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Freight Handler Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Freight Handler Roadrunner's Smart Long Haul is revolutionizing the industry with significant investments in technology, a culture of continuous improvement, and intelligent and efficient direct ...

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 ...

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 ...

What You'll Do As an Outbound Freight Handler , you'll be responsible for preparing customer orders for delivery by safely loading them into box trucks with precision and efficiency. This includes ...

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Freight Handler information

See Kentucky salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do freight handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight handler in Kentucky is $14.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is Freight Handler a hard job?

Freight handling is physically demanding, requiring lifting, moving, and organizing heavy packages often in a fast-paced environment. It may involve standing for long periods and operating equipment like forklifts, with some positions requiring safety certifications. The job's difficulty depends on individual fitness and experience, but it generally requires physical strength and attention to safety protocols.

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 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 minimum wage, while experienced handlers or those with specialized skills 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 within warehouses, distribution centers, or transportation vehicles. They often operate equipment such as forklifts and follow safety protocols to ensure efficient handling of cargo. The role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and adherence to safety standards.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Freight handlers typically do not earn $4,000 per week without specialized experience or overtime. High-paying roles that can reach this level often include skilled trades like commercial truck drivers with proper licensing, sales managers, or certain construction supervisors, which may require experience, certifications, or a strong work record rather than a degree. Most jobs paying this much without a degree involve physical skills, certifications, or high responsibility levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Freight Handler jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Freight Handler jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Freight Handler jobs in Kentucky? For Freight Handler jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Freight Handler jobs in KY? For Freight Handler jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Freight Handler job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 18% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,180 per year, or $15 per hour.
Freight Handler

Freight Handler

Roadrunner Freight

Louisville, KY • On-site

$17/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Roadrunner Freight rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Freight Handler

Roadrunner's Smart Long Haul is revolutionizing the industry with significant investments in technology, a culture of continuous improvement, and intelligent and efficient direct routing. A Top 100 Trucking company by Inbound Logistics and a Top Tier Service Carrier by Mastio, Roadrunner is an LTL industry leader on the rise. As a long-haul, metro-to-metro LTL carrier, Roadrunner offers more direct routes than any other nationwide Less-than-Truckload carrier in the United States. With a nationwide presence, terminals across 40+ markets, and more than $400 million in revenue, the company's Smart Long-Haul Network is the preferred choice for shippers looking to move freight quickly and reliably. Roadrunner is growing and looking for a highly motivated Freight Handler to join our winning team. If you are results driven and looking for a rapidly growing company with high growth and earnings potential, apply today!We Run Safe. We Run Smart. We Run Together.

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 materials or containers to be moved.
  • Loads and unloads freight and counts onto or from pallets, trays, racks, and shelves.
  • Loads freight into vehicles and installs blocking, bracing, or padding to prevent shifting or damage in transit.
  • Transports freight from storage dock area or trailers to designated area.
  • Secures lifting attachments to freight and conveys load to move load to destination.
  • Attaches identifying tags or labels to freight or marks information on cases, bales, pallets, and other shipping packages.
  • Stacks or assembles freight into bundles and bands bundles together on pallets.
  • Cleans work area, machines and equipment to assist machine operators.
  • Operates industrial truck or electric hoist to assist in loading or moving material and products.
  • Participates in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.

Job Requirements:

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and or training; or equivalent combination of educational experience.
  • Relies on written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine correspondence.
  • Communicates internally with operations and dock supervisor.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units or measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Forklift driver qualification.
  • Hazardous Material Training.
  • Must be able to display good judgment in solving problems and dealing with a variety of personalities where only limited structure exists.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

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 25 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.

Compensation:

  • The compensation for this role is $17.00 per hour.

Job Location:

  • Louisville, KY

Benefits:

  • PTO
  • Paid Holidays
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401k
  • Roadrunner Champion Program

Roadrunner Freight 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!


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