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Container Unloader Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Edsal Manufacturing

Forklift/ Spotter

Gary, IN · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Approximately 60% of the role involves forklift operation -- unloading trailers and container, staging, and moving product within the facility -- while 40% of the role involves spotter duties ...

United Scrap Metal Inc

Internal Driver

Cicero, IL · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Summary of Responsibilities: · Move and spot trailers, roll-offs, and containers within the yard to designated locations for loading, unloading, and staging · Ensure trailers are positioned safely ...

New

CSafe Global

Warehouse Technician

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Loading and unloading of trucks with forklifts * Moving and stacking container inventory with forklifts * Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe and good working order. * Adhere to work ...

SIMOS

Airport Cargo Forklift Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.10 - $25/hr

This position involves operating a forklift to load and unload air cargo containers and pallets ... unloading ULDs (Unit Load Devices) and cargo pallets from aircraft and trucks, staging freight ...

Brenntag AG

Warehouse Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Loading and unloading trailers and tankers * Operating electronic scales, filling product into various sized containers, blending product, labeling containers, and palletizing product. * Operate a ...

Brenntag

Warehouse Operator

Chicago, IL

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Loading and unloading trailers and tankers * Operatingelectronicscales, filling product into various sized containers, blending product, labeling containers, and palletizing product. * Operate a lift ...

Simos

Airport Cargo Forklift Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.10 - $25/hr

This position involves operating a forklift to load and unload air cargo containers and pallets ... unloading ULDs (Unit Load Devices) and cargo pallets from aircraft and trucks, staging freight ...

Amentum Services, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Movement, stockpiling, and loading of aggregate, snow plowing, snow removal, snow grooming, loading/unloading of trailers, disabled vehicle recovery, loading/unloading of shipping containers, loading ...

Pae

Equipment Operator

Chicago, IL

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Movement, stockpiling, and loading of aggregate, snow plowing, snow removal, snow grooming, loading/unloading of trailers, disabled vehicle recovery, loading/unloading of shipping containers, loading ...

BELMAR GROUP

General Labor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Sort cargo before loading and unloading. * Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information. * Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work ...

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All JobsContainer Unloader JobsContainer Unloader Jobs in Chicago, IL

Container Unloader information

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How much do container unloader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for container unloader in Chicago, IL is $16.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A container unloader typically earns between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, which is below $10,000. Jobs that can pay $10,000 or more monthly without a degree often include roles like sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades such as electricians or plumbers, especially with experience and commissions. High-paying jobs without a degree usually require specialized skills, certifications, or significant experience.

What is the difference between Container Unloader vs Warehouse Worker?

AspectContainer UnloaderWarehouse Worker
CredentialsNone typically required, may need OSHA trainingOften requires OSHA certification or forklift license
Work EnvironmentLoading docks, shipping yards, outdoor or semi-outdoorWarehouses, storage facilities, indoor and outdoor
Job FocusUnloading containers, handling cargoInventory management, stocking, order picking
Industry UsageLogistics, shipping, freightRetail, manufacturing, distribution centers

Container Unloaders primarily focus on unloading cargo from shipping containers, often working at docks or ports. Warehouse Workers handle a broader range of tasks within storage facilities, including inventory management and order fulfillment. While both roles involve physical labor and may require OSHA training, Container Unloaders specialize in cargo handling, making their work environment more dock-oriented compared to the indoor/outdoor settings of Warehouse Workers.

What are some common challenges faced by container unloaders, and how can they prepare for them?

Container unloaders often encounter challenges such as handling heavy or awkwardly shaped items, working in varying weather conditions, and maintaining a speedy yet safe pace. To prepare, it's important to maintain good physical fitness, become familiar with safe lifting techniques, and wear appropriate protective gear. Teamwork and clear communication with coworkers and supervisors are also crucial for efficiency and preventing accidents. Most companies provide safety training and ongoing support to help new hires adapt quickly.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Container unloader jobs typically do not pay $2000 a day; they usually offer hourly wages or fixed salaries. High-paying roles that can reach such daily earnings are often in specialized fields like executive management, certain consulting roles, or high-level sales positions, which require significant experience, skills, and sometimes certifications. These roles often involve long hours, high responsibility, or performance-based incentives.

What jobs make $1000 per hour?

Jobs that can pay $1000 per hour are typically highly specialized roles such as experienced surgeons, top-tier lawyers, or certain executive consultants. These positions often require advanced education, extensive experience, and sometimes working in high-stakes environments or offering specialized skills. Most roles in logistics, including container unloaders, do not reach this pay level.

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

To thrive as a Container Unloader, you need good physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic math skills, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems, pallet jacks, and sometimes forklifts is often required, along with safety certifications like OSHA. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication help individuals stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring efficient, accurate unloading and safe operations in busy warehouse environments.

How hard is container unloading?

Container unloading is physically demanding and requires strength, stamina, and attention to safety protocols. Workers often handle heavy, bulky items and operate equipment like forklifts or pallet jacks, making it a job that can be physically challenging but manageable with proper training and safety measures.

What are container unloaders?

Container unloaders are workers responsible for removing goods and materials from shipping containers, typically at warehouses, distribution centers, or ports. Their main duties include unloading cargo safely and efficiently, inspecting products for damage, and organizing items for storage or further distribution. This role often requires physical strength, attention to detail, and the ability to work quickly as part of a team. Container unloaders may also operate equipment like forklifts or pallet jacks to move heavy loads. Safety procedures and proper handling techniques are crucial in this job to prevent injuries and ensure productivity.
What are popular job titles related to Container Unloader jobs in Chicago, IL? For Container Unloader jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Container Unloader jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Container Unloader jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Container Unloader jobs near you
Forklift/ Spotter

Forklift/ Spotter

Edsal Manufacturing

Gary, IN • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Edsal Manufacturing is North America's leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-quality steel shelving and storage solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Founded on Chicago’s South Side more than 60 years ago, Edsal has grown into a national manufacturing organization with operations in Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and California.
Summary of Position
The Forklift Driver / Yard Spotter is a dual-role, on position responsible for the safe and efficient operation of both sit-down forklifts and yard trucks. Approximately 60% of the role involves forklift operation — unloading trailers and container, staging, and moving product within the facility — while 40% of the role involves spotter duties, including the movement and organization of trailers and containers throughout the yard, into doors, while staying on property. The ideal candidate is safety-minded, self-directed, and comfortable switching between both functions as operational needs require.
Shift / Schedule
Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm
Key Responsibilities
  • Operate sit-down forklift to move product into staging areas, and/or storage locations
  • Load and unload product from trailers, containers, and production lines as directed
  • Operate yard trucks to move trailers to and from loading docks, storage areas, and designated yard locations
  • Assist with proper placement and securing of cargo during loading and unloading
Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Minimum of 1 year of sit-down forklift operating experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution environment.
  • Minimum of 2 years of yard spotter or yard truck experience required; 3 years of experience preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and the ability to safely operate yard trucks and material handling equipment.
  • Strong understanding of OSHA safety standards, warehouse operations, inventory practices, and the ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with team members.
Physical amp; Mental Demands
The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Employees in this role are regularly required to stand and/or walk for extended periods, often for the duration of a full shift. The position requires frequent use of hands and arms to reach, handle, grasp, and manipulate materials and tools.
Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive motions involving the hands, wrists, and arms. Bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching overhead may also be required.
Employees must have adequate vision and hearing to safely operate equipment and work within a manufacturing environment.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a manufacturing environment where employees may be exposed to varying temperatures, elevated noise levels, and proximity to moving mechanical parts and industrial equipment.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE) may include safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe footwear, protective gloves, and other safety equipment as required by company safety policies.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug screening, and post-offer pre-employment physical examination consistent with applicable laws and company policy.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Edsal Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

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