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Dock Loader Unloader Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead Dockworker

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$27.65 - $31.35/hr

Operates dock tools to ensure freight is loaded securely and properly, including maintaining straps ... unloading trailers. * Follows established bill and quality control procedures to ensure timely ...

Lead Dockworker

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$27.65 - $31.35/hr

Operates dock tools to ensure freight is loaded securely and properly, including maintaining straps ... unloading trailers. * Follows established bill and quality control procedures to ensure timely ...

Perform truck loading and unloading duties while ensuring products are handled safely and ... Maintain clean, organized loading docks, warehouse aisles, and work areas. * Assist with inventory ...

Perform truck loading and unloading duties while ensuring products are handled safely and ... Maintain clean, organized loading docks, warehouse aisles, and work areas. * Assist with inventory ...

Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks, along with other ... and unloading activities following dock and safety procedures. * Label, scan, and track freight ...

Work may include manually loading/unloading truck, delivering company transfers and customer orders ... Pickup truck at the warehouse/cross dock and may load truck according to safety standards and to ...

Showing results 21-40

Dock Loader Unloader information

What is the difference between Dock Loader Unloader vs Warehouse Associate?

AspectDock Loader UnloaderWarehouse Associate
CredentialsNone typically required, may need OSHA safety trainingNone typically required, may need OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentLoading docks, shipping/receiving areasWarehouse floors, storage areas
Job DutiesLoading/unloading trucks, moving freightInventory management, order picking, stocking
Industry UsageLogistics, transportation, shippingRetail, manufacturing, distribution centers

While both roles involve physical labor in warehouse settings, Dock Loader Unloaders focus on handling freight during loading and unloading processes, often at shipping docks. Warehouse Associates have broader responsibilities, including inventory management and order fulfillment. Both roles require safety training and are essential in logistics and distribution industries.

What is a dock loader unloader?

Dock Loader Unloaders are workers responsible for loading and unloading goods, packages, or materials from trucks, trailers, or shipping containers at a warehouse or distribution center. They ensure that shipments are handled safely and efficiently, often using equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, or hand trucks. Their duties may also include verifying shipment contents, checking for damages, and organizing items in the storage area. This role is physically demanding and requires attention to detail as well as adherence to safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dock loader unloader?

To thrive as a Dock Loader Unloader, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic math skills, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pallet jacks, forklifts, and warehouse management systems is commonly required, and OSHA forklift certification may be preferred. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this position. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient, and accurate movement of goods, which is crucial for maintaining smooth warehouse operations.

What are some common challenges faced by dock loader unloaders and how can they be managed effectively?

Dock Loader Unloaders often face challenges such as managing heavy workloads during peak shipping times, ensuring safety while handling bulky or heavy items, and maintaining accuracy in loading and unloading shipments. To manage these effectively, it's important to follow proper lifting techniques, use equipment like pallet jacks or forklifts when appropriate, and communicate clearly with team members to coordinate workflow. Staying organized and adhering to safety guidelines not only helps prevent injuries but also keeps the loading dock operating efficiently.
What are popular job titles related to Dock Loader Unloader jobs in Virginia? For Dock Loader Unloader jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Dock Loader Unloader job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Lead Dockworker

SAIA

Norfolk, VA โ€ข On-site

$27.65 - $31.35/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Ready To Go Further?

Saia is a different kind of logistics and transportation company. We do things the right way. You'll see it in our commitment to our people, customers, and community. You'll feel it in the support you get on day one -from leadership and from your team. A job with Saia is packed with opportunity -from learning new skills and advancing to competitive compensation and great benefits. It's all here and it's exactly what going further is all about.

Position Summary

Supports supervisors with leading terminal operational activities. Directs dockworkers to efficiently sort and handle freight into and out of over-the-road equipment, containers, city trailers, and straight trucks.

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Assists supervisors with leading and directing the daily functions of dockworkers.
  • Coaches, trains, and mentors new and existing dockworkers.
  • Loads and unloads trailers using forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment in compliance with state, federal, and Department of Transportation regulations.
  • Operates dock tools to ensure freight is loaded securely and properly, including maintaining straps, bars, air bags, cardboard, and dunnage.
  • Inspects and verifies shipments by reading labels and securing freight for both loading and unloading trailers.
  • Follows established bill and quality control procedures to ensure timely, claims-free, and cost-efficient shipments.
  • Logs, reports, and processes freight shortages and damages.
  • Promotes and maintains a safe and clean work environment

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Authorized to work in the United States.
  • Read, write, communicate and comprehend the English language in order to perform the various tasks of the job, including but not limited to: converse with co-workers and members of the general public; understand oral and written instructions as well as governmental regulations; respond to questions and inquiries from management and government representatives; and accurately complete various shipping documents, reports and records required of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2 years of warehouse, freight, dock, forklift, or pallet jack experience.
  • Forklift certification or hazmat training.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in verifying shipments.

Work Conditions and Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoops, and lift throughout the shift.
  • Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying freight up to 100 pounds; team lift or mechanical assistance required for heavier items.
  • Regular use of hands and arms for handling freight, operating pallet jacks, and securing loads.
  • Ability to climb on and off forklifts, trailers, and dock platforms safely.
  • Adequate vision and hearing (with or without correction) to operate equipment, read labels, and follow safety signals.
  • Ability to work in varying temperatures and weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow due to dock and yard exposure.
  • Ability to work varying schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays based on operational demands.
Pay Rate: $27.65 - $31.35 per hour, based on experience

Benefits

At Saia, your success is our success! That's why we work hard to provide you with what you need to build an awesome career. We are committed to rewarding superior employee performance so that when you work hard, your achievements won't go unnoticed.

Make Your Move

At Saia, our people are the reason we've been successful for over a century in the industry. Together, we've created a positive culture that's driven by our core values - like dignity and respect, a customer-first approach, safety and more. With hundreds of terminals across the country and growing, we're always looking for more collaborative and motivated individuals to join our team. So, if you're ready to put your career on a solid path, let's go further.

Saia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.