Freight Handler Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for a freight handler job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a freight handler. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a freight handler.
Who is a Freight Handler?
A Freight Handler is a person who oversees the movement of freight, which usually refers to commodities shipped in bulk, including raw materials or goods. These cargoes may be transported by truck, ship, aircraft, rail, or a combination of these means of transportation.
Freight handlers handle the loading and unloading of the truck loads. Before approving them for storage or departure from the warehouse, they inspect these things to ensure they are accurate. They may occasionally help maintain the warehouse’s systems to ensure everything is in order. They could also assist in overseeing the overall facility’s upkeep and cleanliness.
Freight handlers control the entrance and exit of big trucks carrying goods for storage or delivery. They direct truck drivers as they enter and exit loading ports. They could also take the lead in installing other components that could aid in directing these drivers. They do all these to ensure goods arrive at their destinations quickly and effectively.
A freight handler can also manage various cargo, from unfinished goods to raw materials. They ensure that these things get to their destination in excellent shape. They lift huge boxes or containers onto vehicles or into storage facilities frequently.
Freight handlers should know how to use heavy machinery and have experience driving huge vehicles. You must be mentally alert, have excellent organizational abilities, and have great interpersonal skills to succeed in this position.
Freight handlers play a crucial role in many businesses since they guarantee that cargo gets to their destinations on time. The duties of a freight handler may change depending on their job or sector. You might be interested in learning more about some of the duties and requirements for these occupations if you are considering working as a freight handler.
Freight Handler Job Description
What is a freight handler job description? A freight handler job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a freight handler in an organization. Below are the freight handler job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a freight handler job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of the freight handler include the following:
- Arrange the items in a stack in the storage area and classify them with boards.
- Collaborate with coworkers and managers to keep the workplace safe for everyone, including themselves.
- Ensure that all documentation is complete before loading or unloading cargo.
- Check accuracy on label information and the package contents.
- Move freight with the use of large equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks
- Examine and follow the weight constraints for freight.
- Inspect freight handling equipment regularly.
- Maintain constant observance of health and safety procedures.
- Pick up and transport incoming commodities from docks or warehouses to shops or warehouses for storage or sale.
- Keep consumers informed of delivery progress and any problems that may occur during shipping.
- Load and unload trucks with cargo in crates, cartons, or other containers.
- Prepare paperwork for shipments, such as bills of lading and shipping manifests.
- Update the inventory system’s record of each shipment.
- Use cushioning while packing freight to prevent harm.
- Work with other team members to plan and guarantee the prompt movement of freight.
Qualifications
- Have a high school certificate, GED, or its equivalent
- Experience working in the dock or a related field and role
- Possess a valid forklift certificate (preferably)
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS)
Essential Skills
Here are the skills you require as a freight handler:
- Computer Expertise
- Shipping
- Hand-eye Coordination
- Loading and Unloading
- Crating and Packaging
- Forklift Operation
- Detail-orientation
- Inventory Management
- Data Entry
- Physical Stamina and Strength
- Reliability
- Organization
- Pallet Jack Operation
- Stocking
- Teamwork
- Work Ethic
Computer Expertise
Freight handlers might benefit from having some basic computer skills to manage scanners and electronic tracking devices for shipments.
Freight handlers could utilize warehouse management software or data input to maintain thorough freight records. They might benefit from this kind of software by using it to manage storage and keep track of inventory. Additionally, they use word processing and email programs. A freight handler may manage these job tasks and adjust with the times by having basic computer usage knowledge.
Shipping
The ability to collect and hold inbound cargo is a need for freight handlers. Additionally, they must understand how to prepare and load products for delivery or other outbound conveyance. They check shipping labels, and tracking numbers, and use inventory management software to ensure that the right things are sent to their destinations.
Hand-eye Coordination
The capacity to use your hands and eyes simultaneously is known as hand-eye coordination. Because workers frequently have to precisely pick up objects like boxes or pallets and arrange them in an area, freight handlers require hand-eye coordination. Additionally, this ability aids freight handlers while operating forklifts or other gear that calls for precise motions.
Loading and Unloading
Due to the frequent necessity to load and unload trailers, freight handlers should be proficient in this skill. They could also be in charge of properly loading the trailer, which calls for understanding how to arrange the contents within the trailer, so it is balanced. By doing it, you can be sure that the trailer won’t topple over as you are moving along a highway.
Crating and Packaging
Freight handlers must possess the ability to package and crate. As a result, they may prepare shipments before sending them, guaranteeing that everything gets to its destination without incident. Additionally, it aids them in ensuring that every item in a shipment is present and correct when it arrives.
By attending courses or reading books on the subject, handlers may learn how to package and crate. They could also train employees who often send things.
Forklift Operation
Forklift operation is a skill that freight handlers need to possess. They may transport pallets and other products to the warehouse, which can help them do their work more quickly. They must be able to operate all kinds of forklifts to work in various facilities.
Detail-orientation
Your ability to pay attention to detail will help you do your work successfully. As a freight handler, you might need to ensure that the right things are packaged into each shipment and that the shipments leave the warehouse with all the required paperwork. You must pay close attention to detail to ensure that the goods arrive at their destinations promptly and safely.
Inventory Management
Inventory management is the ability to monitor and keep an accurate record of all the materials in a warehouse. This involves being aware of where each item is kept, how much stock is left, and the next time reorders are needed. Effective inventory management lowers the possibility of running out of popular products and guarantees that freight handlers can find essential supplies quickly.
Data Entry
The ability to enter data into a computer system is known as data entry. Freight handlers frequently employ data entry when inputting shipment specifics, tracking numbers, and other data regarding arriving or leaving goods.
Data entry skill helps complete documentation like manifests, customs papers, and driver logs.
Physical Stamina and Strength
You must have the physical stamina to labor for extended periods to perform the duties of a freight handler. Additionally, you might need to lift and carry big items over long distances. You can do your job more effectively and securely if you have a strong physique.
Since physical strength enables freight handlers to move and raise big objects, it is also a crucial skill. Those who handle freight must be able to lift boxes, crates, and other objects weighing up to 1,000 pounds. They also need to be physically fit enough to stand or sit still for extended periods as they wait for deliveries.
Reliability
Freight handlers may get the respect of their bosses and fellow employees by demonstrating reliability. They demonstrate dependability by sticking to deadlines and finishing projects on time. They prioritize their jobs by utilizing time management techniques to control their burden. To recognize possible problems, including shipment delays, and think of workable solutions, freight handlers employ problem-solving abilities. When freight handlers are dependable, their teammates and management can rely on them to finish their projects on schedule and to a high standard.
Organization
Many of the tasks that freight handlers must complete at work need organizational abilities. These abilities enable them to maintain a warehouse or storage facility, for example, so they can transport freight effectively and avoid mishaps at work. To guarantee that goods are delivered on schedule, freight handlers pay close attention to detail when packing, marking, and sorting them. When operating under pressure, such as meeting a tight shipment deadline, freight handlers can stay composed and focused by using their organizational abilities. They might contribute with these abilities to effective freight handling procedures.
Pallet Jack Operation
Freight handlers transport pallets of merchandise with the use of pallet jacks. One person can operate it. Any freight handler who has to transport large quantities of merchandise about their business must be able to operate a pallet jack. It’s crucial to know how to use this equipment properly to avoid hurting yourself or others.
Stocking
Stocking is the process of putting things in a place where they are simple to find and utilize. Freight handlers frequently use stocking skills when organizing incoming cargo and storing exiting shipments.
In a retail setting, stocking can also mean the process of stocking shelves with goods. Strong stocking abilities are crucial for freight handlers working in a warehouse or retail environment.
Teamwork
The ability to collaborate well with others is known as teamwork. When loading or unloading freight, freight handlers frequently operate in teams, so they must be able to communicate effectively with one another and assign jobs appropriately. Additionally, it might be beneficial to maintain a positive outlook that motivates your team members to work hard.
Work Ethic
A collection of ideals that direct your behavior at work makes up a good work ethic. As a freight handler, you should have a good outlook and be prepared to go above and beyond to complete the task. Your career might develop if you have a strong work ethic since businesses like those who are committed to their positions.
How to Become a Freight Handler
Below are the steps to becoming a freight handler:
Step One: Education
A high school diploma or a GED certificate is often needed for freight handlers. Some businesses might favor applicants who have finished a post-secondary logistics or transportation program. Students learn the fundamentals of freight handling in this one- to two-year program, including how to read shipping paperwork, load and unload cargo, and use tools like forklifts and pallet jacks.
Having a high school certificate or its equivalent helps them develop their fundamental math and communication abilities. Following graduation, some businesses could take on entry-level freight handlers and train them while they work. Novice freight handlers frequently collaborate with experienced workers during this period to develop the skills and strategies that would enable them to do their duties safely. They also learn to use specialized tools like forklifts, pallet jacks, dollies, and lifts to transport freight.
Step Two: Experience & Training
Freight handlers frequently obtain on-the-job training from their managers or other seasoned workers. This instruction could cover equipment use, safe lifting practices, and safety measures.
Step Three: Certifications & Licenses
To demonstrate that a candidate has a broad grasp of the sector, some companies may demand that they complete a certification exam. Obtaining a certification can assist these professionals to enhance their skill sets and set themselves apart from other job seekers, even if it is not mandatory for most freight handling professions. For instance, they could obtain certification in warehouse management or transportation logistics to become specialists in such fields.
Freight handlers may operate tractor-trailers or other transport vehicles in some businesses. Employers demand that freight handlers have a commercial driver’s license for these positions. To reduce dangers and prevent damage when handling shipments, most businesses, regardless of industry, demand that freight handlers attend workplace safety training.
Where to Work as a Freight Handler
Depending on the organization that hires them, freight handlers may operate in several settings. Some people work primarily in warehouses, while others transport cargo in and out of airplanes at airports.
Freight handlers may be found loading and unloading ships in dockside settings. Some senior freight handlers may perform administrative duties in an office, creating timetables and employing new employees. Most freight handlers work a typical 40-hour workweek, although they occasionally need to work odd hours or late hours to accommodate shipments.
Freight Handler Salary Scale
In the USA, the average freight handler earns $34,632 a year, or $17.76 per hour. More experienced ones may earn up to $40,775 yearly, while entry-level ones start at $29,877 annually.
In the United Kingdom, the average annual salary for freight handlers is £32,766; this translates to an hourly wage of £16. They also receive an average bonus of £1,733. The typical wage for a freight handler at entry level is £23,833. The average pay for senior-level freight handlers is £40,200.
Freight handlers earn an annual average of CA$34,242 a year or CA$17.56 per hour. More experienced ones may earn up to CA$39,878 per year, while entry-level roles start at CA$30,225.
In Australia, the average yearly salary for a freight handler is AU$79,110 or about AU$40.50 per hour.
In Germany, a freight handler makes an average income of €35,000.
A freight handler makes an average yearly pay of €37,122 in Ireland.
Freight handlers make a monthly salary between ₦23,223 and ₦106,606 in Nigeria.