What does a Freight Handler do?
Freight Handlers ensure that clients’ goods arrive safely at their destinations and remain in good condition while in the facilities where they work. By properly packaging and storing freight, they protect customers from losses due to damaged raw materials and inventory. Because they spot discrepancies between freight manifests and actual goods received, Freight Handlers play an important role in loss prevention. Successfully completing Freight Handler job duties increases the efficiency and speed of the supply chain and lowers the likelihood of delays that can lead to lost revenue and customer dissatisfaction.
Freight Handler skills and qualifications
For success in Freight Handler careers, candidates must possess certain skills and qualifications. Some key requirements include:
- Ability to move and maneuver heavy loads and to remain upright and in motion for extended periods
- Skill in operating material-moving equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks
- Attentiveness to detail to spot signs of damage and catch discrepancies
- Problem-solving and analytical skills for determining the best way to pack and store freight
- Strong oral communication skills to collaborate with coworkers and update customers
- Adequate written communication skills to update logs with detailed notes
- Familiarity with logistics software and using hand-held scanners to track freight
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices for material handling
Freight Handler experience requirements
Many employers will hire candidates with no experience for open positions because on-the-job training is often adequate for successfully completing Freight Handler job duties. However, you may wish to focus on candidates who have already worked in warehousing or logistics for at least a year, especially if you expect the position to involve training other Freight Handlers. Previous experience working as a stocker or picker in a warehouse may be a good substitute for having worked as a Freight Handler before.
Freight Handler education and training requirements
Normally a high school diploma or GED is the only education required for success in Freight Handler careers. Some companies prefer to hire handlers who already possess forklift certification in compliance with U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. To obtain certification, a prospective operator must receive training and be evaluated by a qualified trainer. Candidates may have gained certification by completing an OSHA-compliant course or while working for a previous employer.
For supervisory positions, you may wish to prioritize candidates who hold Certified Warehouse Management System Implementer from Oracle. These individuals have completed a series of online training courses related to warehouse management software and passed an examination.
Freight Handler salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Freight Handler is $43,515 per year. You should base your salary offer on your company’s budget, trends in your area and the experience, certification and educational background of candidates.
Freight Handler salary expectations
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Common salary:
19.82 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
10.05 -32.80 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If the Freight Handler job duties outlined above don’t fully reflect your company’s needs, one of the following job descriptions may be a better fit:
Freight Handler job description FAQs
What is the difference between a Freight Handler and a Warehouse Worker?
Warehouse workers work strictly in warehouse settings and normally move goods to and from loading docks. They may also be involved in filling small orders for individual customers. Freight Handlers only load, pack and unload bulk quantities of goods. In addition to moving goods from trucks at warehouses, they also load and unload trains at train yards, airplanes at airports and ships at ports.
Do Freight Handlers have different responsibilities and requirements in different locations?
Freight Handlers’ responsibilities may vary based on where they work. Individuals employed at airports may need to conduct more extensive safety screening to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules. Individuals working at docks may need additional safety certifications under OSHA guidelines for longshoremen. In warehouses, Freight Handlers are more likely to be involved in organizing inventory and monitoring temperature and humidity levels to protect stored goods.
How can you make your Freight Handler job description stand out?
Fully describing the working conditions that candidates can expect may spur interest in your posting. If you offer overtime opportunities or flexible scheduling, call out these selling points. Also, make note of benefits and perks that may set your job opening apart from others, such as paid vacation or sick time or free on-the-job certification training.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
