks, and ergonomic lifting aids for repetitive material handling.
  • Experience with palletizing techniques and load securement (stretch wrap, strapping, corner boards, shrink film).
  • Operation of RF barcode scanners and basic experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as SAP EWM, Manhattan, Oracle WMS, or comparable systems.
  • Basic math skills for counts, weights, pallet configuration, and documentation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, weight conversions).
  • Familiarity with shipping documentation: packing lists, bills of lading, ASN (advanced shipping notices), and bill verification procedures.
  • Knowledge of OSHA safety standards and proper use of PPE; ability to follow and enforce safety procedures when handling liquids and chemicals.
  • Experience handling date-coded or lot-tracked products with traceability requirements for recalls or quality investigations.
  • Ability to perform routine pallet wrap, banding, and labeling to carrier and customer specifications.
  • Basic HAZMAT awareness and ability to follow SDS guidance where chemical jugs are involved (segregation and spill response).
  • Physical ability to lift repetitive loads (up to employer-defined safe limits), stand for extended shifts, climb stairs and docks, and work in cold or temperature-controlled environments when required.
  • Familiarity with dock operations, truck loading sequences, and staging best practices to optimize truck utilization.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to product integrity to avoid shipping errors and damage.
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality; ability to maintain shift schedules and respond to occasional overtime or weekend loads.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with dock supervisors, drivers, and quality teams.
  • Team-oriented mindset and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
  • Time management and prioritization to meet shipment cutoffs and production schedules.
  • Problem-solving instincts for resolving mismatches, damaged items, or documentation discrepancies.
  • Adaptability to shifting priorities, seasonal workload fluctuations, and varying product types or packaging formats.
  • Safety-first attitude with the ability to influence peers to follow safe handling and equipment use practices.
  • Willingness to train and mentor new team members and share operational best practices.
  • Customer-focused mindset — understanding that on-time, accurate loading impacts downstream customers and carriers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent work experience in a warehouse or distribution environment acceptable.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training or certification in material handling, logistics, or a related field.
  • Forklift or powered industrial truck certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Warehouse Operations / Industrial Technology
  • Occupational Health & Safety
  • Manufacturing & Production Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years of warehouse or material handling experience; entry-level candidates with strong work ethic and training can be considered.
  • 1–2 years preferred for roles requiring forklift operation, WMS familiarity, or HAZMAT handling.

Preferred:

  • 1+ year of direct experience loading/unloading pallets and building mixed-SKU shipments.
  • Demonstrated experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks, stretch wrappers, and RF scanning systems.
  • Prior experience in beverage, chemical, or food packaging environments is a plus where jug handling protocols and sanitary requirements apply.

If you’re a dependable, safety-focused material handler with experience stacking and securing jugs for shipment, please apply and highlight your forklift certification, WMS experience, and availability for the shifts required.

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