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Container Handler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Huntington Beach, CA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $21.25/hr

Material handlers are responsible for clean-up of the machine injection unit and surrounding areas ... Stage containers of regrind at loading stations using forklift and/or hand truck. * Perform ...

Material Handler

Huntington Beach, CA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $21.25/hr

Material handlers are responsible for clean-up of the machine injection unit and surrounding areas ... Stage containers of regrind at loading stations using forklift and/or hand truck. * Perform ...

Material Handler (86222)

El Monte, CA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

The Gill Corporation is seeking a Material Handler to ensure all material movements (issues ... Load and unload containers or trailers. * Perform training on general warehouse duties and ...

Material Handler

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$19.50 - $23.50/hr

Material Handler III Location: Milpitas, CA - 95035 Duration: 6 Months Shift Timings: M-F 7 am - 3 ... Opens bales, crates, and other containers. Records amounts of materials or items received or ...

Material Handler

Huntington Beach, CA ยท On-site

$21.22 - $38.66/hr

Material Handler Job ID: MATER014080 Job Title: Material Handler Location: 7242 SLATER AVENUE ... containers, using packaging materials to prevent breakage or otherwise packaging them to insure ...

Material Handler Job ID: MATER014080 Job Title: Material Handler Location: 7242 SLATER AVENUE ... containers, using packaging materials to prevent breakage or otherwise packaging them to insure ...

Material Handler

Huntington Beach, CA ยท On-site

$21.22 - $38.66/hr

Material Handler Job ID: MATER014080 Job Title: Material Handler Location: 7242 SLATER AVENUE ... containers, using packaging materials to prevent breakage or otherwise packaging them to insure ...

Material Handler III

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Material Handler III Work Location: Milpitas CA 95035 Duration: 3+ months Shift Timing: M-F 6:00AM ... Opens bales, crates, and other containers. * Records amounts of materials or items received or ...

Material Handler

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$18/hr

Material Handler Orange - QAF - Orange, CA 92867 Overview Salary Range $18.00 - $18.00 Hourly ... Prepares and secures cartons, crates, pallets, and other containers for shipment of goods. * Stamps ...

Material Handler 1

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$27/hr

Picking up large containers * Delivering clean glassware * Delivering packages * Preferred Background / Experience: * Material Handler in a warehouse environment * Job Summary We are seeking a ...

Material Handler

Commerce, CA ยท On-site

$20/hr

Material Handler Associate We're looking for a dependable Material Handler Associate who enjoys ... boxes and containers. * Will participate in change overs, counting, packing, sorting, staging ...

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Material Handler (Blingual)

Linden, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $21/hr

... Handler to join our team. The person in this role is responsible for ensuring organic or chemical ... Open containers using steel cutters, crowbar, claw hammer, or other hand tools * Load and unload ...

Showing results 41-60

Container Handler information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do container handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for container handler in California is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by container handlers and how can they be managed on the job?

Container Handlers often work in fast-paced environments where efficiency and safety are top priorities. Common challenges include operating heavy machinery in tight spaces, managing time pressures during peak shipping periods, and ensuring containers are properly loaded and secured to prevent damage. Effective communication with team members and attention to safety protocols are essential to overcome these challenges. Ongoing training and adherence to best practices help Container Handlers perform their duties safely and effectively.

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

To thrive as a Container Handler, you need physical strength, spatial awareness, and familiarity with warehouse operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Operation of forklifts, cranes, and container tracking systems typically requires relevant certifications such as OSHA forklift certification. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are crucial soft skills for managing inventory and ensuring safety. These competencies are vital for maintaining efficient logistics, minimizing workplace accidents, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods.

What is the difference between Container Handler vs Forklift Operator?

AspectContainer HandlerForklift Operator
CredentialsTypically requires OSHA certification and specialized training for handling containersRequires forklift certification and OSHA training
Work EnvironmentOperates mainly in ports, shipping yards, and container terminalsWorks in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers
Industry UsagePrimarily used in shipping, logistics, and maritime industriesCommon in warehousing, retail, and manufacturing sectors

Container handlers and forklift operators both require OSHA certification and work in logistics environments. However, container handlers are specialized for port and shipping yard operations, handling large containers, while forklift operators typically work in warehouses and factories managing smaller loads. The roles overlap in certification needs but differ significantly in work setting and equipment used.

What is a container handler?

Container handlers are specialized equipment operators or workers responsible for moving, loading, unloading, and stacking shipping containers in ports, warehouses, and freight terminals. They use heavy machinery such as container forklifts, reach stackers, or cranes to safely and efficiently handle containers. Container handlers play a key role in logistics and supply chain operations, ensuring containers are managed without damage and according to safety regulations.
Infographic showing various Container Handler job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,884 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Material Handler - San Bruno, CA (Full-Time)

BlackFish Federal LLC

San Bruno, CA โ€ข On-site

$23.18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Summary:
The Material Handler will work in a warehouse, records storage environment sorting, retrieving and filing records on behalf of our customer, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). This is a full-time position with a schedule of 6:00 AM-2:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The pay rate is $23.18 with additional Health and Welfare funds to apply to the cost of benefits. The position offers a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, vacation, sick leave and short-and long-term disability.
Required Qualifications:
  • Ability to perform in a labor-intensive environment.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Must be able to lift boxes up to 30 to 50 lbs. regularly.
  • Must be able to climb ladders to reach shelving up to 15 feet high.
  • Have the ability to pass a drug screen and a background check.
  • This contract requires that all candidates are U.S. citizens.
  • Must have high school diploma or GED.
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Locate containers or folders on shelving utilizing the location information listed on pull list or other provided reports. Containers/folders can be on floor or on shelving up to 15' high requiring the use of a pulpit ladder.
  • Remove containers from shelving, check for missing and/or charged out containers, verify that the pull list is accurate, mark pull list and report discrepancies where needed; initial and deliver documentation to POC.
  • Place containers or folders on streamliners in order, facing the same direction and with identifying numbers visible.
  • Move records to Designated Disposal Review Area.
  • Palletize Containers for Disposable Records label, stack, shrink wrap.
  • Confirm space requirements, load and transport records to assigned location, validate manifest and shelve non-disposable records that are being relocated, verify accuracy and inform Quality when inspection ready.
  • Retrieve batched requests. Sign-out batches in appropriate logbook, recording pertinent information relative to batch being processed and record start time.
  • Locate requested file/folder on reference request; search box, confirm if request is for a single or a multi-volume file, pull file(s), add pulled file marker, If file/document is not in box/file, report that it is "Not-in-File" or report that it is "Charged-Out." Audit folders and non-fulfilled references requests upon batch completion. Sign in completed batches in the appropriate logbook, recording time of completion. Clearly identify file/folders and stage for auditing; sign-in completed batches in the appropriate logbook, recording time of completion.
  • Retrieve documents from containers, prepare documents for scanning by removing fasteners and verify order. Verify hardware settings, resolution, and covert paper to digital images, verify image clarity by visual inspection, rescan problem images and return documents to containers. Report issues to POC where needed.
  • Use handheld mobile to complete basic data entry in spreadsheets, assist with box list creation, data verification and record daily project totals.
Work Conditions:
  • Work is primarily performed in a warehouse environment.

This document is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all job-related activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Due to the nature of the industry, job tasks may be changed as necessary to meet the needs of the customer.