ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Container Forklift Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rhenus Automotive Salem, LLC

Forklift Driver

Salem, VA · On-site

$20.75/hr

You will handle dunnage containers and empties. * You will move goods packed on pallets or in ... You have professionally operated a stand up, sit down, double fork, single fork or wide Forklift ...

Rhenus Automotive Salem

Forklift Driver

Salem, VA · On-site

$20.75/hr

You will handle dunnage containers and empties. * You will move goods packed on pallets or in ... You have professionally operated a stand up, sit down, double fork, single fork or wide Forklift ...

Smurfit Westrock

Forklift Driver

Richmond, VA · On-site

$23.88/hr

... Richmond Container Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 28-Aug-2026 Relocation Support No ... Forklift Operator - Shipping Team * c shift 11PM-7AM Monday with Friday with Saturdays as needed ...

Rhenus Automotive Salem

Forklift Driver

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$20.75/hr

You will handle dunnage containers and empties. * You will move goods packed on pallets or in ... You have professionally operated a stand up, sit down, double fork, single fork or wide Forklift ...

Rhenus Automotive Salem

Forklift Driver

Salem, VA · On-site

$20.75/hr

You will handle dunnage containers and empties. * You will move goods packed on pallets or in ... You have professionally operated a stand up, sit down, double fork, single fork or wide Forklift ...

Westrock

Forklift Driver

Richmond, VA · On-site

$23.88/hr

... Richmond Container Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 28-Aug-2026 Relocation Support No ... Forklift Operator - Shipping Team * c shift 11PM-7AM Monday with Friday with Saturdays as needed ...

Smurfit Westrock Company

Forklift Driver

Richmond, VA · On-site

$23.88/hr

... Richmond Container Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 12-Aug-2026 Relocation Support No ... Forklift Operator - Shipping Team * c shift 11PM-7AM Monday with Friday with Saturdays as needed ...

PODS

Storage Center Worker III - Part-Time

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

JOB SUMMARY Pay Rate: $18.00-$19.00 Responsible for operating forklift to load and unload containers; assist with ensuring a safe and clean working environment, inside and out, for assigned storage ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsContainer Forklift Operator JobsContainer Forklift Operator Jobs in Virginia

Container Forklift Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$17

$21

How much do container forklift operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for container forklift operator in Virginia is $17.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $19.09 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.

What are popular job titles related to Container Forklift Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Container Forklift Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Container Forklift Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Container Forklift Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,779 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Warehouse Clamp & Forklift Operator | 1st Shift

Tidewater Staffing

Suffolk, VA • On-site

$20/hr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Description
Job Description

Warehouse Forklift / Clamp Operator

Pay Range: $20+ per hour (based on experience)
Plus Benefits


Job Description

Tidewater Staffing is seeking experienced Forklift and Clamp Operators for a terminal warehouse in the Portsmouth area. This is a full-time, first-shift opportunity working with forest products in a fast-paced warehouse and distribution environment.

Qualified candidates must have recent experience operating Hyster 80 and/or Hyster 120 forklifts with clamp attachments. Experience should be clearly reflected on your resume.


Duties & Responsibilities

  • Operate Hyster 80 and Hyster 120 forklifts equipped with clamp attachments.
  • Load and unload forest products, including lumber and paper rolls.
  • Safely load and unload containers, railcars, dry vans, and flatbed trailers.
  • Transport, stage, and organize materials throughout the warehouse and yard.
  • Inspect equipment before each shift and report maintenance concerns.
  • Follow all warehouse safety procedures and operating standards.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area.
  • Perform additional warehouse duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Previous experience operating clamp trucks and forklifts in a warehouse, terminal, port, or distribution environment.
  • Experience handling lumber, paper rolls, or other forest products preferred.
  • Ability to safely load and unload containers, railcars, dry vans, and flatbeds.
  • Experience operating Hyster 80 and/or Hyster 120 equipment preferred.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
  • Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.
  • Ability to work overtime when required.

Schedule

  • Monday through Friday
  • 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Overtime as needed
Company Description

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.”

Company Description
Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.”
Tidewater Staffing logo

About Tidewater Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.” Our deep industry experience and established local presence allow us to maintain a consistent, updated, and expansive network of skilled candidates, and our proprietary digital onboarding process. When you partner with Tidewater Staffing, you get employees who are trained, screened, supplied, and access to our proprietary digital onboarding process.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Virginia Beach, VA, US

Year founded

1992

View All Tidewater Staffing Jobs

Apply