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Freight Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$10

$23

$40

How much do freight assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight assistant in the United States is $23.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freight forwarding assistant do?

A freight forwarding assistant supports the logistics process by preparing shipping documentation, coordinating with carriers, and tracking shipments to ensure timely delivery. They often use transportation management systems and need good organizational skills to handle multiple shipments efficiently.

What are Freight Assistants?

Freight Assistants are logistics professionals responsible for handling, organizing, and moving shipments within warehouses, stores, or distribution centers. Their duties often include unloading deliveries, checking and sorting incoming goods, stocking shelves, and preparing outgoing shipments. They play a key role in ensuring products are accurately received, stored, and dispatched efficiently. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and teamwork are important qualities for this role.

What does a logistics assistant do?

A logistics assistant supports the transportation, storage, and distribution of goods by coordinating shipments, tracking inventory, and communicating with suppliers and carriers. They often use logistics software and may assist with scheduling, documentation, and ensuring timely delivery within a supply chain environment.

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

To thrive as a Freight Assistant, you need basic math skills, attention to detail, physical stamina, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inventory management systems, barcode scanners, and warehouse equipment like pallet jacks is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help you coordinate effectively with colleagues and handle shifting priorities. These skills ensure efficient handling, tracking, and movement of goods, which is critical for smooth warehouse and supply chain operations.

What are some typical daily tasks and challenges a Freight Assistant can expect in this role?

As a Freight Assistant, you can expect to spend your day unloading shipments, organizing inventory, and ensuring that goods are properly labeled and stored. A key challenge in this role is managing time efficiently to keep up with tight shipping and receiving schedules, especially during peak periods. You’ll often collaborate closely with warehouse teams and delivery drivers to maintain smooth logistics operations, and attention to detail is crucial to prevent errors in inventory tracking. Being adaptable and proactive helps you stay on top of shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Freight Assistant vs Warehouse Worker?

AspectFreight AssistantWarehouse Worker
CredentialsBasic certifications, forklift license often preferredBasic certifications, forklift license often preferred
Work EnvironmentLoading/unloading freight, assisting with transportationHandling inventory, packing, and shipping
Industry UsageTransport, logistics, freight companiesWarehousing, distribution centers
Common Search IntentCompare roles in freight/logisticsCompare roles in warehousing

Freight Assistants and Warehouse Workers often share similar certifications and work environments, but Freight Assistants focus more on assisting with freight movement and transportation, while Warehouse Workers handle inventory and packing tasks. Both roles are essential in logistics and distribution industries, with overlapping skills but different primary responsibilities.

What are the duties of a Freight Handler?

A freight handler is responsible for loading, unloading, and moving goods within warehouses, distribution centers, or transportation vehicles. They inspect shipments for damage, use equipment like forklifts or hand trucks, and ensure proper storage and documentation. Physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and basic knowledge of handling tools are essential for this role.

Can I work on a cargo ship with no experience?

Freight assistant roles on cargo ships typically require some training or certification, such as safety courses or maritime training, but prior experience is not always mandatory. Employers often provide on-the-job training for entry-level positions, and physical fitness and the ability to work in a team environment are important. Basic knowledge of safety procedures and equipment can be beneficial for starting such roles.
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Freight Handler

Freight Handler

Forward Air

Sterling, VA • On-site

$21.43/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

New


Job description

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, staging, scanning, and movement of freight. As certified forklift operators within the operation, they provide safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, movement, and documentation of cargo/freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment, directly contributing to productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. As the most experienced team members without direct reports, they often assist with mentoring, guiding, and onboarding new Material Handlers and solving complex operational problems on the floor. 

Compensation: $21.43 per hour

Schedule: Monday- Friday 1pm-9pm, onsite

Responsibilities

  • Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks, along with other appropriate Material Handling Equipment (MHE), such as pallet jacks, carts, and dollies, and approved physical lifting techniques. 

  • Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas in accordance with operating procedures.

  • Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.

  • Assist drivers with loading and unloading activities following dock and safety procedures.

  • Label, scan, and track freight using handheld scanning devices and company systems to ensure accuracy and documentation integrity.

  • Identify damaged freight and promptly report issues, unsafe conditions, or equipment concerns to supervisory personnel.

  • Abide by all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE standards.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized dock environment, including work areas, tools, and MHE.

  • Perform tasks under appropriate supervision while learning equipment operation, safety protocols, and job procedures (for developing roles).

  • Support dock productivity, workflow efficiency, and overall operational goals.

  • Work assigned schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.

  • Safely and accurately handle oversized, high‑value, or complex freight.

  • Assist with dock coordination, workflow management, and problem resolution.

  • Prioritize freight and coordinate task assignments, sometimes acting in a lead capacity (without direct supervisory responsibility). 

  • Serve as a subject‑matter expert on dock operations, equipment, and procedures.

  • Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers.

  • All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

  • Education: High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)/equivalent preferred but not required. 

  • Certification/Licensure: Valid forklift certification/licensure (or ability to obtain before operating equipment) required.

  • Experience: 3+ years of dock or warehouse experience required. 

  • Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, to understand safety and operational instructions, work assignments, and freight documentation.

  • Ability to recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings accurately, and to perform basic arithmetic to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.

  • Basic arithmetic skills to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.

  • Technology: Willingness and ability to learn and use basic computer systems, handheld scanners, and freight-tracking devices.

  • Equipment: Ability to safely operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks (with company-assisted certification/training), and/or other specialized MHE as required by the site.

  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

  • Physical Demands: Extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8-12 hours per/shift, with the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50lbs without assistance, with occasional lifting of freight up to 75lbs with assistance or mechanical aids throughout each 8-12 hour shift, multiple times per/week. 

  • Vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to work safely in a noisy dock environment.

  • Environment: Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold), occasional outdoor work and/or exposure to precipitation (rain, sleet, snow, etc.), regular exposure to moving equipment, vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise. 

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