1

Rail Loading Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Transload Operator

Hammond, IN

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Railcar Loaders are responsible for providing safe and efficient rail car loading and unloading services to the customer. If you enjoy working outdoors, physical activity, problem solving, and a ...

Driver

Riverdale, IL · On-site

$18.10/hr

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

Responsible for loading, unloading and safe transportation of equipment and/or materials to/from ... railroad cars, load adjust/transfer activities and track maintenance/repair/new builds. Ensures ...

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

Van Driver

Joliet, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $20/hr

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

Van Driver

Gary, IN · On-site

$18.10 - $20/hr

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

Van Driver

Schiller Park, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $20/hr

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

Van Driver

Aurora, IL · On-site

$18.10 - $20/hr

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

Driver

Calumet City, IL · On-site

$17.92 - $19.81/hr

... railways. Job Highlights: * Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities * No high school, GED, or resume required * No CDL necessary * No high-pressure delivery quotas, loading/unloading packages, or ...

Showing results 21-40

Rail Loading information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$19

$25

How much do rail loading jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail loading in Chicago, IL is $19.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $20.82 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 are popular job titles related to Rail Loading jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Rail Loading jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Loading jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Loading jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Rail Loading jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Rail Loading job openings:

Infographic showing various Rail Loading job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,839 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Railcar Loaders are responsible for providing safe and efficient rail car loading and unloading services to the customer. If you enjoy working outdoors, physical activity, problem solving, and a company that promotes a strong safety culture, this opportunity is for you!

Cando provides specialized rail operating services. We provide a wide range of rail services including short line operations, industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, and more. If you enjoy working as part of a team, problem solving, and a company that promotes a strong safety culture, this opportunity is for you!

Cando Advantages

  • Work Life Balance
  • Cando’s Technical and Leadership Training Programs
  • Award Winning Safety Culture
  • Group Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurances
  • Health & Dental Benefits including voluntary options
  • Expanding in the US and we welcome you to come grow with us!

Job Description

Railcar Loaders are responsible for providing safe and efficient rail car loading and unloading services to the customer. Working in a safety and environmentally sensitive, customer service driven environment, incumbents must work well in teams to maximize efficiency and safety and deliver to the customer’s schedule.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Ensures for the safe operation of the transloading equipment including applying rules, special instructions, and transloading procedures
  • Makes all connections for each product transfer
  • Performing daily inspection and testing of equipment and safety devices
  • Reports all safety and equipment problems
  • Complies with all applicable operating rules, switching procedures and regulations imposed by government, the customer, and/or Cando; practicing and promoting safe work habits
  • Completing daily reports, daily logs, and other reports deemed necessary
  • Provides support to the switching teams as required
  • Actively participating with the team and providing excellent customer service while promoting a superior company image
  • Participates in training or company initiatives as required

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

  • Strong teamwork skills
  • Ability to read and write general documentation including safety briefings, policy and procedure manuals
  • Physically fit including the ability to pull self-up and down from a railcar or ladder, ability to lift and twist hoses, ability to secure rail car brakes, comfort working from heights and utilizing fall protection, and ability to operate derails and switches.
  • Must be physically fit and able to walk up to 2 miles per day and must be willing and able to carry/lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Knowledge of technology and computer systems with a willingness to use Excel and Outlook on a daily basis
  • Hold all industrial switching regulatory and customer requirements and standards relating to operations at the site including but not limited to safety critical medical requirements, customer safety certifications, and CROR certification
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Must be available to work a schedule of M-F from 6am-4pm, with flexibility to work occasional weekends/after hours.

Education & Experience

  • HS diploma or GED.
  • Basic math and computer skills.
  • Experience handling dangerous goods and working with various types of products in an industrial environment is an asset.

Note: This description is not intended to limit the assignment of work or be construed as a complete list of the many duties to be performed by the incumbent. The qualifications are provided so interested candidates understand of the level of expertise required in this position