Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Tire Loader

🎯 Role Definition

The Tire Loader is a foundational role within the supply chain and logistics network, specializing in the handling of automotive tires. This position is physically demanding and serves as the backbone of our distribution and warehousing operations. The individual in this role is responsible for the safe, efficient, and accurate movement, loading, unloading, and storage of tires. More than just manual labor, the Tire Loader ensures that inventory is correctly placed, orders are fulfilled accurately, and the workflow from receiving to shipping is seamless. This role is critical for maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring workplace safety, and guaranteeing that products reach their destination in a timely and orderly manner.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

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

Advancement To:

Warehouse Lead / Team Supervisor
Forklift Operator (with certification)
Inventory Control Specialist
Shipping & Receiving Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Order Picker / Packer
Material Handler (General)
Dock Worker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manually load and unload tires from trucks, trailers, and shipping containers, often handling items weighing up to 75 pounds individually or more with assistance.
Systematically sort and stack tires according to size, brand, type, and destination, ensuring stability and organization within the warehouse or trailer.
Operate manual material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks, dollies, and hand trucks, to safely and efficiently move stacks of tires throughout the facility.
Utilize RF (Radio Frequency) scanners to accurately track inventory, scan barcodes for incoming and outgoing shipments, and update the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Perform visual quality inspections on tires during handling, identifying and segregating any damaged, defective, or incorrect products and reporting issues to a supervisor.
Build stable, secure, and well-organized pallets of tires, preparing them for storage or shipment by applying shrink wrap or other securing materials.
Read and interpret shipping orders, pick lists, and loading diagrams to ensure the correct quantity and type of tires are selected and loaded for each customer order.
Arrange tires within a trailer according to weight distribution guidelines and loading patterns to ensure safe transport and prevent shifting or damage during transit.
Work collaboratively with a team to meet daily loading and unloading targets, coordinating movements and communicating effectively to maintain a steady workflow.
Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and OSHA regulations, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like steel-toed boots and gloves.
Maintain a precise count of all tires handled, cross-referencing physical counts with documentation to ensure inventory accuracy and minimize discrepancies.
Assist in breaking down inbound shipments, separating products, and preparing them for put-away into their designated warehouse storage locations.
Ensure that the loading dock and surrounding work areas are kept clean, organized, and free of hazards to maintain a safe and efficient operational environment.
Communicate with truck drivers to coordinate the positioning of trailers at the dock and to verify shipping documentation before loading or unloading commences.
Label tires or pallets with the correct shipping information, routing tags, and other identifying markers as required by the order fulfillment process.
Monitor the flow of products on conveyor belts or sorting systems, ensuring there are no jams and that tires are routed correctly.
Participate in the physical inventory counting process, including cycle counts and full-year-end inventory audits, to help maintain system-wide accuracy.
Prepare and stage outgoing orders in the designated shipping area, ensuring all components of an order are consolidated and ready for the scheduled pickup.
Report any equipment malfunctions or safety concerns to the maintenance department or a direct supervisor in a timely manner.
Adapt to varying workloads and seasonal peaks in demand, demonstrating flexibility in shifting between different tasks and responsibilities as needed.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the general housekeeping of the warehouse, including sweeping floors, removing debris, and disposing of waste materials like cardboard and plastic wrap.
Participate actively in daily pre-shift meetings, safety briefings, and team huddles to stay informed about daily goals and safety reminders.
Provide support to other warehouse departments, such as order picking or receiving, during periods of high demand or staff shortages.
Help train new team members on proper tire handling techniques, safety procedures, and workflow processes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Manual Dexterity & Handling: Proficiency in lifting, carrying, rolling, and stacking heavy and bulky items.
Material Handling Equipment (MHE): Basic operation of non-motorized equipment like pallet jacks and hand trucks.
RF Scanner Operation: Experience using handheld scanners for inventory tracking, picking, and receiving.
Spatial Awareness: Ability to visualize and execute loading patterns for maximum space utilization and stability in trailers.
Basic Math & Numeracy: Skill in accurately counting, sorting, and verifying quantities against order sheets.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Basic familiarity with interacting with WMS interfaces for task confirmation or inventory lookups.
Safety Procedure Compliance: Knowledge of and adherence to standard warehouse safety protocols, including safe lifting techniques.
Quality Control Recognition: Ability to spot and report product defects, damage, or discrepancies.
Documentation Comprehension: Skill in reading and understanding pick lists, bills of lading, and shipping labels.
Load Securing: Competence in using shrink wrap, banding, or other materials to secure pallets for transport.

Soft Skills

Physical Stamina & Strength: The ability to perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods, including standing, bending, and lifting.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative attitude and the ability to work effectively with others to achieve common goals.
Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in counting, sorting, and checking orders to ensure accuracy and prevent errors.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic demonstrated by consistent attendance and on-time arrival.
Safety Consciousness: A proactive mindset towards identifying potential hazards and following all safety rules without exception.
Time Management: The ability to work efficiently and with a sense of urgency to meet tight deadlines and productivity targets.
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing priorities, workloads, and operational needs.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly communicate with team members, supervisors, and truck drivers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is typically required.

Preferred Education:

Certificate in Logistics, Warehousing, or a related vocational field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics and Distribution

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

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

Preferred:

6+ months of direct experience in a role requiring consistent heavy lifting.
Previous experience handling tires, furniture, or other large, bulky items is highly advantageous.
Familiarity with a fast-paced, physically demanding work environment.