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Rail Loader Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Vorst Paving

Rail Laborer

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Unload and load equipment * Remove old spikes * Handle, position and attach rails and ties * Ballast maintenance * Cutting and drilling materials with different tools * Carry and set track materials ...

Vorst Paving

Rail Laborer

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Unload and load equipment * Remove old spikes * Handle, position and attach rails and ties * Ballast maintenance * Cutting and drilling materials with different tools * Carry and set track materials ...

Reliance Inc

Crane Operator 2

Nashville, TN · On-site

Retrieves material from storage to load onto processing equipment, trucks, or rail cars; Unloads inbound material from trucks and rail cars; Moves heavy materials for warehouseman and parts cleaners;

Voestalpine AG-Gr

Material Handler

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

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.

Remprex

Load Planner (Nights)

Memphis, TN · On-site

$23/hr

What You'll Do The Load Planner is responsible for organizing an outbound train plan that meets ... Modify existing train plans, adding rail cars as needed to meet shipping requirements * Assign ...

Remprex, LLC

Load Planner (Nights)

Memphis, TN · On-site

Manage outbound trains, ensuring that yard personnel load and release trains on schedule ... Modify existing train plans, adding rail cars as needed to meet shipping requirements * Assign ...

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Rail Loader information

See Tennessee salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do rail loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail 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 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 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 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 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 cities in Tennessee are hiring for Rail Loader jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Rail Loader job openings:

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

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

Rail Loader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Loader job openings in Tennessee as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,981 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Rail Laborer

Clarksville, TN • On-site

Vorst Paving
Personal Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Vorst Pavingexternal

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

VORST RAIL SERVICES
EMPLOYEE JOB DESCRIPTION
Laborer
Reports To: Crew Leader and Management Team
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
SUMMARY: A ground worker that will complete all tasks associated with constructing, altering repairing maintaining and demolishing railroad tracks and associated structures and components.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Be on time, everyday
  • Arrive at truck to leave ready to work, boots on with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Help maintain equipment including cleanliness
  • Unload and load equipment
  • Remove old spikes
  • Handle, position and attach rails and ties
  • Ballast maintenance
  • Cutting and drilling materials with different tools
  • Carry and set track materials with hand tools (rail forks, tie/rail tongs, lining bars, etc.)
  • Work alongside heavy equipment
  • Always maintain a safe work environment and work safely
  • Communicate with crew and foreman
  • Performs all other duties as assigned by Foreman or Management Team

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Education and Experience - High School Diploma, High School Equivalence Certificate, or experience to compensate. Two or more years of work experience in construction field is preferred.
  • Other Qualifications - Valid driver's license is required; Must be able to travel up to 100% of the time; Overnight stays may be Must be able to pass required tests, random screenings (drug and alcohol) and training including DOT physicals; must be able to pass all FRA regulations.

COMPETENCIES:
  • Work well in a team/crew environment
  • Quick learner
  • Mechanically inclined
  • Safety awareness

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to shovel, lift, use a sledge hammer and spike maul, run small equipment repeatedly throughout an 8-to-12-hour shift. Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly. Must be able to move large railroad material and components.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; hot temperatures from asphalt and being outdoors; moving construction and railroad equipment/trains; fumes from petroleum derived products. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
Due to jobsite hazards, employees are required to wear PPE. PPE required is as follows:
  • Hard Hat, Safety Vest, and Safety Glasses are provided by Vorst Rail Services
  • You are responsible for lace-up steel-toed boots at least 6 inches high, Short-sleeve t-shirt (long sleeves are acceptable but no cut-offs or tank tops), long pants that completely cover your legs, do not have excessive holes or rips, and are of a material to withstand heavy construction

During warmer months, the required personal protective equipment may cause the employee to be very warm while working, it is still required.
Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
  • 401k

Schedule:
  • 10 hour shift
  • 12 hour shift
  • 14 hour shift
  • Overtime

Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus pay

Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

License/Certification:
  • Driver's License (Required)

Willingness to travel:
  • 100% (Required)

Work Location: On the road

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