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Container Handler Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Conroe, TX · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Material Handler What You'll Do: Mixes and packages Company products. Maintains inventory levels ... Places hazardous materials or waste into appropriate containers. * Receives, unloads and places ...

Material Handler

Conroe, TX · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Material Handler What You'll Do: Mixes and packages Company products. Maintains inventory levels ... Places hazardous materials or waste into appropriate containers. * Receives, unloads and places ...

Material Handler

Conroe, TX

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Material Handler What You'll Do: Mixes and packages Company products. Maintains inventory levels ... Places hazardous materials or waste into appropriate containers. * Receives, unloads and places ...

Material Handler - 2nd Shift

Houston, TX · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Position Summary Under general supervision, the Material Handler is responsible for receiving ... Open boxes, crates, and containers as required * Operate Raymond forklift inspections and report ...

Material Handler - 3rd Shift

Cypress, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Position Summary Under general supervision, the Material Handler is responsible for receiving ... Open boxes, crates, and containers as required * Operate Raymond forklift inspections and report ...

Material Handler - 2nd Shift

Cypress, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Position Summary Under general supervision, the Material Handler is responsible for receiving ... Open boxes, crates, and containers as required * Operate Raymond forklift inspections and report ...

Material Handler - 3rd Shift

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Position Summary Under general supervision, the Material Handler is responsible for receiving ... Open boxes, crates, and containers as required * Operate Raymond forklift inspections and report ...

Material Handler - 2nd Shift

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Position Summary Under general supervision, the Material Handler is responsible for receiving ... Open boxes, crates, and containers as required * Operate Raymond forklift inspections and report ...

Material Handler - 2nd Shift

Cypress, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Position Summary Under general supervision, the Material Handler is responsible for receiving ... Open boxes, crates, and containers as required * Operate Raymond forklift inspections and report ...

Showing results 21-40

Container Handler information

See Houston, TX salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do container handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for container handler in Houston, TX is $17.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $17.88 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 Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,691 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Univar Solutions rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

A Place Where People Matter. 

Start your career journey with Univar Solutions!  Here you can make an impact on the world around you and accelerate your career in areas that energize and excite you. 

Position Title:

Material Handler

What You'll Do:  

Mixes and packages Company products. Maintains inventory levels and assists in shipping and receiving products and materials in the warehouse.

  • Performs manual warehouse duties as assigned or directed.
  • Loads and unloads company trucks, common carriers and customer vehicles using forklift and other required equipment.
  • Ships and receives products according to company's procedures and requirements.
  • Assists in the maintenance of the warehouse facility.
  • Serves on company's in-plant or off-site emergency response team.
  • Places hazardous materials or waste into appropriate containers.
  • Receives, unloads and places into storage hazardous waste received from off-site generators; completes inspections and paperwork associated with receiving and storing hazardous waste.
  • Properly manages hazardous waste while inside container storage area or otherwise under company responsibility or controls.
  • Prepares for shipment and loads hazardous waste destined for off-site recycling/disposal facilities; completes inspections and paperwork associated with shipping hazardous waste.
  • Cleans and maintains warehouse and equipment.
  • Adheres to company quality processes, as applicable.
  • Assists to resolve product quality issues in an efficient and timely manner, as applicable.
  • Performs all other duties as required.
  • Complies with all company policies, rules and guidelines.

What You'll Need: 

  • Ability to operate an industrial powered lift truck or forklift according to company procedures and governmental regulations
  • Knowledge of cGMP requirements as it pertains to FDARP as applicable to the facility
  • Ability to use and maintain respiratory protection equipment
  • Ability to learn proper methods for handling hazardous materials and wastes, with training.
  • Physical Demands/Environmental Conditions:
  • Physical ability to lift and carry at least 100 pounds
  • Physical ability to tilt back or break 800 lb. net drums onto a dolly
  • Physical ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
  • Test negative on the company's drug tests
  • Exposure to fumes, dirt, noise and hazardous chemicals on a daily basis.  May require safety equipment and/or precautions

Where You'll Work: 

  • Indoor/outdoor warehouse environment

Pay and benefits:

  • The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location
  • Available employee benefits include health, vision, dental coverage, along with industry-leading retirement and time off programs; benefits vary in accordance with the respective CBA if applicable

What you can expect: 

  • Strong work/life flexibility
  • To be surrounded by an inclusive team who is collaborative and committed to the achievement of the company
  • To be rewarded for your contributions with a targeted annual company bonus (if applicable to your role) and annual salary reviews. Benefits vary in accordance with the respective CBA if applicable
  • Competitive pay and benefits

#LI-DM1

Univar Solutions is a leading, global distributor of chemicals and ingredients essential to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our daily lives from life-saving medicines and vitamins to hand sanitizers and industrial materials used for cleaning, construction, and more.  Our global team of more than 9,500 employees support our vision to redefine distribution and be the most valued chemical and ingredient distributor on the planet!

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes market aligned pay and incentives as well as a diverse benefits offering to support our employees' physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing.

Univar Solutions supports sustainable solutions for the world around us so that we can do our part to help keep our communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe! 

We are committed to a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusion.  Together, we are building a culture that acknowledges the unique experiences, perspectives and expertise of individuals and provides the development and growth opportunities to empower us to redefine our industry. 

Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the hiring process, please contact us at careers@univarsolutions.com.  

Univar Solutions does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms (collectively Recruiting Firms). Recruiting Firms must enter into a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Univar Solutions prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. All searches must be initiated by Univar Solutions' Talent Acquisition team and candidates must be submitted via Applicant Tracking System (ATS) by approved vendors who have been expressly requested to make a submission for a specific job opening. No placement fees will be paid to any firm unless the aforementioned conditions have been met. Contacting our hiring managers directly is prohibited.


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