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Cargo Handler Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hub Group, Inc

Cargo Handler - Equipment

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$19.35/hr

The Cargo Handler is responsible for loading and unloading freight on trailers in a safe and timely manner. Frequent lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying of freight is required. Must accurately ...

R.R. Donnelley

Material Handler 2

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$18.72/hr

Army Cargo Handler, Coast Guard MOS: SK: Storekeeper. Department: Production & Manufacturing. Shift: 2nd Shift. Company Description RRD is a leading global provider of marketing, packaging, print ...

Ingram Barge Company

Material Handler

Granite City, IL · On-site

$31.20/hr

The operator will assist in loading/unloading cargo, managing inventory, and maintaining a smooth workflow in the terminal. What you will be doing: * Operating material handler to load and unload ...

Ingram Barge Company

Material Handler

Granite City, IL · On-site

$31.20/hr

The operator will assist in loading/unloading cargo, managing inventory, and maintaining a smooth workflow in the terminal. What you will be doing: * Operating material handler to load and unload ...

Ingram Barge

Material Handler

Granite City, IL · On-site

$31.20/hr

The operator will assist in loading/unloading cargo, managing inventory, and maintaining a smooth workflow in the terminal. What you will be doing: * Operating material handler to load and unload ...

Ingram Marine Group

Material Handler

Granite City, IL · On-site

$31.20/hr

The operator will assist in loading/unloading cargo, managing inventory, and maintaining a smooth workflow in the terminal. What you will be doing: * Operatingmaterial handler to load and unload ...

Lufthansa

Warehouse Handler

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $18.25/hr

Tasks The Warehouse Handler role, involves the following activities, among others: * Physical ... Storage of cargo & other materials * Physical Breakdown * Reporting of irregularities (missing ...

Constellis

Lead Handler

Chicago, IL · On-site

$31 - $33/hr

Lead Handler The Lead Handler will be responsible for overseeing the Handlers to ensure cargo screenings are done in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. Pay rate is compensated at $31-33 per ...

Constellis

Lead Handler

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$31 - $33/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Lead Handler will be responsible for overseeing the Handlers to ensure cargo screenings are done in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. PAY TRANSPARANCY/COMPENSATION * Pay ...

Constellis

Lead Handler

Chicago, IL

$31 - $33/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Lead Handler willbe responsible foroverseeing the Handlers to ensure cargo screenings are done in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. PAY TRANSPARANCY/COMPENSATION * Pay ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course ...

Constellis

Lead Handler

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$31 - $33/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Lead Handler will be responsible for overseeing the Handlers to ensure cargo screenings are done in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. PAY TRANSPARANCY/COMPENSATION * Pay ...

American K9 Detective Services

Lead Handler

Chicago, IL · On-site

$31 - $33/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Lead Handler willbe responsible foroverseeing the Handlers to ensure cargo screenings are done in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. PAY TRANSPARANCY/COMPENSATION * Pay ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Handler The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course and ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course ...

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All JobsCargo Handler JobsCargo Handler Jobs in Illinois

Cargo Handler information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do cargo handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo handler in Illinois is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cargo handler?

Cargo handlers are professionals responsible for loading, unloading, and moving goods and materials in airports, warehouses, shipping docks, and other transportation hubs. They ensure that cargo is properly sorted, labeled, secured, and handled according to safety regulations and company procedures. Cargo handlers often use machinery like forklifts or conveyor belts and may be required to lift heavy items manually. Their role is crucial in maintaining the efficiency and safety of goods movement in the logistics and transportation industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cargo handler?

To thrive as a Cargo Handler, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems, pallet jacks, forklifts, and sometimes OSHA certification are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for managing tight schedules and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are essential for efficiently moving goods, maintaining accurate records, and upholding workplace safety standards.

What are some common challenges cargo handlers face on the job and how can they be managed?

Cargo Handlers often encounter challenges such as handling heavy or awkward loads, working in varying weather conditions, and meeting tight deadlines for shipments. To manage these, it is important to use proper lifting techniques and equipment, follow safety protocols, and maintain clear communication with team members and supervisors. Staying organized and being adaptable to changing schedules or shipment priorities can also help Cargo Handlers navigate the fast-paced work environment successfully.

What is the difference between Cargo Handler vs Warehouse Worker?

AspectCargo HandlerWarehouse Worker
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, forklift certificationOften requires OSHA safety training, forklift certification
Work EnvironmentAirports, shipping docks, freight terminalsWarehouses, distribution centers, storage facilities
Job DutiesLoading/unloading cargo, securing freight, operating forkliftsPicking, packing, organizing inventory, operating equipment

Both Cargo Handlers and Warehouse Workers require safety certifications and often operate similar equipment. However, Cargo Handlers focus on managing freight at transportation hubs, while Warehouse Workers handle inventory within storage facilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and certifications.

How much does a cargo handler earn?

A cargo handler's average salary varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $12 to $20 per hour. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced handlers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Many cargo handlers work in warehouses or airports and may require physical strength and safety training.

What skills do you need to be a cargo handler?

A cargo handler needs physical strength and stamina to lift and move heavy items, good organizational skills to manage shipments, and attention to detail to ensure accurate loading and unloading. Knowledge of safety procedures and the ability to operate equipment like forklifts are also important. Certifications such as OSHA safety training may be required depending on the employer.

What are popular job titles related to Cargo Handler jobs in Illinois?

For Cargo Handler jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cargo Handler jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Cargo Handler jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Cargo Handler jobs in IL?

For Cargo Handler jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Cargo Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Handler job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,931 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Cargo Handler - Equipment

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

Hub Group, Inc
Transportation and Warehousing • 1 - 5K employees

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

334th of 366 rated logistics

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers

Learn more about Hub Group, Incexternal

$19.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

The Cargo Handler is responsible for loading and unloading freight on trailers in a safe and timely manner.  Frequent lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying of freight is required.  Must accurately stage and audit next day routes, perform other warehouse duties as assigned 

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Shift: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Pay: $19.35/hr

What we provide: 

  • Paid holidays 
  • Benefits such as Medical/Dental/Vision 
  • 401K plan with employer contributions 
  • Opportunity for advancement and career development 
  • Culture that embraces a work-life balance 

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • High school diploma or GED required, post high school education a plus 
  • Ability to count and perform basic math, with or without calculator 
  • Basic written and communication skills along with strong customer service skills 
  • Previous experience with RF scanners and computer data entry systems for tracking inventory preferred. 
  • Ability to work, follow directions and organize duties in a fast-paced environment and muti-task 
  • Ability to verify documentation and condition of freight to assure quality standards are met and correctly label boxes and prepare freight for shipment as required 
  • Must accurately stage and audit next day routes and move freight within the warehouse as needed 
  • Must accurately check-in and unload appliances from our appliance carriers 
  • Maintain positive, professional and safe work environment 
  • Schedule flexibility: ability to work weekends, overtime and during events as needed and act as backup for Admin as needed 
  • 1-2 years prior warehouse experience 
  • Must be certified to drive fork truck 

BEWARE OF FRAUD! 

Hub Group has become aware of online recruiting related scams in which individuals who are not affiliated with or authorized by Hub Group are using Hub Group's name in fraudulent emails, job postings, or social media messages. In light of these scams, please bear the following in mind:

  • Hub Group will never solicit money or credit card information in connection with a Hub Group job application.
  • Hub Group does not communicate with candidates via online chatrooms such as Signal or Discord using email accounts such as Gmail or Hotmail.
  • Hub Group job postings are posted on our career site: https://www.hubgroup.com/careers

Hub Group is the premier, customer-centric supply chain company offering comprehensive transportation and logistics management solutions. Keeping our customers' needs in focus, Hub Group designs, continually optimizes and applies industry-leading technology to our customers' supply chains for better service, greater efficiency and total visibility. As an award-winning, publicly traded company (NASDAQ: HUBG) with $5 billion in revenue, our 6,000 employees and drivers across the globe are always in pursuit of "The Way Ahead" - a commitment to service, integrity and innovation. We believe the way you do something is just as important as what you do. For more information, visit www.hubgroup.com.

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