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Forwarder Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Telephone Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Process guest requests for wake-up calls, screening calls, do not disturb, call forwarding, conference calls, TDD relay calls, and non-registered guest calls. Advise guest of any messages received.

Forklift Operator I

Itasca, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Forklift Operator I ID 2026-7719 Category Warehouse Position Type Regular Full-Time Introduction ... About AIT Worldwide AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow ...

Showing results 41-60

Forwarder Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$23

$34

How much do forwarder operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for forwarder operator in Illinois is $23.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $29.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forwarder operator?

A Forwarder Operator is responsible for operating a forwarder, a type of forestry machine used to transport logs from the harvesting site to roadside landings for further processing or transport. Their duties include maneuvering the machine through rough terrain, loading and unloading logs using a hydraulic crane, and ensuring efficient and safe operations. They must have strong machine-handling skills, knowledge of forestry practices, and an understanding of safety regulations. This role is essential in the logging industry to ensure the efficient movement of timber while minimizing environmental impact.

What does a forwarder operator do?

A typical day for a Forwarder Operator involves maneuvering specialized machinery to transport felled logs from the cutting site to roadside landing areas, conducting pre-operation safety checks, and maintaining equipment. Forwarder Operators often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and collaborate closely with timber harvesters, site supervisors, and truck drivers to ensure efficient, safe, and organized log removal. Regular communication and coordination with other team members are essential for meeting daily production goals while maintaining safety standards. This role is central to the overall logging process, often requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills to address on-site challenges. Many Forwarder Operators have opportunities to advance to supervisory roles or diversify their skill sets by operating additional types of heavy forestry equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the forwarder operator position?

To thrive as a Forwarder Operator, you should have experience operating forestry machinery, strong mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to workplace safety, typically gained through vocational training or relevant on-the-job experience. Familiarity with GPS systems, logging software, and specific heavy equipment certifications (such as those for forestry or logging machines) is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are critical soft skills for safe and efficient operations. These capabilities ensure operational productivity, safety, and coordination within forestry and timber management work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Forwarder Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Forwarder Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forwarder Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Forwarder Operator jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Forwarder Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,293 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Coordinator, Warehousing Client Services

Estes Forwarding Worldwide

Joliet, IL

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Estes Forwarding Worldwide rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW) is a leading domestic and international freight forwarder in the United States, providing customized logistics and warehousing solutions for clients around the world and across all industries via air, ground, and ocean freight. A subsidiary of Estes Express lines with corporate located in Richmond, Virginia, EFW is uniquely backed by Estes Express Lines' extensive line haul network providing EFW clients with a hybrid transportation network. The company has received industry awards, including Specialty Carrier of the Year and E-Commerce Delivery Carrier of the Year, and has been recognized by Global Trade Americas as a leading 3PL to watch.

We are proud to offer highly competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability plans
  • Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Job referral bonus program
  • Salary Range: $20.00/hr to $25.00/hr
Responsibilities

The primary duty of the Coordinator, Warehousing Client Services is to communicate directly with customers and carriers to coordinate incoming deliveries and outgoing shipments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

  • Engage in solutions-based communication with clients.
  • Interface directly with the warehouse team to ensure accurate and timely processing of orders and receipts.
  • Process transactions in the Warehouse management system to complete receipts/ shipments/ inventory transfers.
  • Perform cycle counts in the warehouse and investigate any inventory discrepancies.
  • Adhere to Warehousing best practices and standard operating procedures
  • Drive continuous improvement within the organization through collaboration with site managers.
  • Proficient in the warehouse management system WMS.
  • Identify trends, key issues, and successes through data analysis and customer feedback.
  • Recognize opportunities for enhancing and expanding EFW client relationships.Respond to client inquiries quickly and efficiently.
  • Provide prompt and professional customer service to new leads and prospects.
  • Proactively engage customers to build rapport and ask for new opportunities.
  • Follow up opportunities to receive feedback and continuously improve the process.
  • Act as a liaison between clients, warehouse operations, and administration.
  • Coordinate with appropriate operations personnel to source transportation for secured moves.
  • Work with operations personnel to make sure specific client expectations are met.
  • Provide clients with proactive notification of deliveries or service issues to ensure continuous communication.
  • Direct drivers to appropriate docks.
  • Handle data entry of orders, receipts, shipments, and BOLs.
  • Assist with resolving client issues.
  • Continually develop market and industry knowledge to facilitate success.
  • Look for ways to continuously improve processes.
  • Develop and use collaborative relationships to accomplish work goals.
  • Comply with company C-TPAT and TSA security procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

The qualifications listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, internet, web-based, and job-specific software applications.
  • Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and remain self-motivated with minimal direct supervision.
  • Ability to write comprehensive and detailed business correspondence.
  • Ability to work with groups of people such as other departments and communicate known concepts.
  • Ability to solve problems with a variety of concrete variables through semi-standardized solutions that require some ingenuity and analysis.
  • Ability to draw inferences and follow prescribed and detailed procedures to solve moderately complex problems.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, random drug and/or alcohol tests, and will be subject to a criminal history background check.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.
  • At this time, EFW will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.
  • Estes Forwarding Worldwide offers an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. 

SUPERVISION

The position functions with supervision and has no direct reports.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and 1-3 years of experience in Transportation or Warehousing preferred.  However, a combination of experience and/or education will be taken into consideration. 

 

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

None required.

TRAVEL

None required.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. 

This role primarily involves office-based work but may occasionally require moving between the office and warehouse floor. The employee may need to lift and move objects such as boxes of documents or supplies weighing up to 30 lbs., and team lifting for heavier items. The role may involve walking, standing, and reaching with hands and arms for extended periods. Occasional bending, twisting, and lifting will be required. The employee may also need to occasionally push, pull, or carry objects as needed. Visual acuity to assess details both up close and at a distance is required for tasks such as inventory audits and general workspace organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. 

Normal office situation.  While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is also regularly in the warehouse exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme cold and/or heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

EFW is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veteran.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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