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Cargo Handler Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

MATERIAL HANDLER

Ridgeway, VA

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Description The Material Handler is responsible for supplying production lines with raw materials ... Sort cargo before loading and unloading * Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with ...

... cargo/freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

Material Handler

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Warehouse Material Handler Performs shipping, receiving, order picking, loads, unloads, and moves ... to secure cargo during transit. * Operating side curtain trailers. * Counting, weighing, and ...

Material Handler

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Warehouse Material Handler Performs shipping, receiving, order picking, loads, unloads, and moves ... to secure cargo during transit. * Operating side curtain trailers. * Counting, weighing, and ...

Junior K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The JuniorHandlerwillberesponsible forscreening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations.The JuniorHandlerwill berequired to complete a 4-8-weeksminimum team training ...

Material Handler

Norfolk, VA

$19.25 - $19.75/hr

Loads materials into trailers securing load using runners, boards, ratchet straps, chains, binders around items to secure cargo during transit. * Operates slid side curtain trailers. * Counts, weighs ...

Material Handler

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$19.25/hr

Loads materials into trailers securing load using runners, boards, ratchet straps, chains, binders around items to secure cargo during transit. * Operates slid side curtain trailers. * Counts, weighs ...

Material Handler

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$19.25 - $19.75/hr

Loads materials into trailers securing load using runners, boards, ratchet straps, chains, binders around items to secure cargo during transit. * Operates slid side curtain trailers. * Counts, weighs ...

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Cargo Handler information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$19

$25

How much do cargo handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo handler in Virginia is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of a cargo handler?

A cargo handler is responsible for loading, unloading, and moving goods in warehouses, ports, or airports. They operate equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks, ensure proper handling and safety procedures, and may inspect cargo for damage or compliance. Attention to detail and physical stamina are important for this role.

What are cargo handlers?

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.

Can I work on a cargo ship with no experience?

Cargo handler positions often require some physical fitness and the ability to follow safety procedures, but prior experience is not always necessary. Employers may provide on-the-job training, especially for entry-level roles, and obtaining certifications such as STCW can improve job prospects. Basic skills in teamwork and physical stamina are beneficial for working on cargo ships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cargo Handler, and why are they important?

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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Cargo handlers typically do not earn $300,000 annually. High-paying jobs in logistics or transportation, such as supply chain managers or logistics directors, can reach this level with extensive experience and management responsibilities. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership experience.

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.

How to become a cargo handler?

To become a cargo handler, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a background check. On-the-job training is common, and physical strength and the ability to operate equipment like forklifts are important skills. Some positions may require certification in safety procedures or equipment operation.
What are popular job titles related to Cargo Handler jobs in Virginia? For Cargo Handler jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cargo Handler jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Cargo Handler job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cargo Handler jobs in VA? For Cargo Handler jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cargo Handler job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,831 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
MATERIAL HANDLER

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description

The Material Handler is responsible for supplying production lines with raw materials, moving stock or other material around a warehouse, to and from storage, to and from transportation vessels, and/or production areas, as well as meeting quality standards for both Laminate Technologies and our customers.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using lifting tools as required
  1. Mark or tag identification on parts/totes
  2. Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, or containers, by hand or using trucks, tractors, or other equipment
  3. Sort cargo before loading and unloading
  4. Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information
  5. Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs
  6. Record numbers of units handled or moved, using daily check sheets
  7. Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported
  8. Direct spouts and position receptacles, such as bins, carts, or containers so they can be loaded
  9. Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected
  10. Move levers or controls that operate forklifts to load, unload, transport, or stack material
  11. Inspect product load for accuracy and safety move it around the warehouse or facility to ensure timely and complete delivery
  12. Manually or mechanically load or unload materials from pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices, or other transport vehicles
  13. Position lifting devices under, over, or around loaded pallets, skids, or boxes and secure material or products for transport to designated areas
  14. Weigh materials or products and record weight or other production data on tags or labels
  15. Perform routine maintenance on forklift such as recharging batteries and watering batteries
  16. Move controls to drive electric powered trucks and transport materials between loading, processing, and storage areas
  17. Follow established company and work area safety policies including the wearing of all required PPE's
  18. Maintain equipment and clean working areas
  19. Follow established company policies, policies and rules outlined in Member Handbook as well as procedures required in the standard operating procedures/work instructions
  20. Maintains open communication with supervisors, team leaders and other material handlers regarding stocking and movement of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
  21. Assist in maintaining work area (i.e. sweeping, emptying trash, etc.)
  22. Other duties and responsibilities as directed by your supervisor

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/or ability required.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one-or two-step instructions.

Work Environment:

The work environment involves moderate risks requiring special safety precautions (i.e. working around moving parts or machines, and utilization of pallet jacks/tools in material handling). The work environment requires safe work practices and the adherence to general safety regulations.

Physical Demands:

The work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, recurring bending, reaching and recurring lifting of objects up to 50-75 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects. Fingering, grasping and feeling. Talking, hearing and repetitive motion. Very heavy work-exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and of constant moving objects. Required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, safe operation, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures. Subject to noise. Subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, and climbing. Subject to atmospheric conditions that may affect the respiratory system or the skin such as fumes and vapors.

The work may require specific, but not common physical characteristics and abilities such as above average agility and dexterity.

Competency: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.

Teamwork - Contributes to building a positive team spirit.

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; supports organizational goals and values.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions.

Professionalism - Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.

Quality - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.

Quantity - Meets productivity standards.

Safety - Observes safety and security procedures.