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Rail Car Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Transloader / Terminal Operator - Starting Pay $20/hour Road & Rail Services is hiring Rail Transloaders / Terminal Operators to safely transfer hazardous and non-hazardous materials between ...

Rail Transloader / Terminal Operator - Starting Pay $20/hour Road & Rail Services is hiring Rail Transloaders / Terminal Operators to safely transfer hazardous and non-hazardous materials between ...

Rail Loader - West Point VPC

West Point, GA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Summary The Rail Loaders are responsible for the loading and unloading of rail cars, preparing the ... Set-up rail car bridge plates between rail cars * Open/close rail car doors * Operate loading ramps

Car Loader/Unloader

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$20.92/hr

As a C ar Loader/Unloader , you play a vital role in the movement of vehicles within our terminal ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

As a Car Loader/Unloader, you play a vital role in the movement of vehicles within our terminal ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

As a Car Loader/Unloader, you play a vital role in the movement of vehicles within our terminal ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

As a Car Loader/Unloader, you play a vital role in the movement of vehicles within our terminal ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

As a Car Loader/Unloader, you play a vital role in the movement of vehicles within our terminal ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

As a Car Loader/Unloader, you play a vital role in the movement of vehicles within our terminal ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

As a Car Loader/Unloader, you play a vital role in the movement of vehicles within our terminal ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

As a Car Loader/Unloader, you play a vital role in the movement of vehicles within our terminal ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

As a Car Loader/Unloader, you play a vital role in the movement of vehicles within our terminal ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

Casual - Part-Time

Flint, MI · On-site

$15.25 - $17.75/hr

Drive vehicles to and from specified locations in the yard and on rail cars. * Make certain all vehicles are parked in proper locations and bayed correctly. * Understand and apply all AWCT, customer ...

Rail Yard Loader & Unloader

Detroit, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Loads, unloads and moves material within the plant yard, or work site, performing any combination ... Maintains logs, rail car unloading forms and terminal inspection checklist. * Change filters, clean ...

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Rail Car Loader information

See salary details

$15

$19

$24

How much do rail car loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail car loader in the United States is $19.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.19 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 cities are hiring for Rail Car Loader jobs? Cities with the most Rail Car Loader job openings:
What states have the most Rail Car Loader jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Car Loader jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Rail Car Loader jobs? For Rail Car Loader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Rail Loader/Unloader- Casual/Part time

Rail Loader/Unloader- Casual/Part time

Auto Warehousing Company

Sterling Heights, MI

$16.75 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

AWCT is family-owned and operated. Our vision: We are the premier provider of finished vehicle logistics in the United States. Our mission: We take pride in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality service for every customer vehicle. Our values: We respect each person's preferences and perspectives.

AWCT is looking to hire several Casual/Part Time Rail Loaders/Unloaders for our SHAP location in Sterling Heights, MI. You will be expected to work the full shift of 8-12 hours including weekend availability if selected to be a part of this casual board. This position is 100% outside in all weather, and it consists of climbing, bending, lifting and also driving new vehicles on and off the train cars for transport.

You must have a valid license, be able to pass a physical & drug test and have a positive demeanor. AWCT pays weekly!

Summary

This position is to prepare railcars for loading and offloading, disengaging vehicles from railcars, driving vehicles off railcars, and preparing railcars for transportation according to manufacturer manuals and American Association of Railroad standards.This is a general overview of the requirements of the position,not an all-inclusive list of activities. This job description is continuously evolving and may change without notice. Safely driving vehicles onto or off railcars wearing PPE, securing vehicles to railcars according to manufacturer and American Association of Railroad standards.

Essential Duties and Tasks

  • Drive vehicles to and from specified locations in the yard and on/off rail cars.
  • Make certain all vehicles are parked in proper locations and bayed correctly.
  • Understand and apply all AWCT, customer, AAR, safety, and quality standards/policies.
  • Follow all safety guidelines to guarantee the job is done in a safe manner.
  • Identify vehicles and insert documentation or scan VINs as required.
  • Inform Managers of any issues that could affect production, safety, or quality standards.
  • Log/scan processed work into computer programs or tracking systems as required.
  • Read and match VIN numbers (including VIN plate) quickly and accurately to ensure movement of proper vehicles.
  • Read, compare, and understand work orders, repair orders, purchase orders, purge sheets, and other documents to complete work.
  • Visually verify and inspect vehicles for damage prior to breaking chocks off any vehicle before starting to unload; notify supervisor of the damage immediately.
  • Report missed bayed unit to supervisor or manager immediately.
  • Open or close railcar doors.
  • Raise and lower railcar decks.
  • Lift, set and pin bridge plates and uninstall bridge plates as required.
  • Responsible for junction spacing to ARR standards using proper equipment.
  • Secure/unsecure customer vehicles to railcars using approved chocks and tie-downs as required; store any additional chocks and tie-downs left on the deck(s).
  • Operate and set buck ramps and stationery loading/unloading ramps.
  • Keep work areas, vans, appropriate work attire, etc. clean and neat
  • Notify supervision of any workplace hazards or unsafe conditions immediately upon discovery.
  • Attend monthly safety meetings.
  • Report accidents and injuries immediately and follow up with the completion of the appropriate forms.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

  • Ability to adhere to strict production, safety, and quality standards without variance
  • Ability to climb ladders and work at a height approximately 15-20 feet above the ground
  • Ability to lift 55 pounds overhead frequently
  • Ability to push, pull or carry up to 75 pounds
  • Ability to work outdoors, 100% of the time, in all weather conditions (often extreme) for extended periods
  • Ability to stand, walk and work in confined spaces for extended periods of time for up to a 10–12-hour shift (sometimes split shift).
  • Ability to get in and out of vehicle driver's door with minimal door opening clearance
  • Ability to use company-provided technological equipment to assist in job duties
  • Ability to function effectively under pressure as crews work together on production standards to complete work safely and timely without incident
  • Ability to verbally communicate with others effectively; work as a team with good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to judge distances
  • Must have the ability to maintain a good sense of balance
  • Ability to climb up and down railcar ladders at a 90-degree angle multiple times per shift while maintaining 3 points of contact for safety.
  • Ability to pass Driver's Safety Test, Rail Safety Test and Buck Ramp quiz with 80% or higher
  • Ability to read and match numbers quickly and accurately
  • Ability to differentiate between colors for vehicle identification
  • Ability to read and understand location cards and work orders
  • Ability to read, understand and interpret SDS manuals
  • Ability to write, read, and comprehend basic English
  • Ability to drive standard and automatic automobiles
  • Ability to follow directions, both written and verbal
  • Knowledge of the use of hand tools (i.e., wrenches, screw drivers, ratchets, etc.)
  • Must have a valid driver's license; good driving record with the ability to maintain the same
  • Must pass AWCT pre-placement background clearances including pre-employment drug screening, HPE/POET physical demand testing
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain e-RAILSAFE/e-Verifile clearances as required by the AWCT customer
  • High School Diploma and/or GED
  • Regular attendance in all weather conditions
  • Good visual and auditory ability
  • Maintain positive behaviors and conduct in the workplace while acting and communicating with others, customers, vendors, co-workers, and management.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AWCTis an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected class with respect to employment opportunities.