Cargo Handler 1st shift
Laredo, TX · On-site
Cargo Handler Forward Air is seeking capable and career-oriented individuals to work in our fast-paced shipping/dock operation. Our Cargo Handlers are responsible for loading and unloading freight on ...
Cargo Handler 1st shift
Laredo, TX · On-site
Cargo Handler Forward Air is seeking capable and career-oriented individuals to work in our fast-paced shipping/dock operation. Our Cargo Handlers are responsible for loading and unloading freight on ...
Cargo Handler 1st shift
Laredo, TX · On-site
Cargo Handler Forward Air is seeking capable and career-oriented individuals to work in our fast-paced shipping/dock operation. Our Cargo Handlers are responsible for loading and unloading freight on ...
Cargo Handler 1st shift
Laredo, TX · On-site
Cargo Handler Forward Air is seeking capable and career-oriented individuals to work in our fast-paced shipping/dock operation. Our Cargo Handlers are responsible for loading and unloading freight on ...
Cargo Handler I
Brainerd, MN · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Brainerd, MN · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Rialto, CA · On-site
$17.26/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Rialto, CA · On-site
$17.26/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
$17.26/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
$17.26/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Schertz, TX · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Schertz, TX · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Taylor, MI · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Taylor, MI · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler
Houston, TX · On-site
$15/hr
Performs cargo build-up and/or breakdowns, freight to and/or from skid, pallets or ULDs. * Ensure that work areas are clean and hazard free of loose nets, strap, etc. * Must practice all company ...
Cargo Handler
Houston, TX · On-site
$15/hr
Performs cargo build-up and/or breakdowns, freight to and/or from skid, pallets or ULDs. * Ensure that work areas are clean and hazard free of loose nets, strap, etc. * Must practice all company ...
Cargo Handler I
Columbia, MO · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Columbia, MO · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Rialto, CA · On-site
$17.26/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Rialto, CA · On-site
$17.26/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Brainerd, MN · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Brainerd, MN · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Schertz, TX · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Schertz, TX · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Cleveland, OH · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Cleveland, OH · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Taylor, MI · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Taylor, MI · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Corpus Christi, TX · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Corpus Christi, TX · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler/Forklift Operator Part Time -Mornings
Eagan, MN · On-site
$20/hr
Cargo Handler - Part Time Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour Schedule: M-F 7am - 12pm Forward Air is seeking capable and career-oriented individuals to work in our fast-paced shipping/dock operation. Our ...
Cargo Handler/Forklift Operator Part Time -Mornings
Eagan, MN · On-site
$20/hr
Cargo Handler - Part Time Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour Schedule: M-F 7am - 12pm Forward Air is seeking capable and career-oriented individuals to work in our fast-paced shipping/dock operation. Our ...
Cargo Handler/Forklift Operator Part Time -Mornings
Eagan, MN · On-site
$20/hr
Cargo Handler - Part Time Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour Schedule: M-F 7am - 12pm Forward Air is seeking capable and career-oriented individuals to work in our fast-paced shipping/dock operation. Our ...
Cargo Handler/Forklift Operator Part Time -Mornings
Eagan, MN · On-site
$20/hr
Cargo Handler - Part Time Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour Schedule: M-F 7am - 12pm Forward Air is seeking capable and career-oriented individuals to work in our fast-paced shipping/dock operation. Our ...
Cargo Handler I
Hialeah, FL · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Hialeah, FL · On-site
$16.42/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$16.76/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 ...
Cargo Handler I
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$16.76/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 ...
Cargo Handler - Part Time Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour Schedule: M-F 7am - 12pm Forward Air is seeking capable and career-oriented individuals to work in our fast-paced shipping/dock operation. Our ...
Cargo Handler - Part Time Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour Schedule: M-F 7am - 12pm Forward Air is seeking capable and career-oriented individuals to work in our fast-paced shipping/dock operation. Our ...
Cargo Handler information
See salary details
$12.98 - $14.14
5% of jobs
$14.14 - $15.30
6% of jobs
$15.30 - $16.46
8% of jobs
$17.42 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.46 - $17.61
6% of jobs
$17.61 - $18.77
21% of jobs
The median wage is $18.92 / hr.
$18.77 - $19.93
24% of jobs
$20.35 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.93 - $21.09
11% of jobs
$21.09 - $22.25
4% of jobs
$22.25 - $23.40
4% of jobs
$23.40 - $24.56
2% of jobs
$24.56 - $25.72
7% of jobs
$12
$19
$25
How much do cargo handler jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo handler in the United States is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
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 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 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.
What is the difference between Cargo Handler vs Warehouse Worker?
| Aspect | Cargo Handler | Warehouse Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Typically requires OSHA safety training, forklift certification | Often requires OSHA safety training, forklift certification |
| Work Environment | Airports, shipping docks, freight terminals | Warehouses, distribution centers, storage facilities |
| Job Duties | Loading/unloading cargo, securing freight, operating forklifts | Picking, 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.
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What states have the most Cargo Handler jobs? States with the most job openings for Cargo Handler jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cargo Handler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cargo Handler jobs are:
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Job description
Position: Cargo Handler
Job Description:
Forward Air is seeking capable and career-oriented individuals to work in our fast-paced shipping/dock operation. Our Cargo Handlers are responsible for loading and unloading freight on our trailers in a safe and timely manner. Frequent lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying of freight is required. All necessary training and materials for this position are provided.
Core Responsibilities & Duties:
- Responsible for the loading/unloading of 53 ft. commercial trailers and the operation of scanners
- Use handheld scanners to efficiently track and maneuver freight through our distribution network
- Accurately label boxes and prepare freight for shipment
- Safely load and unload trailers by utilizing equipment such as hand trucks/pallets jack and forklifts
- Must be able to obtain certification and safely operate forklift and other machinery as required
- Verify documentation and condition of freight to assure quality standards are achieved
- Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds
- Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to ninety (90) pounds
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment
- Other duties as assigned
Job Requirements & Qualifications:
- Excellent communication and problem solving skills
- Strong team player that thrives in a fast-paced environment
- Must be flexible to work weekends and overtime as needed
- Forklift and general freight handling knowledge is a plus
- Must be 18 or older
Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity employer.
Forward Air is a leading asset-light provider of transportation services across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. We provide expedited less-than-truckload services, including local pick-up and delivery, shipment consolidation/deconsolidation, warehousing, and customs brokerage by utilizing a comprehensive national network of terminals. In addition, we offer truckload brokerage services, including dedicated fleet services, and intermodal, first and last-mile, high-value drayage services, both to and from seaports and railheads, dedicated contract and Container Freight Station warehouse and handling services. Forward also operates a full portfolio of multimodal solutions, both domestically and internationally, via Omni Logistics. Omni Logistics is a global provider of air, ocean, and ground services for mission-critical freight. We are more than a transportation company. Forward is a single resource for your shipping needs
We move freight, but we're powered by people. Whether you're in the warehouse, on the road, or behind the screen, every teammate keeps our global business in motion and brings logistics to life.