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Loading Dock Associate Jobs in Kalamazoo, MI (NOW HIRING)

Loading Dock Associate information

See Kalamazoo, MI salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do loading dock associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for loading dock associate in Kalamazoo, MI is $16.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a loading dock associate?

To thrive as a Loading Dock Associate, you need strong physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse equipment like pallet jacks, forklifts, and inventory management systems is typically required, with some roles preferring OSHA forklift certification. Effective communication, reliability, and teamwork are key soft skills that help manage workflow and ensure safety. These skills are essential for maintaining efficient operations, preventing accidents, and ensuring accurate handling of goods in a fast-paced dock environment.

What is the difference between Loading Dock Associate vs Warehouse Worker?

AspectLoading Dock AssociateWarehouse Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, forklift certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent, may require forklift or equipment training
Work EnvironmentLoading docks, shipping and receiving areasWarehouse floors, storage areas, shipping zones
Job DutiesLoading/unloading trucks, inspecting shipments, using forkliftsPicking, packing, inventory management, general warehouse tasks

Loading Dock Associates primarily focus on loading and unloading shipments at docks, often requiring forklift operation and shipment inspection. Warehouse Workers have broader responsibilities within the warehouse, including inventory management and order fulfillment. Both roles are essential in logistics and share similar certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ slightly.

What is a loading dock associate?

Loading dock associates are workers responsible for handling the receipt, storage, and dispatch of goods at a loading dock. Their duties typically include unloading and loading trucks, checking shipments for accuracy, and ensuring that goods are safely and efficiently moved within a warehouse or distribution center. They may also operate equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks and are expected to follow safety protocols to prevent accidents. Attention to detail and physical stamina are important qualities in this role.

What are some common challenges a loading dock associate faces, and how can they be effectively managed?

Loading Dock Associates often encounter challenges such as handling time-sensitive shipments, ensuring the safe movement of heavy goods, and maintaining organization in a fast-paced environment. Effective communication with warehouse staff and truck drivers is crucial to prevent delays and reduce errors. Staying attentive to safety protocols and using proper lifting techniques helps minimize injuries and keep operations running smoothly. Proactively managing priorities and staying adaptable to sudden changes in delivery schedules are also key skills for success in this role.
What cities near Kalamazoo, MI are hiring for Loading Dock Associate jobs? Cities near Kalamazoo, MI with the most Loading Dock Associate job openings:

Regional Warehouse Manager (Grand Rapids, MI or Buffalo, NY)

INSPYR Solutions

Paw Paw, MI โ€ข On-site

$120K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Title: Regional Warehouse Manager
Location: Can be based in Paw Paw, MI (Grand Rapids area) or Dunkirk NY (Buffalo, NY area) with the ability to travel to Canada.
Duration: Permanent job
Compensation: $120,000-$125,000
Work Requirements: US Citizen, GC Holders or Authorized to Work in the US
Job Title: Regional Warehouse Manager
Job Description:
The Regional Warehouse Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and assisting Plant Warehouse Managers with efficient warehouse operations including labor utilization and space efficiency. This includes Project Delta initiatives, KPI data, pointing out trends and assisting with Process Improvement to improve those metrics. The Warehouse Operations Manager will also manage the Warehouse KPI Data Tracker and Scorecard, ensuring goals and expectations are met. The Warehouse Operations Manager will be responsible for administering Warehouse Gap Analysis audits in all warehouses ensuring Warehouse Standards are met and adhered to. This person will work directly with Plant Warehouse Managers to bridge any noted gaps and follow up as required. The Warehouse Operations Manager will also assist in the setup of 3pl warehouses, including training of warehouse associates This person will also play a key role in SAP and any other system implementation in plants. The Warehouse Operations Manager will work closely with the Director of Warehouse Operations on Pallet Handling requirements in all warehouses ensuring plant needs are met to ensure timely and efficient pallet movement. The Warehouse Operations Manager will also oversee the implementation of the Web based Dock Schedule including training and functionality of the tool Essential Functions:
Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the warehouse or production areas.
Responsible for adhering to food quality and food safety as per quality standards and/or Safe Quality Food requirements.
Schedule, communicate, and plan warehouse audits for all warehouses and ensure they are completed in a timely manner.
Document audit gaps and set follow up and completion dates.
Document and communicate audit scores on a quarterly basis.
Work with Warehouse Managers on development of missing but required Warehouse documents and share within the warehouse network.
Set the environment of the company by demonstrating our values, standards, and practices.
Identify methods and processes to improve labor, forklift, and space utilization.
Review Warehouse KPI data and trends and work with Warehouse Managers on reversing negative trends and acknowledging positive data.
Review data as supplied by iWarehouse and work with site warehouse managers to optimize forklift utilization and a balanced workflow.
Daily monitoring of the Web-Based Dock Schedule mailbox for carriers. Work with Warehouse Operations Analyst on carrier setup, warehouse dock schedules and carrier utilization of the dock schedule tool.
Train and support planned SAP and other system implementations
Develop and implement policies, procedures and SOPs to ensure consistent quality and operating efficiency.
Train 3pl warehouse providers in SAP warehouse operations. Work with Warehouse site Manager on the integration with 3pl providers including specified warehouse inventory relocation, shuttle operation and truck loading process to meet standards.
Manage Dunnage and Void filler budget and usage in required warehouses and specific freight lanes.
Leadership Responsibilities & Competencies
Leads and provides guidance pertaining to warehouse operations.
Provides training, direction and instruction.
Provides guidance and training on work standards and expected outcomes.
Provides guidance for planning and evaluating performance, staff training and development.
Competencies:
Leadership - Foster a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust, lead courageously on a day-to-day basis, and inspire growth with a clear and ambitious vision that guides the collective effort toward success.
Required Skills
Experience in Food/ Beverage Manufacturing preferred
Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP and Power Point
Proven Leadership experience in a Production environment
Proven understanding and experience with financial processes including budgeting.
Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to develop a team environment promoting internal growth.
Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
Initiative, the ability to work independently, strong customer service orientation, strong written and verbal skills and flexibility, vision and creativity.
High level of accountability, quality and innovation (strives for high performance, emphasizes problem prevention, develops ideas for improvement, document new processes, and ensures accuracy of information.
Ability to prioritize and multi-task in an organized, detailed manner, given limited time frames.
Education and Experience
Undergraduate degree in a related field is preferred
APICS designation an asset.
7+ years relevant work experience in warehouse logistics management
Working Conditions
Physical- Continuously standing or walking. Regular requirements to lift/handle/carry material or equipment of moderate weight.
Visual/Sensory- This position requires regular need to give moderate attention with one or two senses at a time.
Work environment- Work and environment are very repetitive.
Mental Stress- There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy or similar demands
About INSPYR Solutions
Technology is our focus and quality is our commitment. As a national expert in delivering flexible technology and talent solutions, we strategically align industry and technical expertise with our clients' business objectives and cultural needs. Our solutions are tailored to each client and include a wide variety of professional services, project, and talent solutions. By always striving for excellence and focusing on the human aspect of our business, we work seamlessly with our talent and clients to match the right solutions to the right opportunities. Learn more about us at inspyrsolutions.com.
INSPYR Solutions provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, INSPYR Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
Information collected and processed through your application with INSPYR Solutions (including any job applications you choose to submit) is subject to INSPYR Solutions' Privacy Policy and INSPYR Solutions' AI and Automated Employment Decision Tool Policy: https://www.inspyrsolutions.com/policies/ . By submitting an application, you are consenting to being contacted by INSPYR Solutions through phone, email, or text.
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