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Rail Car Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Load Unloader - Chicago NS - Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $21.75/hr

AWCT is hiring Rail Loader Unloader at our Chicago NS location in Chicago, IL. We pay weekly, have an amazing benefits program and a family atmosphere. If you are interested and qualified, please ...

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

Rail Loader/Unloader - JNAP

Detroit, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

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 ...

Distribution Center Rail Loader

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Responsible for full Rail Car preparation (pre-load) This includes but not limited to:  Opening car doors, cleaning out car, setting up car for loading. * Responsible for Rail Car Dunnage ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Rail Car Loader information

See salary details

$15

$19

$24

How much do rail car loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 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 is the highest paid railroad job?

The highest paid railroad jobs are typically executive and management positions, such as railroad presidents, chief operating officers, and senior engineers, which can earn six-figure salaries. Skilled roles like locomotive engineers and signal managers also tend to have higher pay, especially with experience and specialized certifications. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and company size.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as high-level consultants, surgeons, or executive positions in finance and technology. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, or significant experience, and may involve long hours or high-pressure environments.

How much does a rail car mover make?

A rail car loader typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires physical labor and knowledge of safety procedures, with some positions offering overtime or shift differentials.

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 is a rail loader job?

A rail loader is responsible for loading and unloading freight, such as cars or containers, onto and off trains at rail yards or terminals. The job often requires operating heavy equipment like forklifts or conveyor systems and adhering to safety protocols. It typically involves working in outdoor environments with physical labor and may require safety certifications.

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:
Infographic showing various Rail Car Loader job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Full Time, 83% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,644 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Rail Load Unloader - Chicago NS - Chicago, IL

AWCT

Chicago, IL • On-site

$18.50 - $21.75/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Drive vehicles onto rail cars.

  • Secure vehicles on rail cars using chocks or chains.

  • Inspect vehicles for damage and report damage to lead, supervisor, or manager.


Job description

AWCT is hiring Rail Loader Unloader at our Chicago NS location in Chicago, IL. We pay weekly, have an amazing benefits program and a family atmosphere. If you are interested and qualified, please apply quickly for fast consideration!
Competitive Pay starting at 32.31 per hour with pay increases based on the collective bargaining agreement.
This position is eligible for a generous benefits package supporting both physical and mental well-being. Benefits include health insurance for associates, spouses, and children, basic life and AD and D insurance, disability insurance and pension contributions. Associates have paid holidays, personal, vacation and sick days, and bereavement leave.
Summary
This position prepares railcars for loading, drives vehicles onto proper railcars, secures vehicles to railcars according to manufacturer and American Association of Railroad (AAR) standards, and prepares railcars for transportation at the Chicago NS facility.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Drive vehicles onto rail cars
  • Secure vehicles on rail cars using chocks or chains
  • Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned
  • Inspect vehicles for damage
  • Report damage to lead, supervisor, or manager
  • Train new employees and temporary workers
  • Maintain a positive behavior and conduct in the workplace while acting and communicating with other customers, vendors, co-workers, and management
  • Able to react to change productively
  • Any duties as assigned
  • Good and regular attendance
  • Ability to work in a variety of situations
Minimum Requirements
  • Must be able to read, write and communicate in English
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Must have and maintain a valid State Driver's license
  • Must have a good sense of balance and have the ability to maintain 3 points of contact
  • Ability to drive both automatic and manual transmission vehicles
  • Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in extreme weather conditions
  • Ability to pass the AWCT Safe Driving and Rail Safety tests with a 80% or higher accuracy
  • Must be able to work in tight spaces when loading vehicles
  • Must be able to work at heights approximately 15 feet above the ground
Preferred Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Must have and maintain a valid State Driver's license
  • Maintain a good driving record
  • Ability to drive both manual automatic transmission vehicles
  • Ability to work at a height approximately 15 feet above the ground
  • Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors in all weather conditions

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
AWCT is 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.