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Freight Handler Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Trafford, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Material Handler Cleaveland/Price specializes in the design and manufacture of high voltage ... Unloads freight using forklifts, cranes, and other equipment; moves materials between loading docks ...

Material Handler

Trafford, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Unloads freight using forklifts, cranes, and other equipment; moves materials between loading docks ... Prior material handler experience or warehouse logistics experience preferred. * Proficiency in ...

Material Handler

Trafford, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Unloads freight using forklifts, cranes, and other equipment; moves materials between loading docks ... Prior material handler experience or warehouse logistics experience preferred. * Proficiency in ...

Canine Handler

Pittsburgh, PA

$16 - $19/hr

Depending on the client, handler duties may include working at major sports events, scanning the crowds to detect potential Person-Borne(TM) Explosive threats.Successful candidates MUST live within a ...

Top Job Located in Charleroi, PA Salary: $20/HR Material Handler - 1st Shift Location: Bentleyville, PA Pay: $20/hour Job Type: Full-Time, Long-Term Opportunity Shift: 1st Shift | Monday-Friday | 5 ...

Material Handler

Donora, PA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Barchemy is looking for the right Warehouse Material Handler to take charge and achieve absolute perfect order. If you're that person who is driven to be accurate and thrives in a busy environment ...

Material Handler Job Details: Schedule: 9AM-6PM Monday-Friday or Sunday-Thursday 6AM-3PM or 9AM-6PM Pay Rate: $18.50/hour Material Handler Operate material handling equipment Prepare items for ...

Material Handler

Donora, PA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Barchemy is looking for the right Warehouse Material Handler to take charge and achieve absolute perfect order. If you're that person who is driven to be accurate and thrives in a busy environment ...

Material Handler

Donora, PA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Barchemy is looking for the right Warehouse Material Handler to take charge and achieve absolute perfect order. If you're that person who is driven to be accurate and thrives in a busy environment ...

Material Handler

Donora, PA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Barchemy is looking for the right Warehouse Material Handler to take charge and achieve absolute perfect order. If you're that person who is driven to be accurate and thrives in a busy environment ...

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Freight Handler information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do freight handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight handler in Pittsburgh, PA is $16.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.65 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.

What job categories do people searching Freight Handler jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freight Handler jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Freight Handler jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Freight Handler job openings:

Infographic showing various Freight Handler job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,852 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

2nd Shift Freight Handler

Imperial, PA • On-site


Gordon Food Service
Food and Beverage Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 210 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 366 rated logistics

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$19.60/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. See below for a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry. There's a seat at our table for you...
Job Description
Freight Handler
Distribution Center Address: 225 Solar Dr. Imperial, PA
Pay: Starting at $19.60/hour (includes a $1.00 2nd shift premium)
  • Plus, any performance incentives, bonuses, etc.

Work Schedule:
  • Sunday - Thursday work week, with Friday and Saturdays off
  • 2nd Shift - 6:30PM - until finish

Total Rewards at GFS
  • Affordable benefits plans start day one!
  • Weekly pay
  • Wellness reimbursement
  • Profit sharing & 401(k) with company match
  • Emergency child and elder care
  • 95% of leadership is hired from within GFS - start your career here!

Gordon Food Service takes pride in delivering seamless order processing and delivery to our customers, and our warehouse staff is the backbone of our success. As a freight handler, you'll support our team by safely removing pallets of product from the trailer and breaking down the product for the correct pallet configuration. You will also separate inbound freight by item code onto good pallets, ensure that damaged product is properly accounted for and not received into the warehouse for sale inventory, and account for the structural integrity of pallets. There's no experience required - we'll train you how to get the job done!
Does this look like you?
  • You must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be able to work holidays, weekends, and overtime as needed - holidays are very important to our customers!
  • We have frozen products - your ability to work in extreme cold or hot conditions (-25F to 100F) is required while you're here.
  • Must be able to read, write and communicate in English.
  • Successfully pass a drug test that will assess drug usage (including marijuana) and a background check.
  • Gordon Food Service encourages veterans and active military members to apply

BE PART OF AN AMAZING CULTURE WHERE WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, MATTERS TO US!
Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words "Accommodation Request" in your subject line.
All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.
Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug tests.

Gordon Food Service logo

About Gordon Food Service

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since our 1897 founding, Gordon Food Service has grown to become the largest family-managed broadline foodservice distribution company in North America. While we've been growing pretty much continuously over these 125 years, we've remained consistent at the core of what and who we are: passionately committed to customers and employees. Being part of Gordon Food Service means being part of something important, something bigger than oneself.We take care of you as if you were part of our family by providing benefits that give choice and flexibility for what matters most to you. We aim to deliver a competitive package that not only supports you but also your family. Full-time employees are provided benefit options to support work-life and your need to take care of yourself and those close to you, including paid time off, 401k with company match, profit sharing, tuition reimbursement for you and the whole family, and more!We feel the culture when we work together, and when we serve together. As a team, we tackle our challenges, celebrate our successes, and have fun on the journey. Be part of it.

Industry

Food and beverage wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wyoming, MI, US

Year founded

1897


What Gordon Food Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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