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Container Forklift Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northwest Industrial Staffing, Inc

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Forklift Operator / Heavy Equipment Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Container Forklift Operator / Heavy Equipment Operator Compensation: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour Job Type: Full-time Location: Tacoma, WA Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment ...

Northwest Industrial Staffing, Inc

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Forklift Operator / Heavy Equipment Operator

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Container Forklift Operator / Heavy Equipment Operator Compensation: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour Job Type: Full-time Location: Tacoma, WA Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment ...

President Container Group

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Forklift Operator

Middletown, NY · On-site

$20.05 - $22/hr

President Container Group, a leading independent manufacturer of Corrugated Packaging (Sheets, Boxes, Trays, Partitions, Display Units, etc.) is seeking full time Forklift Operator. We have openings ...

President Container Group

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Forklift Operator

Moonachie, NJ · On-site

$19/hr

President Container Group, a leading independent manufacturer of Corrugated Packaging (Sheets, Boxes, Trays, Partitions, Display Units, etc.) is seeking full time Forklift Operator. We have openings ...

Dart Container

Forklift Operator

Mason, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Are you a skilled Forklift Operator with a passion for precision and safety? We're looking for ... We're your top choice for foam cups, classic red SOLO cups, and convenient take-out containers ...

Dart Container

Forklift Operator

Mason, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Are you a skilled Forklift Operator with a passion for precision and safety? We're looking for ... We're your top choice for foam cups, classic red SOLO cups, and convenient take-out containers ...

Crown Staffing LLC

Forklift Operator

Vandalia, OH · On-site

$17/hr

Forklift Operator Job Details Schedule : Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Pay Rate : $17.00/hr ... Ability to load and unload trailers and containers. * Ability to work in a fast-paced warehouse ...

New

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $19.75/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... You will be responsible for stacking containers that weigh up to 10,000 pounds up to 35 feet high.

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... You will be responsible for stacking containers that weigh up to 10,000 pounds up to 35 feet high.

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... You will be responsible for stacking containers that weigh up to 10,000 pounds up to 35 feet high.

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Georgetown, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... You will be responsible for stacking containers that weigh up to 10,000 pounds up to 35 feet high.

Dart Container

Forklift Operator

Leola, PA · On-site

$21/hr

Dart Container NOW HIRING for 8-hour shifts! $21/hr plus $2/hr shift premium for overnight shifts Grow with us and get $4,000 in bonuses after your first year! Are you a skilled Forklift Operator ...

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Franklin, MA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... You will be responsible for stacking containers that weigh up to 10,000 pounds up to 35 feet high.

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Aurora, CO · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... You will be responsible for stacking containers that weigh up to 10,000 pounds up to 35 feet high.

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Dayton, NJ · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... You will be responsible for stacking containers that weigh up to 10,000 pounds up to 35 feet high.

Dart Container

Forklift Operator

Country Club Hills, IL · On-site

$21.07/hr

Dart Container Are you a skilled Forklift Operator with a passion for precision and safety? We're looking for dedicated individuals like you to join our dynamic team. As a key player in our warehouse ...

Hurricane Consulting Inc

Forklift Operator

Fort Liberty, NC · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Forklift Operator The Forklift Operator operates a manually controlled gasoline, electric, or ... Perform other Container Management duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Training ...

1-800-PACK-RAT LLC

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a forklift Operator ... You will be responsible for stacking containers that weigh up to 10,000 pounds up to 35 feet high.

1-800-PACK-RAT LLC

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a forklift Operator ... You will be responsible for stacking containers that weigh up to 10,000 pounds up to 35 feet high.

1-800-PACK-RAT LLC

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Georgetown, TX · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a forklift Operator ... You will be responsible for stacking containers that weigh up to 10,000 pounds up to 35 feet high.

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Container Forklift Operator information

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$11

$17

$22

How much do container forklift operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for container forklift operator in the United States is $17.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a container forklift operator?

Container forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating specialized forklifts designed to lift and move shipping containers. They play a critical role in ports, warehouses, and distribution centers by safely transporting large, heavy containers between trucks, ships, or storage areas. Operators must be knowledgeable about equipment safety protocols, load balancing, and efficient stacking techniques. Proper training and certification are typically required to ensure safe and effective operation of these powerful machines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a container forklift operator?

To thrive as a Container Forklift Operator, you need a valid forklift operator certification, strong spatial awareness, and experience handling heavy machinery safely. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), radio communication devices, and various forklift models is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for minimizing errors and ensuring smooth operations. These skills are vital to maintain safety standards, prevent damage, and support efficient cargo handling in busy logistics environments.

What are some of the common challenges faced by container forklift operators and how can they be addressed?

Container Forklift Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating tight spaces in busy shipping yards, handling oversized or unbalanced loads, and working in varying weather conditions. To address these, operators are trained extensively in equipment safety, load assessment, and site-specific protocols. Effective communication with ground staff and other operators is essential to ensure smooth coordination and prevent accidents. Regular maintenance checks on forklifts also help reduce the risk of mechanical failures, contributing to a safer and more efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Container Forklift Operator vs Reach Truck Operator?

AspectContainer Forklift OperatorReach Truck Operator
CertificationsForklift certification, OSHA complianceForklift certification, OSHA compliance
Work EnvironmentShipping yards, ports, warehouses handling containersWarehouses, distribution centers with high shelving
Industry UsageLogistics, shipping, freight handlingWarehousing, retail distribution

Container Forklift Operators primarily handle large containers in ports and shipping yards, focusing on loading and unloading containers. Reach Truck Operators work mainly inside warehouses, stacking and retrieving goods at high levels. Both roles require forklift certification and are essential in logistics and warehousing industries, but they differ in work environment and specific tasks.

How much do container forklift operators make?

Container forklift operators in Colorado typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific employer. The average annual salary ranges from approximately $31,000 to $52,000. Skilled operators with certifications such as OSHA forklift training may command higher wages.
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Cities with the most Container Forklift Operator job openings:

What states have the most Container Forklift Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Container Forklift Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Container Forklift Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Container Forklift Operator jobs are:

Container Forklift Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Container Forklift Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,097 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Forklift Operator / Heavy Equipment Operator

Northwest Industrial Staffing, Inc

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

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Job description

Job Title: Container Forklift Operator / Heavy Equipment Operator

Compensation: $22.00 – $24.00 per hour
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Tacoma, WA

Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator for our high-volume warehouse facility in Tacoma, WA. In this role, you will be responsible for the safe movement, stacking, and organizing of shipping containers within our logistics yard and warehouse footprint.

Key Responsibilities

  • Container Handling: Safely transport, lift, and stack 20ft and 40ft shipping containers using forklifts, top-picks, or empty container handlers.
  • Logistics Coordination: Organize and stage containers to maximize warehouse yard efficiency, coordinating with local freight forwarders and drayage drivers.
  • Load & Unload: Transfer heavy containerized freight efficiently between ground storage, chassis, and flatbed trailers.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Perform mandatory daily pre-shift safety inspections on Hyster machinery and immediately report any mechanical issues.
  • Tacoma Port/Yard Safety: Adhere strictly to OSHA, WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act), and company safety protocols in a fast-paced environment.

Required Qualifications

  • Experience: Minimum 2+ years of experience operating heavy industrial equipment or container handlers in a warehouse, rail yard, or port-adjacent terminal.
  • Equipment Expertise: Proven, hands-on experience operating high-capacity container handling machinery.
  • Certifications: Valid heavy forklift/container handler operator certification. TWIC card is a plus but not required.
  • Local Readiness: Ability to work reliably on-site at our Tacoma warehouse and adapt to changing Pacific Northwest weather conditions.

Company Description

Northwest Industrial Staffing (NWIS) was formed in January of 2012 and is located in downtown, Kent Washington. NWIS provides quality staffing solutions for organizations and businesses. NWIS is an equal opportunity employer and a drug free environment. We offer career opportunities with potential for advancement. Our staff is required to complete comprehensive training programs that include safety awareness, OSHA requirements, and Quality Assurance. We are dedicated to fulfilling all of our customers needs.

INTEGRITY:
NWIS maintains an unstinting commitment to honesty and openness in all of its activities. NWIS prides itself on the importance of follow-up and trust.

FRIENDLY:
NWIS values clients and candidates for their uniqueness. NWIS strives to make everyone feel like a part of the family.

PROFESSIONALISM:
NWIS treats its clients and candidates with respect and consideration while helping them with their professional needs.