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Cargo Handler Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Forklift Materials Handler

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Forklift Material Handler SHIFT: Monday - Friday 5pm - 1:30am SUMMARY The Forklift Material Handler ... Warehouses and stores inbound and outbound cargo awaiting processing and/or onward movement. Stacks ...

Material Handler/Receiver

Elkhart, IN ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Forest River, Inc., the Nation's largest manufacturer of Recreational Vehicles, Cargo Trailers, Transit Buses and Boats has an immediate opening. Responsibilities * Operate Forklift * Unload trucks

Material Handler/Receiver

Elkhart, IN ยท On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Forest River, Inc., the Nation's largest manufacturer of Recreational Vehicles, Cargo Trailers, Transit Buses and Boats has an immediate opening. Responsibilities * Operate Forklift * Unload trucks

Material Handler/ Operator II

South Bend, IN ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Execute various manual labor functions such as picking inventory, counting cargo, product and material and hand staging and loading goods; use manual equipment such as hand truck or pallet jack.

Inspect load to ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured * If load is not properly secured ... Report damages and unsafe conditions. * Assist other Material Handlers as needed or directed by ...

Inspect load to ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured * If load is not properly secured ... Report damages and unsafe conditions. * Assist other Material Handlers as needed or directed by ...

OTR CDL-A Hybrid Driver

Evansville, IN ยท On-site

$1.3K - $1.7K/wk

Inspect load to ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured If load is not properly secured notify ... Report damages and unsafe conditions. Assist other Material Handlers as needed or directed by ...

Inspect load to ensure cargo is properly loaded and secured If load is not properly secured notify ... Report damages and unsafe conditions. Assist other Material Handlers as needed or directed by ...

OTR CDL-A Hybrid Driver

Evansville, IN ยท On-site

$1.3K - $1.7K/wk

... cargo is properly loaded and secured 3.4 If load is not properly secured notify dispatch and if ... material handlers as assigned by leadership 3.36 Do not use power equipment in a facility until ...

OTR CDL-A Hybrid Driver

Evansville, IN

$1.3K - $1.7K/wk

... cargo is properly loaded and secured 3.4 If load is not properly secured notify dispatch and if ... material handlers as assigned by leadership 3.36 Do not use power equipment in a facility until ...

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Cargo Handler information

See Indiana salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do cargo handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo handler in Indiana is $18.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $19.66 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.

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 working in specialized environments can earn higher wages. Certifications in safety and equipment operation can also influence earnings.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Cargo Handler jobs in Indiana? For Cargo Handler jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Cargo Handler jobs in IN? For Cargo Handler jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cargo Handler job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,230 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Forklift Materials Handler

ProTrans

Indianapolis, IN โ€ข On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Forklift Material Handler

SHIFT: Monday - Friday 5pm - 1:30am

SUMMARY

The Forklift Material Handler loads, unloads and moves materials within or near center, cross dock, trailers, yard, or work site by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES included the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Reads work order or follows oral instructions to ascertain materials or containers to be moved.
  • Receives items for shipment, inspects visually for identity, quantity, and condition. Checks for obvious damage and segregates items requiring special handling.
  • Opens containers as directed by work instructions or supervisor.
  • Loads and unloads materials onto or from pallets, trays, racks and shelves by hand or with forklift or other handling equipment.
  • Loads materials into carrier vehicles and installs strapping, bracing or logistic bars padding to prevent shifting or damage in transit.
  • Completes receiving and shipping documents accurately and completely per ProTrans specifications with the scan gun.
  • Counts, weights, and records number of units of materials moved or handled in PTI System.
  • Ensures proper identification. Identifies all shipments by proper marking and labeling, including special handling instructions.
  • Coordinates transportation requirements. Coordinates any special handling problems. Gathers data for preparing reports.
  • Warehouses and stores inbound and outbound cargo awaiting processing and/or onward movement. Stacks or assembles materials into bundles and bands bundles together as direct per work instructions.
  • Lifts heavy objects by hand or with power hoist, and cleans work area, machines, and equipment. Conducts safety and equipment checks daily.
  • Operates machinery such as banding, taping, and sealing.
  • Follows all safety procedures. Actively works to improve individual and center safety record.
  • Actively works for continuous quality improvement.
  • Identifies and implements continual improvement initiatives to enhance the performance of the position, team, and company.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Able to use scanning equipment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Forklift certification.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to read and write English is required. Bilingual English/Spanish is desired.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance and talk. The employee must be able to use both feet and legs when operating a forklift as well as both hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees must be able to hear in order to perform their essential job functions. Specific hearing abilities required by this job include the ability to hear other forklifts, individuals that may be nearby, and the common noises of the environment around them at all times.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to extreme outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.