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Loader Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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4 min read

A 612374136warehouse17.19forklift operator5.08warehouse associate1.42forklift operator warehouse1.21material handler1.173047783141969.1019.2833.10HOURLY636609142025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Loader, or Loader Operator, is an individual who typically works in a warehouse, shipping facility or retail outfit and handles incoming and outgoing shipments. Their duties include loading and unloading shipping trucks and shipping containers, verifying shipping route schedules and checking orders for accuracy prior to shipping.

612374136warehouse17.19forklift operator5.08warehouse associate1.42forklift operator warehouse1.21material handler1.173047783141969.1019.2833.10HOURLY636609142025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Loader job duties and responsibilities

Loaders must complete a wide range of tasks each workday that require both physical stamina and attention to detail in order to excel in the position. Some common 612374136warehouse17.19forklift operator5.08warehouse associate1.42forklift operator warehouse1.21material handler1.173047783141969.1019.2833.10HOURLY636609142025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Loader job duties and responsibilities include:

  • Loading packaged shipments onto shipping trucks
  • Bundling packages prior to loading
  • Operating hand trucks for loading of individual packages
  • Unloading incoming shipments from shipping trucks and transporting to warehouses
  • Logging inventory
  • Recording changes to scheduled shipments
  • General warehouse maintenance

Hire your next Loader today.

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Hire your next Loader today.

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Loader Job Description Examples

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
Get the Guide

What does a 612374136warehouse17.19forklift operator5.08warehouse associate1.42forklift operator warehouse1.21material handler1.173047783141969.1019.2833.10HOURLY636609142025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Loader do?

A 612374136warehouse17.19forklift operator5.08warehouse associate1.42forklift operator warehouse1.21material handler1.173047783141969.1019.2833.10HOURLY636609142025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Loader is a service professional who assists with shipping operations in warehouses and shipping facilities. Loaders also work for home and garden stores and furniture stores. While the Loader’s main duties are loading and unloading shipping trucks, they also perform various duties that can change from day to day based on the needs of the business.

Additional tasks and 612374136warehouse17.19forklift operator5.08warehouse associate1.42forklift operator warehouse1.21material handler1.173047783141969.1019.2833.10HOURLY636609142025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Loader job duties include preparing shipments, conducting inspections of merchandise, managing inventory and assisting with warehouse maintenance and cleaning tasks. When working in retail establishments, Loaders are typically responsible for loading merchandise into customer vehicles and replenishing inventory.

Loader skills and qualifications

A successful 612374136warehouse17.19forklift operator5.08warehouse associate1.42forklift operator warehouse1.21material handler1.173047783141969.1019.2833.10HOURLY636609142025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Loader candidate should possess the following prerequisite skills and qualifications necessary to perform the wide range of job duties and excel in this position:

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to lift heavy items weighing up to 75 pounds (or more if applicable)
  • Knowledge of specific tools and equipment necessary to perform required duties
  • Basic knowledge of computers and inventory software
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Willingness to work as a team player
  • Valid driver’s license and forklift driver certification (when required to use a forklift in warehouse settings)
  • Ability to meet deadlines

Loader experience requirements

Some employers hire Loaders as entry-level workers and provide on-the-job training, while others may prefer to hire candidates with previous employment in the shipping and handling industry. If you’re looking to hire an experienced Loader, some requirements may include experience in package handling, past employment in a distribution center or warehouse and 1 to 2 years of experience as a shipping clerk. Since Loaders are often required to perform inventory tasks, such as sorting shipments and inspecting merchandise, previous employment in retail settings (grocery clerk, stock associate) may also be helpful.

Loader education and training requirements

The educational requirements for a Loader are generally a high school diploma or GED equivalent. College degrees are not required to secure employment as a Loader. For entry-level hires, most companies provide on-the-job training where Loaders learn the different aspects of the job, such as sorting, loading and taking inventory. Experienced Loaders may also be required to train under-seasoned employees for specific lengths of time to ensure they’re familiar with the overall operations of the warehouse or shipping facility. There are no formal training requirements for Loaders.

Loader salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Loader is $16.63 per hour and $5,313 overtime per year. Salary ranges may vary significantly based on factors such as experience levels, geographical location and pay rates established by specific employers.

Loader salary expectations

2025-10-019.1019.2833.10HOURLY
  • Common salary: 19.28 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 9.10 - 33.10 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Loader job description isn’t exactly what your business is looking for, here are some similar positions to consider:

Loader job description FAQs

Who does a Loader report to?

A Loader generally reports to a warehouse or shipping facility manager or supervisor who assigns their tasks for the workday. They may also report to the shift manager or lead Loader on duty.

What should you look for in a Loader resume?

What to look for in a Loader resume can depend on whether you’re planning to hire an entry-level worker or someone with an established Loader career. For entry-level applicants, look at their work history (when applicable) to determine if their job duties in other positions may help them excel as a Loader. When hiring an experienced Loader, consider looking for between 1 and 3 years of experience in a warehouse or shipping facility and skills such as basic reading comprehension and computer knowledge.

How can you make your Loader job description stand out?

To make your Loader job description stand out, consider creating a bold headline that grabs the reader’s attention. If you’re offering a hiring bonus with the Loader position, this information should be typed in bold with a larger font than the rest of the description. Incorporating attractive graphics into your job description can also help it stand out. Once you’ve created your headline, add the essentials for the position, such as required skills and qualifications, salary or hourly pay rates and specific hours or shifts the new hire will be working. All essential information should be concise and to the point to keep the reader engaged.

Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
Get the Guide

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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