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Dock Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Saia

Dock Supervisor

Houston, TX · On-site

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 ...

SAIA

Dock Supervisor

Houston, TX

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 ...

SAIA

Dock Supervisor

Odessa, TX · On-site

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 ...

Saia

Dock Supervisor

Odessa, TX · On-site

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 ...

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Dock Operator information

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$4

$16

$23

How much do dock operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for dock operator in Texas is $16.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dock operator?

Dock Operators are responsible for loading, unloading, and moving goods and materials at shipping docks, warehouses, or distribution centers. They operate equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks, check shipment documentation, and ensure that cargo is handled safely and efficiently. Dock Operators also help maintain inventory records and may be involved in inspecting goods for damage or discrepancies during the transfer process. Their work is essential for the smooth operation of logistics and supply chains.

What does a dock operator do?

As a dock operator, your job duties include loading and unloading inventory from a marine vessel. You may transfer this inventory with a forklift or crane, and you may be asked to help unload a cargo container and move its contents to their next destination. Your responsibilities also include performing safety checks and routine maintenance, inspecting freight for signs of damage, noting any discrepancies, and assisting other employees. This is a teamwork-oriented position that requires excellent communication skills and an emphasis on safety.

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

To thrive as a Dock Operator, you need proficiency in material handling, safety protocols, and basic equipment operation, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with forklifts, pallet jacks, warehouse management systems, and OSHA safety standards is often required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and accurate loading and unloading operations, which are critical for supply chain effectiveness.

What are some common challenges faced by dock operators and how can they be addressed?

Dock Operators often face challenges such as managing tight schedules, ensuring safety while handling heavy equipment, and coordinating with various teams to load and unload shipments efficiently. Effective communication, adherence to safety protocols, and staying organized can help address these issues. Many employers provide ongoing training and support to help Dock Operators adapt to changing demands and improve workflow efficiency.

What is the difference between Dock Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectDock OperatorCrane Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, crane certification
Work EnvironmentPorts, docks, shipping yardsConstruction sites, shipping yards, industrial facilities
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, freight handlingConstruction, shipping, manufacturing

While both Dock Operators and Crane Operators work in shipping and industrial environments, Dock Operators primarily handle loading and unloading cargo using forklifts and other equipment, whereas Crane Operators operate cranes for lifting heavy materials. The roles often overlap in port settings, but Crane Operators typically require specialized crane certifications. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on skills and industry needs.

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Dock Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dock Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,911 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Dock Worker/Forklift Operator

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

Garland, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Old Dominion Freight Line rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 163 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 64 rated delivery companies

Job description

At Old Dominion, we don't just move freight-we help businesses keep their promises. As one of the nation's leading LTL carriers, we've earned our reputation by putting people first, delivering premium service, and staying true to the values that have guided us for more than 90 years. Our PROMISES values shape how we work, our family culture shapes how we treat one another, and our commitment to being the Best in the Game drives everything we do. If you're looking for more than just a job, you'll find a career built on trust, teamwork, and opportunity at OD.
We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join the OD Family as a Dockworker. This role is vital to ensuring the safe, efficient loading and unloading of freight, as well as supporting overall warehouse and material handling operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, a commitment to safety, and team driven. As a critical part of our team, you will help uphold our promise of delivering customer freight accurately and on time, contributing to the success of our OD Family culture.
Job Summary
The dockworker must efficiently load and unload freight, ensuring that the correct items are placed on the right trucks. Safety is paramount, and Dock Workers use equipment like forklifts and manual techniques to handle materials. Proper securing of freight with airbags and cardboard, as well as using straps, is crucial to prevent damage during transport. The dock worker position directly impacts the reliability of deliveries to customers.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Load and unload freight on trailers using a motorized forklift, pallet jack or manually in compliance with state and federal DOT guidelines. Use various loading techniques, such as loading tight or cross loading.
  • Transport self and/or freight continuously throughout the service center on non-forgiving surfaces.
  • Utilize Dock Yard Management System to consistently monitor freight shipment locations throughout the service center.
  • Read and interpret shipping labels. Familiarity with, and in some cases ability to complete the various forms utilized in freight movement such as shipping orders, city stripping manifests, freight bills, overage/damage movement reports and exception forms.
  • Hand load, rewrap or stack freight as necessary.
  • Insure the quality loading of all trailers.
  • Secure freight inside trailers using appropriate tools and supplies (e.g. pallets, straps, rope).
  • Frequent contact with service center personnel; fast-pace and deadline oriented.
  • This is not an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities and duties. Employees are expected and must be able to perform all duties and tasks assigned.

Job Qualifications
Education:
  • High school degree or equivalent

Experience:
  • Must have working knowledge of safe and efficient lifting and transporting procedures.
  • Must have working knowledge of procedures surrounding all aspects of freight transportation.
  • Must have knowledge of different loading techniques such as loading tight and cross loading.
  • Familiarity with, and in some cases ability, to complete the various forms utilized in freight movement such as shipping orders, city stripping manifests, freight bills, overage/damage movement reports and exception forms.
  • Ability to utilize the dock yard management system permitting consistent monitoring of shipment locations as freight moves through the various terminals.
  • Must be available for work at all times in order to meet customer pickup and delivery schedules.
  • Must have the ability to properly operate hand held tablet when needed

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
  • (Standing) Must be able to remain standing for a up to 8 Hours/shift, 5-7 days per week on non-forgiving surfaces such as concrete, wood, metal that are sometimes wet and slippery.
  • (Sitting) Must be able to sit on a forklift up to 8 hours/shift 5 -7 days per week.
  • (Moving/walking) Must be able to walk up to 8 hours a day on non- forgiving surfaces such as concrete, wood and metal and sometimes on wet and slippery surfaces.
  • (Bending/Stooping/Kneeling) Must be able to perform frequent squatting to handle, position and secure freight.
  • (Climbing) Must be able to get onto and off of the forklift many times throughout the day, must be able to climb about and move about easily in small spaces to adjust freight.
  • (Moving Materials). Must be able to load and unload full trailers of freight weighing as much as 500 lbs., with or without a dolly or cart. This could involve for example moving 100lb containers to and from floor level to carts, stacks or platforms over 4 feet high, balancing 300 lb. drums on their rims and rolling them into positions, rolling and lifting tires, or stowing cartons or other merchandise overhead that weigh as much as 100 lbs. each.
  • (Pushing/Pulling) Must be able to perform frequent pulling and pushing of freight with or without the help of freight pulling equipment up to 100lbs. Must also be able to push and pull forklift blades, forklift gas tanks, deck bars, and other freight related items.
  • (Hearing/Speaking) Must be able to see parts in and on the forklift mechanical equipment for pre and post inspections. Must be able to hearing the horns of other forklifts and shouted instructions and warnings.
  • (Reaching) Must be able to frequently reach for freight at waist level and occasionally reach for freight above shoulder height or below waist level. Must be able to reach for forklift controls, pushing deck bars, and placing/strapping airbags/straps/cardboard. Must be able to reach while sweeping work areas clean of debris.
  • (Lifting) Must be able to frequently lift and handle objects weighing up to 100 lbs. of varying sizes or shapes, using OSHA guidelines and lifting techniques, distances of 1 foot but usually no less than 100 feet.
  • Must be able to use right, left or both hands to get in and out of forklift, wrapping and unwrapping shrink wrap, securing and unsecuring pallets, using pallet jack or hand truck, using the steering wheel, buttons on lift gates, etc.
  • Must be able to grip with right, left or both hands to use handles to get in and out of the forklift, holding tablet, using pallet jacks or hand trucks, controlling and pushing the buttons on the forklift, holding the steering wheel, securing straps, cardboard, airbags, etc.
  • Must be able to pinch fingers on the right, left or both hands to shrink wrap, secure and unsecure straps, utilize clip boards, utilize tablets, etc.
  • Must be able to use cognitive skills for:
    • paying attention to surroundings, including cross-dock traffic, forklift inspections, freight, gates, etc.
    • long-term and short-term memory for inspecting areas, breaking down pallets, carrying products, driving in cross-dock traffic and for safety
    • logic and reasoning in reading manifests, tablets, reading boxes and order numbers
    • Auditory and visual processing to inspect forklifts, driving, reading, listening for horns and/or other cross-dock traffic and speaking with other dock workers. Must be able to see and read bills of lading, tablets for yard management systems, and read printed materials. Must be able to see and scan areas of work for debris and defects.
  • (Other) Must be able to work a variety of times and shifts in order to meet customer pick up and delivery schedules.
  • Ability to work in extremely hot or cold climates, ability to work in an environment where noise and odors may be present.
  • Attendance is a requirement

Work Environment
The work environment described below represents those that an employee would encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.
While performing the duties of the job, the employees will be exposed to various work environments which may include working with or around others while loading and unloading, working in an enclosed vehicle while driving, loading and unloading in an enclosed trailer, exposure to all weather conditions, noise levels that vary from quiet to loud and with lighting conditions that could be extremely bright or low light.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.
Working Days:
Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,
Working Shift:
Evening
Work days/shifts may change based on scheduling and business needs and are provided as guidelines at the time of posting.
Join the OD Family Today!
As a Full Time member of our Family, you and your family are eligible to receive:
  • Great Health Benefits including a Zero premium medical plan for employee only coverage
  • Vision & Dental
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Flex Spending Accounts
  • 401k Retirement plan with company match and additional company annual discretionary match opportunity
  • Life Insurance
  • Wellness Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement for Drivers and Technicians
  • Training and growth opportunities to build a career
  • We prioritize our OD family of employees
  • Ability to advance through our promote from within philosophy
  • National Career Opportunities Available at our 260+ service centers

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, and/or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military status, Vietnam Era and/or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law(s).
If you have questions regarding this posting or require assistance with the application process, please click here for contact information.

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About Old Dominion Freight

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Old Dominion Freight Line, often referred to as Old Dominion or ODFL, is based out of Thomasville, North Carolina, in the United States and operates within the industry of Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) carrier services. Their services include regional, super-regional, and intrastate domestic shipping, assembly and distribution, container delivery, truckload brokerage, supply chain consulting, and expedited freight delivery. Established in 1934, Old Dominion has grown from a single truck running a 94-mile route in Virginia to a leading national LTL carrier with over 235 service centres.

Industry

Trucking

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Thomasville, NC, US

Year founded

1934

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