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Container Loader Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

West Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Opens containers. * 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 ...

Material Handler

West Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Opens containers. * 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 ...

Forklift Operator - Temporary

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Dart Container Long-Term Temporary (No Set End Date). Are you a skilled Forklift Operator with a ... Operate forklifts and clamp trucks to move, stack, load, and unload materials * Manage customer ...

We're your top choice for foam cups, classic red SOLO cups, and convenient take-out containers ... Operate forklifts and clamp trucks to move, stack, load, and unload materials * Manage customer ...

Forklift Operator - Temporary

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

We're your top choice for foam cups, classic red SOLO cups, and convenient take-out containers ... Operate forklifts and clamp trucks to move, stack, load, and unload materials * Manage customer ...

Forklift Operator - Temporary

Chicago, IL

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

We're your top choice for foam cups, classic red SOLO cups, and convenient take-out containers ... Operate forklifts and clamp trucks to move, stack, load, and unload materials * Manage customer ...

Forklift Operator - Temporary

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

We're your top choice for foam cups, classic red SOLO cups, and convenient take-out containers ... Operate forklifts and clamp trucks to move, stack, load, and unload materials * Manage customer ...

We're your top choice for foam cups, classic red SOLO cups, and convenient take-out containers ... Operate forklifts and clamp trucks to move, stack, load, and unload materials * Manage customer ...

Ramp Agent

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$19/hr

Drive and/or operate ground support equipment to include tow tractors, tow bars, belt loaders, container loaders, baggage tugs, water/lavatory service trucks, aircraft ground power units, aircraft ...

Ramp Agent

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$19.75/hr

Drive and/or operate ground support equipment to include tow tractors, tow bars, belt loaders, container loaders, baggage tugs, water/lavatory service trucks, aircraft ground power units, aircraft ...

CLAMP TRUCK OPERATOR

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$23.50/hr

Join Hood Container as a Clamp Truck Operator! At Hood Container, every role plays a critical part ... Safely operate the clamp truck to load, unload, and transport roll stock * Complete daily lift ...

New

Cargo Ramp Agent

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$19.75/hr

Drive and/or operate ground support equipment to include tow tractors, tow bars, belt loaders, container loaders, baggage tugs, water/lavatory service trucks, aircraft ground power units, aircraft ...

CLAMP TRUCK OPERATOR

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$23.50/hr

Join Hood Container as a Clamp Truck Operator! At Hood Container, every role plays a critical part ... Safely operate the clamp truck to load, unload, and transport roll stock * Complete daily lift ...

New

CLAMP TRUCK OPERATOR

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$23.50/hr

Join Hood Container as a Clamp Truck Operator! At Hood Container, every role plays a critical part ... Safely operate the clamp truck to load, unload, and transport roll stock * Complete daily lift ...

New

Air, Truck, Ocean (both as full container loads - FCL, and less-than container loads - LCL). * Responsible for partial or full manual input of each data element for manual shipments. * Manage ...

Air, Truck, Ocean (both as full container loads - FCL, and less-than container loads - LCL). * Responsible for partial or full manual input of each data element for manual shipments. * Manage ...

Air, Truck, Ocean (both as full container loads - FCL, and less-than container loads - LCL). * Responsible for partial or full manual input of each data element for manual shipments. * Manage ...

Showing results 21-40

Container Loader information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do container loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for container loader in Chicago, IL is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a container loader?

Container loaders are workers responsible for efficiently loading and unloading goods into shipping containers, trucks, or freight vehicles. Their main tasks include arranging cargo to maximize space, securing items to prevent damage during transit, and following safety protocols. They often use equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, or hand trucks and must keep accurate records of loaded items. Container loaders play a vital role in the supply chain by ensuring goods are transported safely and efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Container Loader, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic understanding of warehouse operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pallet jacks, forklifts, and inventory management systems is typically required, with OSHA forklift certification being a common asset. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate loading processes that support overall supply chain effectiveness.

What are some common challenges faced by a container loader, and how can they be addressed?

Container Loaders often encounter challenges such as managing heavy or awkwardly shaped cargo, working efficiently under time constraints, and ensuring items are securely packed to prevent damage during transit. To address these, it's important to follow proper lifting techniques, use appropriate equipment, and adhere to safety protocols. Clear communication with team members and supervisors is also key to coordinating loading activities and resolving issues quickly. Many companies provide on-the-job training to help workers develop these skills and promote a safe, productive environment.

What is the difference between Container Loader vs Forklift Operator?

AspectContainer LoaderForklift Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and safety trainingRequires forklift certification and safety training
Work EnvironmentLoading/unloading containers, warehouse, shipping yardsOperating forklifts in warehouses, distribution centers
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, freight forwardingWarehousing, manufacturing, logistics
Common Search/ComparisonContainer Loader vs Forklift Operator

Container Loaders and Forklift Operators both work in logistics and warehousing environments, often overlapping in tasks like moving goods. However, Container Loaders focus on loading goods into containers, requiring knowledge of cargo handling, while Forklift Operators operate forklifts to move pallets and materials within facilities. Both roles require safety training and certifications, but their specific duties and work settings differ slightly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Container Loader jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Container Loader jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Container Loader job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,501 per year, or $18 per hour.

Material Handler

Chips Manufacturing, LLC

West Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION
Verifies and keeps records on incoming and outgoing shipments and prepares items for shipment: Compares identifying information and counts, weighs, or measures items of incoming and outgoing shipments to verify information against bills of lading, invoices, orders, or other records. Reads work order or follows oral instructions to ensure correct materials or containers are moved within or near the plant, yard, or work site. While also performing any combination of following duties:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Practice safety standards as identified by the Company Handbook, orientation, and verbal instruction from supervisory staff. This includes safety glasses, proper shoes, and lifting techniques.
  • Opens containers.
  • 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.
  • Conveys materials from storage or work sites to designated area.
  • Secures lifting attachments to materials and conveys load to destination or signals crane or hoisting operators to move load to destination.
  • Counts, weighs, and records number of units or pounds of all incoming material.
  • Attaches identifying tags, spray paint or labels to materials or marks information on cases, bales or other containers.
  • Inserts items into containers, using spacers, fillers, and protective padding.
  • Loads truck for Industrial Truck Operator.
  • Stacks or assembles materials into bundles and bands bundles together.
  • Loads and unloads truck for Industrial Truck Operator.
  • Removes samples of materials, labels with identifying information, and takes samples to laboratory for analysis.
  • Lifts heavy objects by hand or with power hoist, and cleans work area, machines, and equipment to assist machine operators.
  • Operates industrial truck or electric hoist to assist in loading or moving materials and products.
  • Handling delicate finished goods with care in order to preserve finished machined surfaces.
  • Prepares materials by means of automated saw, bench grinder, and or glue gun into required lengths or condition determined by work order, job traveler or verbal instruction.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities
COMPETENCIES
Technical Skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
Oral Communication - Listens and gets clarification.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively, Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
Teamwork - Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Possess the ability to read a limited number of two and three-syllable words, as well as recognizing similarities and differences between words and series of numbers. Must have the ability to print and speak simple sentences in English.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure. Ability to compute bar count to weight.
  • Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Employee must have the skills to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
  • Employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee might be exposed to moving mechanical parts and chemicals such as oils and solvents. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or general education degree (GED), one to three months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Skills & Requirements Qualifications