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Distribution Forklift Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forklift Operator

Knoxville, TN

$16.25 - $19/hr

Forklift Operator Knoxville, TN General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of brick and ... This role is key to maintaining efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service ...

Forklift Operator

Huntsville, AL

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Forklift Operator Madison, AL General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of brick and ... This role is key to maintaining efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service ...

Forklift Operator

Piedmont, SC

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Forklift Operator Upstate, SC General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of brick and ... This role helps ensure efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service to ...

Forklift Operator

Piedmont, SC

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Forklift Operator Upstate, SC General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of brick and ... This role helps ensure efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service to ...

Forklift Operator

Knoxville, TN

$16.25 - $19/hr

Forklift Operator Knoxville, TN General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of brick and ... This role is key to maintaining efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service ...

Forklift Operator

Manassas, VA

$16 - $18.75/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for supporting daily yard and distribution operations, loading and unloading materials, preparing products for delivery, and assisting customers. This position ...

Forklift Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Forklift Operator Knoxville, TN General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of brick and ... This role is key to maintaining efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service ...

Forklift Operator

Manassas, VA

$16 - $18.75/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for supporting daily yard and distribution operations, loading and unloading materials, preparing products for delivery, and assisting customers. This position ...

Forklift Operator

Manassas, VA

$16 - $18.75/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for supporting daily yard and distribution operations, loading and unloading materials, preparing products for delivery, and assisting customers. This position ...

Forklift Operator

Piedmont, SC · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Forklift Operator Upstate, SC General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of brick and ... This role helps ensure efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service to ...

Forklift Operator

Knoxville, TN

$16.25 - $19/hr

Description Forklift Operator Knoxville, TN General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer ... This role is key to maintaining efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service ...

Forklift Operator

Manassas, VA

$17 - $20/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for supporting daily yard and distribution operations, loading and unloading materials, preparing products for delivery, and assisting customers. This position ...

Forklift Operator

Madison, AL

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Forklift Operator General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of brick and masonry ... This role is key to maintaining efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service ...

Forklift Operator

Piedmont, SC

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Description Forklift Operator Upstate, SC General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of ... This role helps ensure efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service to ...

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

El Paso, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

We are looking for experienced, safety-focused, and dependable Forklift Operators to support our warehouse and distribution operations. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy working as ...

Forklift Operator

Huntsville, AL

$16.25 - $19/hr

Description Forklift Operator Madison, AL General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of ... This role is key to maintaining efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service ...

Forklift Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Forklift Operator Madison, AL General Shale, Inc., the nation's leading manufacturer of brick and ... This role is key to maintaining efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service ...

Be Seen First

Previous experience as a Forklift Operator in a distribution center or warehouse environment (Preferred) * Familiarity with RF scanners and warehouse management systems (Preferred) * Mechanical ...

New

Overview Steinhafels is currently recruiting for an Order Selector / Forklift Operator at our Bolingbrook Distribution Center. Starting pay for the Forklift Operator role is $19/hour. As the Forklift ...

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Showing results 1-20

Distribution Forklift Operator information

See salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do distribution forklift operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution forklift operator in the United States is $17.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Distribution Forklift Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Distribution Forklift Operators often face challenges such as navigating busy warehouse environments, managing time efficiently during peak shipping periods, and ensuring safety while handling heavy loads. To address these issues, operators benefit from regular safety training, clear communication with team members, and familiarity with warehouse layouts. Many companies also implement technology such as inventory management systems and real-time tracking to support operators in staying organized and minimizing errors.

What is the difference between Distribution Forklift Operator vs Warehouse Associate?

AspectDistribution Forklift OperatorWarehouse Associate
CertificationsForklift certification requiredBasic warehouse safety training
Work EnvironmentOperate forklifts in distribution centersAssist with inventory and packing tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesMoving pallets, loading/unloadingStocking, packing, order picking

The Distribution Forklift Operator primarily focuses on operating forklifts to move and organize goods within distribution centers, requiring specific forklift certifications. In contrast, a Warehouse Associate handles a broader range of tasks like stocking and packing, often without specialized equipment operation. Both roles are essential in logistics but differ in equipment use and specific duties.

What is the highest paying forklift job?

The highest paying forklift jobs are typically those that require specialized skills, such as operating heavy-duty or industrial forklifts, working in hazardous environments, or holding supervisory or management roles. Certifications like OSHA forklift certification and experience in logistics or warehouse management can also lead to higher wages. Salaries vary by industry and location but can reach above average for skilled or specialized forklift operators.

How much do forklift drivers make?

Forklift drivers in the region typically earn an average hourly wage of around $14 to $20, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific employer. Annual salaries generally range from $30,000 to $45,000, with opportunities for overtime and skill development in warehouse environments.

How much does a forklift driver make?

The average forklift driver salary in Ohio is approximately $15 to $20 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific employer. Full-time positions typically offer benefits and may include overtime pay for extended hours or weekend shifts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distribution Forklift Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distribution Forklift Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, attention to safety protocols, and a valid forklift operator certification. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), inventory tracking software, and various types of forklifts is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with colleagues and maintaining a safe work environment. These skills ensure efficient material handling, minimize workplace accidents, and support the smooth operation of distribution processes.

What are Distribution Forklift Operators?

Distribution Forklift Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating forklifts and other material handling equipment in warehouses or distribution centers. Their main duties include loading and unloading goods, moving products within storage areas, stacking pallets, and ensuring that materials are stored safely and efficiently. They must follow safety guidelines and maintain accurate records of inventory movements. Forklift operators play a crucial role in keeping supply chains running smoothly by ensuring products are handled with care and delivered to the right locations on time.

How much per hour for a Forklift Operator?

The average hourly wage for a forklift operator ranges from $15 to $20, depending on experience, location, and certification levels. Skilled operators with certifications like OSHA or OSHA-compliant training may earn higher wages, especially in industrial or warehouse environments with overtime opportunities.
More about Distribution Forklift Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Distribution Forklift Operator jobs? Cities with the most Distribution Forklift Operator job openings:
What states have the most Distribution Forklift Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Distribution Forklift Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Distribution Forklift Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,097 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Forklift Operator

$16.25 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


General Shale rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Forklift Operator
Knoxville, TN

General Shale, Inc., the nation’s leading manufacturer of brick and masonry materials, is seeking a Full-Time Forklift Operator to support operations at our Knoxville, TN sales and distribution center. This position is ideal for a dependable individual with forklift experience and strong customer service skills.

Position Overview:

The Forklift Operator is responsible for safely performing daily yard operations, loading and unloading trucks, and assisting with the preparation and staging of materials for delivery. This role is key to maintaining efficient distribution operations while providing excellent service to customers.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Operate a forklift to load, unload, and move materials safely

  • Assist with material handling and preparation for deliveries

  • Provide courteous and professional service to customers

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe yard area

  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support distribution operations

Qualifications:

  • Ability to operate a forklift safely

  • Ability to interact professionally with customers and team members

  • Physical ability to bend, stoop, lift, and perform manual handling as required

  • Dependable with a strong work ethic

What We Offer:

  • Competitive compensation

  • Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

  • 401(k) plan with company match

  • Paid vacation and 10 paid holidays

  • Stable employment with a leading manufacturer in the masonry industry

Learn more about General Shale and our portfolio of innovative brick and masonry solutions at generalshale.com.


What General Shale employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


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About General Shale

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Shale’s mission is to continue as the preferred solutions provider of building materials in North America because of the enduring quality, energy efficiency and natural beauty that our products provide. Driven by innovation that is modern and future-oriented, General Shale employees set the standard because of our shared commitment to safety, the environment and an intense focus on creating the ultimate customer experience.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Johnson City, TN, US

Year founded

1928