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Rail Loading Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Non-CDL Driver

Granite City, IL ยท On-site

$60K/yr

Qualifications: (NO RAILROAD EXPERIENCE REQUIRED) * Have a valid Driver's License. * Pass a drug ... loading and unloading the equipment using hand signals. * Assist in the process of stacking and ...

Showing results 41-60

Rail Loading information

See Illinois salary details

$14

$18

$23

How much do rail loading jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail loading in Illinois is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Rail Loading vs Rail Car Unloader?

AspectRail LoadingRail Car Unloader
Primary RoleLoading goods or materials onto railcarsUnloading goods or materials from railcars
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, warehouses, rail yardsIndustrial sites, warehouses, rail yards
CertificationsForklift operation, safety trainingForklift operation, safety training
Industry UsageLogistics, manufacturing, transportationLogistics, manufacturing, transportation

Rail Loading and Rail Car Unloader roles are closely related, both involving handling goods in rail yard environments. Rail Loading focuses on preparing and loading materials onto railcars, while Rail Car Unloader involves removing materials from railcars. Both positions require similar certifications and work environments, making them often compared by job seekers in logistics and transportation industries.

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

To thrive as a Rail Loader, you need a solid understanding of freight handling, safety protocols, and basic mechanical knowledge, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with railcar loading systems, forklifts, and material handling equipment, as well as OSHA safety certifications, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for efficiently coordinating with others and ensuring safe operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to prevent accidents, maintain loading accuracy, and ensure the timely movement of goods in rail transport.

What are some common challenges faced in a rail loading position, and how can they be managed effectively?

Rail Loading professionals often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple teams to ensure accurate scheduling, handling hazardous materials safely, and working in varying weather conditions. Effective communication with supervisors, train operators, and maintenance crews is essential to prevent delays and safety incidents. Staying updated on safety protocols and utilizing proper personal protective equipment helps manage risks, while developing strong organizational skills can improve efficiency and accuracy in loading operations.

What is rail loading?

Rail loading refers to the process of loading goods, materials, or cargo onto railcars for transportation by train. This job involves ensuring that items are safely and efficiently placed onto railcars, securing the load, and sometimes operating specialized equipment like forklifts or cranes. Rail loading workers must follow safety regulations and guidelines to prevent accidents and damage to cargo. The position is often found in industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and shipping, where large quantities of goods need to be moved over long distances.
What job categories do people searching Rail Loading jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Loading jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Rail Loading jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Rail Loading job openings:
Infographic showing various Rail Loading job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,416 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Grain Elevator Operator - Barge Facility Tech

CGB Enterprises

Cahokia, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted just now


Job description

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! At CGB, you can contribute to meaningful work, grow professionally and personally, and belong in a place where everyone has a voice.

Founded in 1969, CGB Enterprises, Inc. is known as an innovative and progressive leader in the grain and transportation industries. Today, CGB operates an enterprise with over 100 locations and nearly 2,000 U.S. employees overseeing a diverse family of businesses that provide an array of services for producers and logistics services for an international base of customers. The combination of our assets provides a growing organization that is celebrating over 50 years of strength and stability!

Work on the river, build a career. CGB is hiring full-time Barge Facility Operators to support grain loading operations-hands-on work in the elements with great benefits and long-term stability.
This job is primarily responsible for working at a facility that loads and unloads barges and trucks. This is a general laborer position that performs a wide variety of duties that are based on the daily needs of the operation; may include cleaning and repair of barges.

In this job, you will:

Actual responsibilities will vary depending on daily needs and type of facility.

  • Fully participate in the company Safety Program and attends daily pre-shift meetings.
  • Perform all duties within compliance of OSHA, company safety, and environmental regulations (ISO where applicable); including wearing appropriate PPE for task being performed.
  • Perform deckhand responsibilities e.g., reading drafts, opening/closing lids, tying off barges, etc.
  • Perform all barge loading duties e.g., loading barges to meet draft and quality requirements and oversees deckhand(s). Note: Generally the duty of the most highly qualified person(s).
  • Perform duties to transfer, load and move grain to appropriate location, where applicable.
  • Perform duties required to maintain grain quality while being stored and/or transferred.
  • Complete documentation timely, accurately and legibly.
  • Perform general clean-up including sweeping, shoveling, washing, painting and other general housekeeping responsibilities.
  • Perform preventative maintenance and/or repairs, where applicable.
  • Dependent on facility and location, may be responsible for any variety of the following; unloading barges, cleaning barges, movement of product to storage, loading of trucks using heavy equipment, loading of rail, loading of products to required specifications; operating, running, monitoring, and shutting down dryer; operating a variety of heavy equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Here's what you'll need to be considered:

Education

Required - High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

Required - None.

Preferred - 1 years' experience working in an industrial environment with a dependable work record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Basic mathematical skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
  • Effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of people within and outside the organization.
  • Ability to complete documentation requirements.
  • Ability to follow directions and use logical thought process to interpret oral and written instructions, and troubleshoot problems.
  • Ability to work well both independently and within a team environment.
  • Ability to use tools appropriate for assigned task.
  • Ability to remain focused on exceptional customer service, both internally and externally.

Here's additional information you need to know:

Physical Demands & Requirements

The physical demands and requirements frequencies of this job may vary depending on the specific location and operational needs as well as other factors.

  • Ability to balance constantly/continuously.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, twist, crouch, crawl, kneel and squat (constantly/continuously) frequently.
  • Ability to (frequently) climb stairs and climb ladders (and work at) to significant heights.
  • Ability to concentrate on task without becoming distracted, constantly/continuously.
  • Ability to distinguish grade, color, odor and various damage characteristics in grain samples (at some facilities).
  • Ability to distinguish, with a degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in intensity or quality odors, or recognizing
  • particular odors, using nose.
  • Ability to enter information into a computer (observations, other computers).
  • Ability to grasp and reach frequently.
  • Ability to lift/push/pull 50 lbs. occasionally to continuously depending on daily needs of location.
  • Ability to meet requirement of and utilize all applicable PPE, when applicable.
  • Ability to meet requirements of PFT and fit testing, when applicable.
  • Ability to pass all required testing under FRA and DOT for this position (where applicable).
  • Ability to perform work in confined spaces.
  • Ability to safely walk on barge surface(s) with the ability to work around (deep/swift) water.
  • Ability to stand and walk constantly/continuously.
  • Ability to understand and communicate verbally, in person and over two-way radio (and recognize emergency alarms).
  • Ability to understand and communicate written instructions.
  • Ability to walk safely on top of railcars, open gates, operate vibrators etc., where applicable.
  • Ability to work extended hours, weekend, holidays and/or alternate shifts as needed.
  • Ability to work in an environment with high dust levels around grain and other bulk products (where applicable).
  • Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions.
  • Acutely aware of surroundings with ability to quickly adjust to a signal or change in environment.
  • Uses near, far and peripheral vision and depth perception for task(s) being performed; may need to be able to identify
  • problems with grain.

Uses near, far and peripheral vision and depth perception for task(s) being performed; may need to be able to identify problems with grain.

Required to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including shifts during non-standard business hours that may include evening, nighttime, weekends, holidays, and/or extended hours (Convent, LA location only).

Environmental Conditions

The work environment described here are meant to be representative of those an employee would normally encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Frequently required to use personal protective equipment.

Travel, 5%-20% travel may be required at some facilities. This may include off-site training and/or work at alternate locations.

The expected base pay range for this role is:

$18.00 - $24.00

Actual pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including work location, job-related knowledge, skills and relevant experience for the job. Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.


Are you ready to make a meaningful career move & an impact at CGB? Apply today!

Known in our industry for stability and high ethics, CGB Enterprises, Inc. offers a stellar benefits package including: an outstanding 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions, medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life, & disability benefits, flexible spending accounts, paid leave (holidays, vacation, sick), wellness programs, recognition programs, community involvement opportunities, and much more!

CGB Enterprises, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal links inEnglishorSpanishare listed here. Also, we are unable to legally hire anyone who is not eligible to work in the United States nor are we able to sponsor visas.


The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

All Third Party Agencies, Headhunters, and Recruiters

CGB Enterprises, Inc. and its Subsidiaries only forms contracts with recruiters with whom we have an established relationship and with whom we have in place a signed contract. All contact from third parties must go through our Human Resources Department. Any contact made outside of our Human Resources Department by a third party will cancel any future business relationships between the third party and CGB Enterprises, Inc. and its Subsidiaries.


This posting may use automated systems to help distribute listings to job seekers based on relevance (e.g., search terms, location, engagement). Hiring decisions are made by CGB personnel. Questions? Contact Recruiting@cgb.com