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Freight Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Forward Air

Freight Handler

Sterling, VA · On-site

$21.43/hr

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 ...

Forward Air

Freight Handler

Sterling, VA · On-site

$21.43/hr

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 ...

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Freight Dispatcher | Logistics & Transportation Coordinator

Lorton, VA · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Help Keep Freight Moving and Drivers Supported Successful transportation operations depend on strong communication, quick decision-making, and effective coordination. We're seeking a motivated ...

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Freight information

See Washington salary details

$16

$24

$58

How much do freight jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight in Washington is $24.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges freight specialists face, and how can they be managed on the job?

Freight specialists often encounter challenges such as tight delivery schedules, unexpected shipping delays, and complex customs regulations. Managing these issues requires strong organizational skills, proactive communication with carriers and clients, and a thorough understanding of logistics software. Building solid relationships with transportation providers and staying updated on industry regulations can also help mitigate disruptions and ensure timely, cost-effective shipments.

What are freight jobs?

Freight jobs refer to positions involved in the transportation and logistics of goods, including roles such as freight handlers, freight brokers, truck drivers, and logistics coordinators. These professionals are responsible for ensuring goods are safely and efficiently moved from one location to another, whether by truck, train, ship, or air. Freight jobs can include loading and unloading shipments, coordinating deliveries, managing shipping documentation, and tracking cargo. The field is essential to keeping supply chains running smoothly and is a vital part of global commerce.

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

To thrive as a Freight Specialist, you need strong organizational skills, knowledge of logistics and supply chain operations, and typically a high school diploma or relevant logistics certification. Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS), inventory tracking software, and international shipping regulations is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure timely and accurate shipments, cost-effective logistics solutions, and smooth coordination across teams and partners.

What is the difference between Freight vs Truck Driver?

AspectFreightTruck Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), freight handling certificationsCDL, driving experience
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, freight yards, transportation hubsOn the road, highways, delivery routes
Employer & Industry UsageLogistics companies, freight carriersTransport companies, freight carriers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Freight workers focus on handling, managing, and transporting goods within warehouses or freight yards, often involving loading and unloading. Truck drivers primarily operate vehicles to deliver freight over distances, driving on highways and roads. While both roles are integral to logistics and require similar certifications, their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Freight jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Freight jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Freight jobs in Washington? For Freight jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freight jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Freight jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Freight jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Freight job openings:
Freight jobs near you
Freight Handler

Freight Handler

Forward Air

Sterling, VA • On-site

$21.43/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

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: $21.43 per hour

Schedule: Monday- Friday 1pm-9pm, onsite

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, high‑value, 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 subject‑matter 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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