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Freight Handler Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Forward Air

Freight Handler

Linden, NJ

$21.56/hr

... 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 ...

Forward Air Corporation

Freight Handler

Linden, NJ · On-site

$21.56/hr

... 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 ...

Forward Air

Freight Handler

Linden, NJ · On-site

$21.56/hr

... 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 ...

Forward Air Corporation

Freight Handler

Linden, NJ · On-site

$21.56/hr

... 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 ...

ABM

Freight Operator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We are looking for a reliable and experienced Janitorial Cleaner to perform a variety of cleaning duties to ensure a clean, safe, and orderly environment across assigned facilities. This role plays a ...

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Freight Handler information

See New York salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do freight handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight handler in New York is $18.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

How much does a freight handler earn?

The average freight handler earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced handlers or those working in high-demand areas can earn higher wages. Many freight handlers work full-time shifts, often requiring physical strength and the ability to operate equipment like forklifts.

Is a freight handler a hard job?

A freight handler job involves physically lifting, moving, and organizing heavy goods, which can be physically demanding and require stamina. It often requires working in a fast-paced environment, sometimes with irregular hours, and may involve operating equipment like forklifts. The job's difficulty depends on individual fitness and experience with manual labor and safety procedures.
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Freight Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Handler job openings in New York as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,276 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Freight Handler

Linden, NJ

Forward Air
See more jobs at Forward Airexternal

$21.56/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

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 $21.56 per hour

Schedule: Monday- Friday 10am-6:30pm

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, highvalue, 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 subjectmatter 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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