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Freight Handler Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Charcuterie Artisans

Material Handler

Mapleville, RI

$23.56/hr

Schedule: Mon-Fri 3pm-11:30pm, occasional Saturdays as needed The Material Handler plays an important role in keeping materials flowing efficiently throughout the facility. This position is ...

Rogers Corporation

Position Material Handler

Narragansett, RI · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Material Handler Location: Narragansett, RI, US, 02882 Job Category: Supply Chain Shift: Shift 1 Full Time / Part Time: Full-Time Approximate Travel: 0% Summary: This role will function as part of a ...

Charcuterie Artisans

Material Handler

Mapleville, RI · On-site

$23.56/hr

Schedule: Mon-Fri 3pm-11:30pm, occasional Saturdays as needed The Material Handler plays an important role in keeping materials flowing efficiently throughout the facility. This position is ...

Saab Aeronautics Indiana LLC

Material Handler

Bristol, RI · On-site

$22.26 - $25.63/hr

Saab, Inc. in Cranston, RI is seeking a Material Handler to join the Manufacturing/Production team. This position will begin at our Cranston, RI facility and will be required to transfer to our ...

Specialty Building Products

Material Handler

Smithfield, RI · On-site

$19.50 - $21/hr

Reeb Millwork, an SBP Brand, is currently looking for a Material Handler to join our VALUES based organization. Responsible, at various points, for loading, unloading, sorting, staging, transporting ...

Saab Automobile AB

Material Handler

Cranston, RI · On-site

$22.26 - $25.63/hr

Saab, Inc. in Cranston, RI is seeking a Material Handler to join the Manufacturing/Production team. This position will begin at our Cranston, RI facility and will be required to transfer to our ...

Saab Aeronautics Indiana LLC

Material Handler

Cranston, RI · On-site

$22.26 - $25.63/hr

Saab, Inc. in Cranston, RI is seeking a Material Handler to join the Manufacturing/Production team. This position will begin at our Cranston, RI facility and will be required to transfer to our ...

Leidos

Warehouse Material Handler

Newport, RI · On-site

$19.33/hr

Warehouse Material Handler Program Overview The Naval Array Technical Support Center (NATSC) is a U.S. Navy facility operated by Leidos. NATSC provides repair, refurbishment, upgrades, and testing of ...

Aerotek

Material Handler

Warwick, RI

$20 - $21/hr

Material Handler Join a dynamic team where you will be responsible for operating both stand-up and sit-down forklifts, handling shipping and receiving tasks using USPS and FedEx computer systems, and ...

Leidos

Warehouse Material Handler

Newport, RI

$19.33/hr

Warehouse Material Handler Program Overview The Naval Array Technical Support Center (NATSC) is a U.S. Navy facility operated by Leidos. NATSC provides repair, refurbishment, upgrades, and testing of ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFreight Handler JobsFreight Handler Jobs in Rhode Island

Freight Handler information

See Rhode Island salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do freight handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight handler in Rhode Island is $16.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $18.85 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 Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,157 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Sr Material Handler-Rhody Warehouse 1st Shift

Taco Family of Companies

Cranston, RI • On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

Shift: 1st Shift

Work Status: Onsite

Position Summary

The Sr Material Handler at Taco Cranston (TCR) is responsible for receiving, storing, and maintaining accurate records of component parts. This role involves counting, verifying, and organizing all product components, as well as tasks related to crating, shipping, and scrapping. Additionally, the Sr Material Handler coaches, mentors and trains team members and serves as a resource to them for questions.  This position is located in our North Kingstown, RI warehouse.

Measures of success:

  • Inventory Accuracy
  • On-Time Delivery %
  • Meet picking goal targets

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Runs fulfillment and shipping of trucks within the ERP system for allocation of orders.
  • Coaches, mentors and trains other Material Handlers.
  • Serves as a resource to Material Handlers when they have questions or need assistance.
  • Pulls orders from inventory, delivers production materials and supplies where needed, and stages finished product final distribution.
  • Loads, unloads and moves materials.
  • Responsible for orderly operation of the materials storage areas.
  • Maintains inventory by identifying and labeling materials and supplies.
  • Constantly monitors queue in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
  • Picks and verifies materials and supplies listed on production orders. 
  • Maintains inventory within the warehouse by delivering materials and supplies. 
  • Contacts Team Leader and/or Supervisor if shortage occurs.  
  • Locates, picks and packs materials and/or products and prepares them for shipping.
  • Builds crates using miter saw, nail and staple guns, etc.
  • Assists with processing packages for shipping, including data entry in the shipping vendor's system (UPS), communicating with the Customer Care department, and generating advanced shipping notices. 
  • Picks up scrap from machines throughout facility and weights materials, ensuring they are maintained separately and dumped outside in proper areas. 
  • Loads, unloads and secures materials and/or finished products into or from trailers.  
  • Documents details of materials delivered and products shipped within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
  • Receives returned materials and supplies from production and verifies part numbers and quantities. 
  • Maintains material handling equipment, including electric trucks and fork trucks, by completing pre-use inspections to ensure good operating condition. Notifies Team Lead or Supervisor of any maintenance needs. 
  • Operates tablet, computer, scanner and material handling equipment including forklifts (sit-down, Drexel, stand-up, reach, turret, order-picker), pallet jacks, stepladders and other equipment to reach material.  May use crowbar and mallet for crates.  
  • Carries out proper verification methods as part of the cycle count program. 
  • Frequently moves average weight materials as necessary in the performance of the job or as directed.  
  • Detects and reports improper operations, faulty equipment, defective materials, and unusual conditions to Team Lead and/or Supervisor. 
  • Maintains work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.  Follows prescribed safety rules and regulations.
  • Perform other related duties as requested.

Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or equivalent preferred
  • 7+ years of experience in warehouse / manufacturing environment
  • Ability to attain forklift certification
  • Valid driver's license
  • Hold and maintain a good driving record
  • Demonstrated ability to interact with others, problem solve and collaborate 
  • Competent to operate computer and complete basic data entry in systems
  • Must successfully learn specific responsibilities as assigned and adhere to production procedures
  • Proficient and functioning in job responsibilities and able to attain sign-off on standard practice (SP) within 90 days
  • Basic arithmetic skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
  • Organizational skills
  • Ability to push, pull, lift and/or move materials of up to 30 lbs; capable of using hoists for materials over 30 lbs.
  • Ability to perform repetitive work requiring constant alertness or activity, including standing and lifting
  • Ability to use computer scanning devices and skin wrapping machine
  • Skilled in using material handling equipment
  • Capable of following verbal and/or written instruction\
  • Attention to detail is essential for success
  • Well organized


Work Environment:

The Material Handler works primarily in a warehouse environment where large equipment and noise are prevalent. Safety equipment and personal protective gear is required.

This position reports into the site every workday. 

This position has no direct reports.

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