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Rail Loader Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Supply Chain Tech

Decatur, AL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

... rail cars o Load and offload trucks, containers, and rail cars in a safe, and timely manner o Operate, and maintain packaging system, bagging equipment, and rail cars by completing preventive ...

This role tracks inbound and outbound rail cars transporting raw materials and finished products, weighs empty and loaded rail cars as well as interplant scrap loads, and maintains accurate records ...

Load and offload trucks, containers, and rail cars in a safe, and timely manner * Operate, and maintain packaging system, bagging equipment, and rail cars by completing preventive maintenance on a ...

Showing results 21-40

Rail Loader information

See Alabama salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do rail loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail loader in Alabama is $17.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a rail loader do?

A Rail Loader is responsible for safely loading and unloading goods, materials, or vehicles onto and from trains. They ensure that cargo is properly secured, documented, and handled according to safety regulations. Rail Loaders often work with heavy machinery and follow strict procedures to prevent accidents or damage. Their role is vital for efficient rail transport operations and timely delivery of freight.

What is the difference between Rail Loader vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectRail LoaderSignal Maintainer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, possibly CDLHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in signal systems
Work EnvironmentRail yards, loading areas, outdoor settingsRail yards, control centers, outdoor and indoor environments
Industry UsageFrequent in freight and passenger rail industriesCommon in rail operations, focusing on safety and signaling systems

Rail Loaders primarily handle loading and unloading cargo on trains in rail yards, requiring safety training and sometimes a commercial driver's license. Signal Maintainers focus on maintaining and repairing signaling systems to ensure safe train operations, often needing technical certifications. Both roles are essential in rail industry operations but differ in daily tasks and skill requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by rail loaders, and how can they be managed on the job?

Rail Loaders often work in fast-paced environments where safety, efficiency, and communication are critical. Common challenges include working in varying weather conditions, managing heavy or bulky cargo, and coordinating with team members to ensure precise loading schedules. Staying alert to safety protocols, wearing proper protective equipment, and maintaining clear communication with supervisors and train operators help overcome these challenges. Regular training and teamwork also play important roles in ensuring smooth operations and minimizing risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail loader?

To thrive as a Rail Loader, you need a solid understanding of freight handling, safety regulations, and operating heavy machinery, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rail yard equipment, forklifts, and computerized inventory or tracking systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure smooth coordination and safe operations. These skills are crucial for maintaining efficiency, minimizing accidents, and ensuring timely and accurate railcar loading.
What are popular job titles related to Rail Loader jobs in Alabama? For Rail Loader jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Loader jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Loader jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Rail Loader jobs in AL? For Rail Loader jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Rail Loader job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,932 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

$15.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Progress Rail rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Purpose
Leads entire shift of manufacturing employees and/or department or production lines in machining and repair operations with responsibility for problem solving and escalation needed to meet customer order requirements. The Production Assistant will be responsible for both overseeing shift output of all machining centers and setting team priorities to meet production needs. Will serve as troubleshooter and problem solver to the employees for interpreting technical instructions, dealing with large degrees of variation with part and process consistency while delivering the highest levels of quality components.
Company Description
Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation-driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company's products are in operation across more than 100 countries-powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail-they are making history every day.
Education / Training
• Skill Level - 3+ years of machining experience and high-level performance, vocational training, proven experience in PRS manufacturing processes and/or technical certifications in welding/CNC/manual machining or a combination of listed experience and education.
Key Job Elements
• Oversee and provide supervisory support for the production employees using standard work documents, blueprints, safe job procedures, and other resources;
• Assist production supervisor in scheduling manufacturing cells, production lines, machining centers, etc.;
• Participate in and lead shift safety meeting and stretches;
• Transport very heavy loads with crane, power pusher, or electric pallet jack;
• Update team metrics and production goals, complete pass down for management;
• Review machine analytics and employee output to make necessary improvements and changes to improve efficiency;
• Update team metrics and production goals;
• Determine work cell priorities;
• Escalate issues to production supervisor as needed;
• Conduct product audits/inspections after production has completed their operations to see if the unit meets customer specifications;
• Detects and reports defective materials or questionable conditions or findings to management and QA;
• Additional duties as assigned. Interact and communicate in a professional manner with all supporting functions and personnel;
Advanced duties and responsibilities:
• Perform rework without standard work documents as needed;
• Participate in and lead continuous improvement initiatives and provide feedback in areas of quality, safety, velocity, and cost;
• May at times maintain and conduct preventive maintenance on machines. Check air pressures, oil levels and perform minimal maintenance to correct issues to assist operators;
• Must be able to lead a team in a production environment;
• Drive 5S adherence and complete 5S audits;
• Lead and participate in audits and/or safety investigations;
• Conduct Standard Work audits;
• Drive adherence to start -of-shift checklists for equipment and safety;
• Cross train and ensure that operator training is conducted in a timely fashion;
• Must be a self-starter and ability to demonstrate strong initiative. Capable of interpreting technical instructions, dealing with large degrees of variation with part and process consistency while delivering the highest levels of quality components;
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure accountability for all materials;
• Coordinate with the quality department on all items needing inspection, and support the process as required;
Preferred Skills:
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Drive implementation of continuous improvement activities;
• Demonstrates mastery understanding of end-to-end manufacturing processes;
• Ability to meet physical requirements such as lifting, bending, and standing for long periods;
• Document control processes and procedures;
• Collaborate and interact effectively with a variety of other team members;
• Problem-solving abilities; identifying process problems and non-conformances;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, such as Word and Excel;
• Experience using warehouse equipment such as forklifts, overhead cranes, etc.;
• Safety focused;
• Prefer candidates with previous experience working in a continuous improvement culture of Lean manufacturing and 5S;
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems, ISO 9001.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential and Physical Activities Functions:
• Climate controlled, indoor environment,
• Strength - Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs., and push and pull up to 35-50 lbs
• Motion - Constant walking, frequent and sustained bending, crouching, stopping, kneeing, squatting and overhead reaching and climbing ladders
• Vision/Hearing Requirements - Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and hear audible alarms
• Safety - Employee must abide by all safety protocols, health/medical screenings and utilize all required PPE. Included but not limited to metatarsal boots, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, aprons, ear protection, etc
Benefits
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**
  • Competitive Salary
  • 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
  • Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
  • Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
  • Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.

What Progress Rail employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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Progress Rail logo

About Progress Rail

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our team works hard to create lifelong customer relationships, supplying comprehensive rolling stock and infrastructure solutions for the global rail industry and setting the standard for excellence. We care about fostering the sustainable movement of goods and people for generations to come, and we know our customers care, too. Our strategic footprint ensures responsive, quality customer support all day, every day. We are one of the largest integrated diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signaling, rail welding and Kershaw® Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions.

Industry

Consumer goods and commercial equipment rental services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Albertville, AL, US

Year founded

1983