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Container Handler Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Marcus Hook, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Material Handler Material handlers work within the production facilities to move products. The ... Opens containers using steel cutters, crowbar, clawhammer, or other hand tools. * Loads and unloads ...

Material Handler

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Material Handler Material Handler Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following ... May be required to load/unload US mail from/into airline containers * May be required to load ...

Material Handler

Marcus Hook, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Material handlers work within the production facilities to move products. The material handlers are ... Opens containers using steel cutters, crowbar, clawhammers, or other hand tools. * Loads and ...

Material Handler

Upper Chichester, PA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Material handlers work within the production facilities to move products. The material handlers are ... Opens containers using steel cutters, crowbar, clawhammers, or other hand tools. * Loads and ...

Material Handler

Homer City, PA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Material Handler Location: Homer City, PA At Miller we offer our full-time employees ... Open containers as required. * Loads and uploads containers/pallets and properly places materials ...

Material Handler

Latrobe, PA · On-site

$16.75/hr

Material Handler - Immediate Opening! (Latrobe, PA) Looking for a stable manufacturing opportunity ... Understanding of cleaning hoppers, material containers, and maintaining production quality ...

Material Handler

Homer, PA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Overtime * Plus much more... Job Summary The Material Handler's essential duties and ... Open containers as required. * Loads and uploads containers/pallets and properly places materials ...

PSI Container Location: McAdoo, PA Description Position: Material Handler ABOUT US Packaging Services Industries, Inc., began production in 1976 and represents a family of privately owned businesses ...

Material Handler

Kutztown, PA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Overview The Material Handler is responsible for moving materials, supplies, and finished goods ... containers or locations * Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work area by following ...

Material Handler

Kutztown, PA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Overview The Material Handler is responsible for moving materials, supplies, and finished goods ... containers or locations * Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work area by following ...

Material Handler

Kutztown, PA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Overview The Material Handler is responsible for moving materials, supplies, and finished goods ... containers or locations * Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work area by following ...

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Container Handler information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$9

$18

$24

How much do container handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for container handler in Pennsylvania is $18.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

How do container handlers work?

Container handlers operate heavy machinery such as cranes, reach stackers, or forklifts to load, unload, and move shipping containers at ports and terminals. They use specialized controls and safety protocols to lift containers from ships, trucks, or trains and place them accurately in designated areas, often requiring certifications and knowledge of load limits. Their work environment demands precision, coordination, and adherence to safety standards.
Infographic showing various Container Handler job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,464 per year, or $18 per hour.

Material Handler

Marcus Hook, PA • On-site

New Hudson Facades
Construction • 201 - 500 employees

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Material Handler

Material handlers work within the production facilities to move products. The material handlers are required to perform tasks required by Shipping and Receiving, Packaging, Logistics, and Inventory. Material handlers make sure production areas are fully stocked and have the products they need to fulfill orders and move quickly, sometimes working with automated machines or sensors to fulfill the orders. Material handlers are on their feet all day, working long hours, and must be strong enough to lift boxes for full shifts.

Role and Responsibilities:
  • Loads, unloads, and moves materials within or near the plant, yard, or work site, performing any combination of the following duties: Reads work order or follows oral instructions to ascertain materials or containers to be moved.
  • Opens containers using steel cutters, crowbar, clawhammer, or other hand tools.
  • Loads and unloads materials onto or from pallets, trays, racks, and shelves by hand.
  • Loads materials into vehicles and installs strapping, bracing, or padding to prevent shifting or damage in transit, using hand tools.
  • Conveys materials to or from storage or work sites to designated area, using hand truck, electric dolly, wheelbarrow, or other devices.
  • Secures lifting attachments to materials and conveys load to destination, using hand-operated crane or hoist, or signals crane or hoisting operators to move the load to destination.
  • Lifts heavy objects by hand or using a power hoist, and cleans work area, machines, and equipment, using a broom, rags, and cleaning compounds, to assist machine operators.
  • Makes simple adjustments or repairs, such as realigning belts or replacing rollers, using hand tools.
  • Assembles crates to contain products, such as machines or vehicles, using hand tools and precut lumber.
  • Shovels loose materials, such as sand, gravel, metals, plastics, or chemicals, into machine hoppers or vehicles and containers, such as wheelbarrows, scrap truck, or barrels.
  • May occasionally operate industrial truck or electric hoist to assist in loading or moving materials and products.
  • Other tasks as assigned by supervisor.
Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to work well with others.
  • Self-motivated.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of changing situations.
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Applicants must be able to perform repetitive lifting and other physically demanding tasks.
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

New Hudson Facades is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.