1

Freight Handler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Freight Handler is a missioncritical contributor to our Operations team, ensuring freight moves through our network with precision, speed, and zero compromise to safety or quality. As our Smart ...

The Freight Handler is a missioncritical contributor to our Operations team, ensuring freight moves through our network with precision, speed, and zero compromise to safety or quality. As our Smart ...

Freight Handler

Commerce, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

The Freight Handler is a mission-critical contributor to our Operations team, ensuring freight moves through our network with precision, speed, and zero compromise to safety or quality. As our Smart ...

The Freight Handler is a missioncritical contributor to our Operations team, ensuring freight moves through our network with precision, speed, and zero compromise to safety or quality. As our Smart ...

Freight Handler

Commerce, CA · On-site

$18.50/hr

The Freight Handler is a missioncritical contributor to our Operations team, ensuring freight moves through our network with precision, speed, and zero compromise to safety or quality. As our Smart ...

Freight Handler

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Summary The Freight Handler loads, unloads and transports freight within or near terminal, yard or work site. Critical Job Functions: * Reads work order or follows oral instructions to determine ...

Summary The Freight Handler loads, unloads and transports freight within or near terminal, yard or work site. Critical Job Functions: * Reads work order or follows oral instructions to determine ...

Summary The Freight Handler loads, unloads and transports freight within or near terminal, yard or work site. Critical Job Functions: * Reads work order or follows oral instructions to determine ...

Freight Handler

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Summary The Freight Handler loads, unloads and transports freight within or near terminal, yard or work site. Critical Job Functions: * Reads work order or follows oral instructions to determine ...

SAN DIEGO Freight handler $600-$1000 a week/paid weekly People want to work at Capstone because of our high-performance culture. We build strong relationships, challenge the status quo, work hard to ...

Freight Handler

Poway, CA · On-site

$600 - $1K/wk

SAN DIEGO Freight handler $600-$1000 a week/paid weekly People want to work at Capstone because of our high-performance culture. We build strong relationships, challenge the status quo, work hard to ...

SAN DIEGO Freight handler $600-$1000 a week/paid weekly People want to work at Capstone because of our high-performance culture. We build strong relationships, challenge the status quo, work hard to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Freight Handler information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do freight handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight handler in California is $17.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freight handler?

A freight handler is a worker responsible for loading, unloading, and moving goods in warehouses, distribution centers, or transportation hubs. They often use equipment like forklifts and must follow safety procedures to ensure efficient handling of cargo. Physical strength, attention to detail, and adherence to safety standards are important for this role.

What is the difference between Freight Handler vs Warehouse Worker?

AspectFreight HandlerWarehouse Worker
CredentialsNone specific, OSHA safety training often requiredNone specific, OSHA safety training often required
Work EnvironmentLoading/unloading freight at docks, shipping yardsOrganizing, storing, and managing inventory in warehouses
Industry UsageTransport, logistics, shipping companiesWarehousing, distribution centers, retail logistics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Freight Handlers and Warehouse Workers operate within logistics and shipping environments, Freight Handlers primarily focus on loading and unloading freight at docks, whereas Warehouse Workers manage inventory and organize storage within warehouses. Both roles often require OSHA safety training but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

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

To thrive as a Freight Handler, you need strong physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), pallet jacks, forklifts, and barcode scanners is typically required, and OSHA certification may be preferred. Reliability, teamwork, and good communication are valuable soft skills that help manage fast-paced, physically demanding environments. These combined abilities are crucial for ensuring the accurate and efficient movement of goods, workplace safety, and overall supply chain effectiveness.

What are some common challenges Freight Handlers face, and how can they be managed effectively?

Freight Handlers often encounter challenges such as handling heavy or awkward loads, working in fast-paced environments, and managing time during peak shipping periods. To manage these effectively, it’s essential to use proper lifting techniques, stay organized, and communicate clearly with team members. Many companies provide safety training and encourage collaboration to ensure efficiency and reduce the risk of injury, making teamwork and attention to detail crucial for success in this role.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Most jobs that pay $2,000 a day are high-level positions such as specialized surgeons, corporate executives, or successful entrepreneurs. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of a business, and are not common in entry-level or standard roles like freight handling.

What Is a Freight Handler?

A freight handler makes sure cargo transport operations go smoothly for merchandise warehouses. The qualifications you need for this career are a high school diploma, physical stamina, and a strong work ethic. Previous experience with warehouse work is beneficial. As a freight handler, your job duties are loading and unloading truck trailers, guiding truck drivers into loading docks, using forklifts and other equipment, and keeping detailed freight records. You need strong teamwork skills, safety awareness, and organizational skills.

How much does a freight handler earn?

A freight handler typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of this range, while experienced handlers or those working in high-demand areas can earn higher wages. Overtime and shift differentials can also increase overall earnings.

What does a Freight Handler do?

A Freight Handler is responsible for loading, unloading, and moving freight within warehouses, distribution centers, or shipping/receiving docks. They ensure that goods are safely and efficiently transferred between trucks, trains, ships, and storage areas. Freight Handlers often use equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks to move heavy or bulky items. Their work is crucial to keeping supply chains running smoothly and making sure products reach their destination on time.

What is the role of a freight handler?

A freight handler is responsible for loading, unloading, and moving goods in warehouses, distribution centers, or transportation hubs. They use equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks and ensure shipments are properly labeled and stored safely. Physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and sometimes certification in equipment operation are important for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Freight Handler jobs in California? For Freight Handler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freight Handler jobs? Cities in California with the most Freight Handler job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Freight Handler jobs in CA? For Freight Handler jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Freight Handler job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,430 per year, or $17 per hour.

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Energy hits different on the dock.
Not built for desk jobs? Perfect.
Skip the gym. Move freight instead.
We're looking for Freight Handlers who love being super active. At Roadrunner, you'll help keep freight moving safely, efficiently, and on time in a fast-paced environment where hard work matters.
The Freight Handler is a missioncritical contributor to our Operations team, ensuring freight moves through our network with precision, speed, and zero compromise to safety or quality. As our Smart Network continues to scale nationwide, the reliability of our dock operations directly impacts transit performance, customer satisfaction, and the integrity of our longhaul model.
This role exists to keep freight flowing efficiently through the Nashville service center-executing highaccuracy loading, unloading, tagging, and movement of shipments that power our metrotometro network. Success in this role means maintaining consistent throughput, minimizing rehandling, preventing damage, and supporting a clean, safe, and highperformance dock environment.What you'll do
1. Execute highprecision freight handling
  • Load, unload, stack, and secure freight with accuracy and care to prevent damage.
  • Follow work orders and verbal instructions to determine freight movement priorities.
  • Apply tags, labels, and documentation to ensure full shipment visibility.
  • Assemble and band freight bundles to maintain stability and compliance.

2. Operate equipment safely and efficiently
  • Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, hoists, and other industrial equipment to move freight.
  • Install blocking, bracing, and padding to secure freight in trailers.
  • Maintain equipment cleanliness and support routine operational upkeep.
  • Follow all safety rules, hazardous materials protocols, and operational procedures.

3. Maintain dock flow and operational readiness
  • Transport freight between dock areas, trailers, and designated storage zones.
  • Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards to support continuous flow.
  • Assist machine operators and cross functional teams as needed.
  • Support proactive efforts to meet service center throughput and quality goals.

4. Support crossfunctional coordination
  • Communicate effectively with operations leadership and dock supervisors.
  • Surface issues, delays, or safety concerns with clarity and urgency.
  • Collaborate with team members to maintain a high performance dock environment.
  • Demonstrate sound judgment when navigating ambiguous or fast changing situations.

5. Uphold safety, accuracy, and performance standards
  • Prioritize tasks to meet operational timelines without sacrificing quality.
  • Manage multiple assignments simultaneously in a high velocity environment.
  • Ensure all freight is handled in alignment with company standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Contribute to a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
What you bring
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • 1-3 months of related experience or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Forklift driver qualification required.
  • Hazardous Material Training preferred.
  • Ability to perform basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
  • Experience in freight, logistics, warehouse, or LTL environments is a plus.
  • Proven ability to prioritize, multitask, and maintain composure in a fast paced setting.
How you operate
  • You think in systems, not tasks.
  • You take ownership of outcomes, not just activity.
  • You move with urgency while maintaining accuracy and safety.
  • You communicate clearly, directly, and respectfully.
  • You adapt quickly when priorities shift.
  • You solve problems with sound judgment, even when structure is limited.
  • You support your team and contribute to a high performance culture.

About Roadrunner

We're not just moving freight; we're reimagining long-haul shipping. Our Smart Network offers more direct long-haul metro-to-metro routes than any other nationwide LTL carrier in the United States, with service extending into Canada and Mexico and terminals across 40+ metro markets. Powered by AI and machine learning, our operations platform ensures real-time tracking, custodial control, and full shipment visibility. With driver teams executing over-the-road (OTR) moves - and no freight moving on rail - customers experience industry-leading transit times, minimal rehandling, and dramatically reduced risk of loss or damage.


Our 900+ owner-operators benefit from scheduled freight, fewer touches by design, consistent long-haul density, and a differentiated metro-to-metro model that creates predictable earning opportunities.


This precision and performance have earned Roadrunner national recognition by over 3,000 shippers, and was ranked this year #1 in Operations, #1 in Technology, and #1 in Value in the Quest for Quality Awards, as well as honors as a Top 100 Trucking Company by Inbound Logistics and a Top Tier Service Carrier by Mastio.


We're growing fast. Roadrunner is building something special with great people, a winning culture and a differentiated service offering in the marketplace. Join us today to grow your career!


We Run Safe. We Run Smart. We Run Together.


Compensation & Setup
  • Pay: $18.50 per hour
  • Incentives: Performance recognition programs and bonuses where applicable.
  • Location: Onsite - Commerce, CA
  • Benefits: Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off
Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands, and talk and hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and smell.
  • The employee must regularly lift and or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 80 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities include color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving vehicles, outside weather conditions and vibrations. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, high precarious places, and extreme temperatures.
  • The noise level in the work area is usually moderate to high.
  • The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the position and are not intended to be all inclusive.
  • The position and any of the requirements listed above are subject to change at any time according to the changing needs of the company.

* The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the position and are not intended to be all inclusive. The position and any of the requirements listed above are subject to change at any time according to the changing needs of the company.


* Roadrunner is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.


* We will not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters or recruiting agencies. Thank you!


#LI-OnsiteCommerce, CA