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Rail Unloader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Terminal Auto Unloader

Newark, NJ · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Applicants for the Railroad Auto Unloader position must meet the general requirements for employment with the company, according to the Company hiring process which includes: * Possess a valid Driver ...

Join Road & Rail Services as a Vehicle Unloader! Get Ready to Drive New Cars Every Day! Are you looking for a career that lets you work outdoors, stay active, and drive new cars daily? Road & Rail ...

Vehicle Unloader

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Join Road & Rail Services as a Vehicle Unloader! Get Ready to Drive New Cars Every Day! Are you looking for a career that lets you work outdoors, stay active, and drive new cars daily? Road & Rail ...

Vehicle Unloader

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Join Road & Rail Services as a Vehicle Unloader! Get Ready to Drive New Cars Every Day! Are you looking for a career that lets you work outdoors, stay active, and drive new cars daily? Road & Rail ...

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Rail Unloader information

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$10

$15

$19

How much do rail unloader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail unloader in the United States is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a rail unloader do?

A Rail Unloader is responsible for unloading goods and materials from railcars at rail yards or distribution centers. They use specialized equipment such as forklifts, cranes, or conveyors to safely and efficiently remove cargo from trains. Rail Unloaders must follow safety protocols, inspect shipments for damage, and sometimes assist with documentation or inventory. Their work is essential to keeping supply chains moving and ensuring goods reach their final destinations. Physical stamina, attention to detail, and teamwork are important skills in this role.

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

To thrive as a Rail Unloader, you need physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and experience in logistics or freight handling, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with material handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and sometimes computerized inventory systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and reliability help individuals excel in coordinating with crew members and adapting to changing workloads. These skills ensure safe, efficient unloading operations and minimize delays or accidents in rail transportation environments.

What are some of the typical safety protocols rail unloaders need to follow during their shifts?

Rail Unloaders are responsible for adhering to strict safety protocols to ensure their well-being and the safe handling of cargo. This includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as steel-toed boots, gloves, and high-visibility clothing, as well as following lockout/tagout procedures before working on railcars. They must also stay alert to moving equipment and communicate clearly with team members and train operators to coordinate unloading activities safely. Regular safety training and adherence to company guidelines are crucial to minimize accidents and keep operations running smoothly.

What is the difference between Rail Unloader vs Dock Worker?

AspectRail UnloaderDock Worker
CredentialsMay require OSHA safety training, forklift certificationLikewise, OSHA safety training, forklift or crane operation certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, freight terminals, industrial sitesPorts, shipping docks, warehouses
Industry UsageFreight rail industry, logisticsMaritime, shipping, logistics

Both Rail Unloaders and Dock Workers operate in logistics and freight handling environments, often requiring safety certifications and operating similar equipment. The main difference lies in their work settings: Rail Unloaders focus on unloading trains in rail yards, while Dock Workers handle cargo at ports and shipping docks. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the logistics industry.

More about Rail Unloader jobs

What cities are hiring for Rail Unloader jobs?

Cities with the most Rail Unloader job openings:

What states have the most Rail Unloader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rail Unloader jobs include:

Infographic showing various Rail Unloader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,139 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Vehicle Unloader - Railroad Industry

Road & Rail Services

Houston, TX • On-site

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Road & Rail Services rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Vehicle Unloader

Road & Rail Services
Starting Pay: $16.50 per hour
Job Type: Full-time

Drive New Vehicles and Build a Career

Road & Rail Services is hiring dependable Vehicle Unloaders to help move new automobiles safely from railcars to designated parking areas. This is an active, outdoor position for someone who enjoys driving, working as part of a team, and staying physically active throughout the workday.

No two shifts are exactly alike. You will work around new vehicles and railroad equipment while following established routes, safety requirements, and customer procedures. If you have a valid driver's license, a strong work ethic, and an interest in growing with an established company, we encourage you to apply.

What You Will Do

Safely drive new vehicles out of railcars

Transport vehicles from the unloading area to assigned parking locations

Follow designated driving routes and posted speed limits

Inspect vehicles for visible damage before and after moving them

Maintain appropriate spacing between vehicles

Enter and exit different types of passenger vehicles throughout the shift

Climb railcar ladders and work at elevated heights when necessary

Follow all company, customer, and site safety procedures

Wear required personal protective equipment

Communicate vehicle damage, equipment concerns, and unsafe conditions

Work cooperatively with supervisors and other members of the unloading team

Assist with additional vehicle-handling duties as assigned

What You Will Need

A valid driver's license

Ability to safely operate passenger vehicles

Ability to climb ladders and work at heights of up to 16 feet

Willingness to work outdoors in changing weather conditions

Dependable attendance and punctuality

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

Strong attention to safety and vehicle quality

A positive attitude and desire to succeed

Ability to walk, stand, bend, climb, and repeatedly enter and exit vehicles during the shift

Previous rail or vehicle-handling experience is helpful but not required. Training will be provided to qualified candidates.

Benefits

Road & Rail Services offers eligible employees:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

401(k) retirement benefits with company matching

Paid holidays and vacation

Annual shoe and boot allowance

Company-provided personal protective equipment

Opportunities for advancement

A veteran-friendly workplace

A promote-from-within culture

About Road & Rail Services

Established in 1987, Road & Rail Services has developed into a leading North American provider of rail-related services. Our skilled employees support plant and terminal operations, vehicle handling, rail asset maintenance, and other essential services for railroads, shippers, manufacturers, and owners of rail equipment and facilities.

Join a company where safe work, dependability, and personal growth are valued. Apply today to be considered for the Vehicle Unloader position.

Road & Rail Services is an equal opportunity employer.


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