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Rail Car Loader Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

... or rail car. * Unload, receive, inspect, label and put away incoming materials. * Pull parts and ... Load flatbeds, vans and rail cars with outgoing finished goods. * Perform routine maintenance and ...

Production Operator

Clinton, TN

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Retrieves and loads materials from staging areas. * May operate extruders. * Perform packaging procedures. * Perform rail car and seatainer bulk loading procedures. * Perform 50 lb. bag loading ...

Production Operator

Clinton, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Retrieves and loads materials from staging areas. * May operate extruders. * Perform packaging procedures. * Perform rail car and seatainer bulk loading procedures. * Perform 50 lb. bag loading ...

Operate a front-end loader or tele-handler to assist in DDG or wet cake loading. * Effectively ... Knowledge of rail car loading, truck loading/unloading, grading grain to USDA specifications ...

Operate a front-end loader or tele-handler to assist in DDG or wet cake loading. * Effectively ... Knowledge of rail car loading, truck loading/unloading, grading grain to USDA specifications ...

Forklift Operator

Ashland City, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

... rail cars. * Operate and maintain terminal equipment such as conveyors, and door gun, barge loader spout, and hard car probe at all terminal facilities. * Ensure that cargo is properly secured and ...

... rail cars. * Operate and maintain terminal equipment such as conveyors, and door gun, barge loader spout, and hard car probe at all terminal facilities. * Ensure that cargo is properly secured and ...

Forklift Operator

Ashland City, TN

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

... rail cars. * Operate and maintain terminal equipment such as conveyors, and door gun, barge loader spout, and hard car probe at all terminal facilities. * Ensure that cargo is properly secured and ...

Forklift Operator

Ashland City, TN

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

... rail cars. * Operate and maintain terminal equipment such as conveyors, and door gun, barge loader spout, and hard car probe at all terminal facilities. * Ensure that cargo is properly secured and ...

Forklift Operator

Ashland City, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

... rail cars. * Operate and maintain terminal equipment such as conveyors, and door gun, barge loader spout, and hard car probe at all terminal facilities. * Ensure that cargo is properly secured and ...

Rail Car Loader information

See Tennessee salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do rail car loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail car loader in Tennessee is $17.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Rail Car Loader vs Material Handler?

AspectRail Car LoaderMaterial Handler
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, loading docks, industrial sitesWarehouses, construction sites, industrial facilities
Industry UsageRail transportation, freight companiesLogistics, manufacturing, shipping
Job FocusLoading/unloading rail cars, safety complianceHandling materials, moving goods

Rail Car Loaders and Material Handlers share similar certifications and safety requirements, often working in industrial environments. However, Rail Car Loaders specialize in loading and unloading rail cars within the rail transportation industry, while Material Handlers focus on moving and managing materials across various sectors. Both roles are essential for efficient logistics and freight operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail car loader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Car Loader, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with loading equipment, safety protocols, and material handling systems is typically required, and OSHA safety certification is often preferred. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help ensure efficient and safe operations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safety standards, minimizing errors, and meeting productivity goals in a demanding work environment.

What does a rail car loader do?

As a rail car loader, you load and unload a train shipment using material moving equipment. Shipments can be chemical or bulk solids, like coal and grain, or commercial products. Responsibilities include the inspection of shipping tanks or railcars before, during, and after loading, cleaning as needed. You ensure loading operations run smoothly by utilizing adjustable loading ramps, securing vehicles using chocks, and managing bridge plates at railcar junctions, all while keeping safety standards in mind. Other duties include maintaining a record of all loading activities and ensuring products meet quality standards. Coordination with the maintenance crew is also required to complete routine maintenance and repairs quickly.

What does a rail car loader do?

A Rail Car Loader is responsible for safely loading and unloading materials, such as bulk goods or liquids, into and out of rail cars. They ensure that cargo is evenly distributed, properly secured, and meets safety regulations to prevent accidents during transport. Rail Car Loaders also inspect equipment, operate loading machinery, and maintain accurate documentation of shipments. Their work is essential for efficient and safe freight transportation by rail.

What are some common challenges faced by rail car loaders, and how can they be addressed?

Rail Car Loaders often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, handling heavy or bulky materials, and ensuring precise loading to meet safety regulations. Staying attentive to safety protocols and using proper lifting techniques can help prevent injuries. Effective communication with team members and supervisors is also vital to coordinate loading schedules and resolve any issues quickly. Investing time in ongoing safety training and familiarizing oneself with equipment can make the job safer and more efficient.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Car Loader jobs in Tennessee?

For Rail Car Loader jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Car Loader jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Car Loader jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Rail Car Loader jobs in TN?

For Rail Car Loader jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rail Car Loader job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,981 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

$16 - $19.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Join Our Team at voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak!

Embarking on a rewarding career journey with voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak, North America's premier designer and manufacturer of special trackwork. With a legacy spanning 160 years, we lead the industry in shaping the future of rail solutions. As part of the voestalpine Railway Systems global network, we are committed to delivering quality products and services, including rails, turnouts, fastening systems, signaling technologies, and monitoring solutions. Operating with a presence across Canada, the US, and Mexico, we prioritize the well-being of our people, global mobility, and sustainability and innovation.

Our people are the foundation of our success. Skilled, motivated, and results-driven individuals shape our culture demonstrating our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Curiosity, Courage, Passion, and Diversity each day. This commitment is more than shared values; it extends to shared responsibilities for safety and quality, showing genuine care for one another's growth and development, a commitment to our customers, and fostering strong relationships within the Nortrak Team and with our customers.

Material Handler

We are looking for a Material Handler to join our team in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Purpose of Position: The Material Handler is responsible to load and unload material for inbound or outbound trucks. Move, log, organize and catalogue material. Pick material for production jobs.

Task and Responsibilities:

  • Handle materials including rail, castings, plates and other materials such as bolts and MRO items arrive via flatbed, van or rail car.
  • Unload, receive, inspect, label and put away incoming materials.
  • Pull parts and make "kits" for production areas.
  • Move materials throughout the shop and yard area as needed.
  • Use hand tools, shrink wrap, banding, crating and palletizing equipment to package parts for shipment.
  • Coordinate shipment of outgoing finished products.
  • Load flatbeds, vans and rail cars with outgoing finished goods.
  • Perform routine maintenance and cleanup of yard area.
  • Follow work orders, pick lists, bills of lading and other shipping documents. Calculate weight of parts and shipments.
  • Read and follow production schedule.
  • Safely operate forklift, John Deere (payloader) and Trackmobile (locomotive rail car mover).
  • Able to work with little supervision. Adhere to Nortrak's Safety, Quality and Environmental Procedures, Practices and Policies. Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

  • High School graduate or GED preferred
  • Forklift and Crane certification preferred
  • Ability to read work orders, pick lists, bills of lading, and shipping documents
  • Ability to utilize a tape measure down to at least a 1/16th
  • Basic mathematical calculation experience in adding and subtracting whole numbers, fractions and decimals

Physical Demands:

  • Frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and pushing, pulling, or lifting objects for the duration of your required schedule shift.
  • Use hands and arms to operate tools, handle materials, and reach for the duration of your required scheduled shift.
  • Regularly lift and carry 30–35 pounds; occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
  • Hearing abilities necessary to perform job tasks safely and effectively.

Working Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

Shift: 6:00am - 2:30pm

Benefits:

  • A supportive, family oriented Nortrak Blue culture
  • Health and Safety as our #1 priority
  • Career development opportunities and competitive pay progression
  • Competitive medical, dental & vision benefits
  • Company paid life and disability insurance
  • Paid holidays and vacation
  • Retirement plan with matching contributions
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Recognition Programs

If you think you have the necessary qualifications and drive to excel in our team, we invite you to apply now and join us at voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak.