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Straddle Carrier Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forklift Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage ... straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.

Forklift Operator Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. Americold is an ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Baytown, TX

$15.25 - $17.75/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. Americold is an ...

The Area Manager of Logistics will manage, plan, organize, and control the operating personnel ... straddle carriers while adhering to capital and expense plans. The Area Manager of Logistics will ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Baytown, TX

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. Americold is an ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Dunkirk, NY · On-site

$21.50 - $22.50/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. The Company's good ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. Americold is an ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Dunkirk, NY · On-site

$21.50 - $22.50/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. The Company's good ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Baytown, TX

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. Americold is an ...

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. The Company's good ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Dunkirk, NY · On-site

$21.50 - $22.50/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. The Company's good ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Baytown, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $17.75/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. Americold is an ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Baytown, TX

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. Americold is an ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. Americold is an ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Baytown, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. Americold is an ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Dunkirk, NY · On-site

$21.50 - $22.50/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. The Company's good ...

Forklift Operator Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Equipment to include (but not limited to) stand up forklift, stand up straddle truck, walk behinds ... Lifting and carrying product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance. Americold is an ...

Materials Handler

Dona Ana, NM · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

... e. straddle carriers) * Maintains accurate paperwork for record keeping purposes * Maintains ... Certified Forklift Operator 8K- 55K telescoping lifts (Lull) and skid-steers to lift, move, or ...

Showing results 41-60

Straddle Carrier Operator information

See salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do straddle carrier operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for straddle carrier operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do straddle carrier operators face and how can they be managed?

Straddle Carrier Operators often encounter challenges such as maneuvering heavy machinery in tight or congested terminal spaces, adapting to varying weather conditions, and maintaining a high level of safety amid fast-paced operations. Effective communication with ground staff and other operators is critical to avoid accidents and ensure smooth workflow. Regular training and adherence to safety protocols help operators manage stress and minimize the risk of errors, while teamwork and clear radio communication play a key role in overcoming daily operational hurdles.

What is a straddle carrier operator?

Straddle Carrier Operators are skilled professionals who operate large, specialized vehicles known as straddle carriers in ports, shipping yards, and container terminals. Their main responsibility is to lift, transport, and stack shipping containers efficiently and safely within the facility. Operators ensure containers are placed accurately for loading onto ships, trucks, or trains, and must follow strict safety and operational procedures. This role requires attention to detail, spatial awareness, and the ability to operate heavy machinery in busy environments.

What is the difference between Straddle Carrier Operator vs Container Crane Operator?

AspectStraddle Carrier OperatorContainer Crane Operator
CredentialsCertification in equipment operation, safety trainingCrane operation license, safety certification
Work EnvironmentPort yards, container terminals, outdoorDockside, crane cab, outdoor
Industry UsageContainer handling, logisticsLoading/unloading ships, port operations
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both roles involve operating heavy equipment in port environments, requiring safety certifications. The main difference is that Straddle Carrier Operators handle ground-based vehicles that move containers within yards, while Container Crane Operators operate cranes to load and unload ships. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right role in port logistics and container handling industries.

How much do straddle carrier operators make?

Straddle carrier operators typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Many operators require certification and experience operating heavy machinery in port or warehouse environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a straddle carrier operator?

To thrive as a Straddle Carrier Operator, you need a valid heavy machinery license, strong spatial awareness, and experience in cargo or port operations. Familiarity with terminal operating systems, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to remain focused under pressure are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe and efficient movement of containers, minimize workplace accidents, and support smooth terminal operations.
More about Straddle Carrier Operator jobs
What states have the most Straddle Carrier Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Straddle Carrier Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Straddle Carrier Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,306 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

$16.25 - $19/hr

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Americold Logistics rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 117 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 360 rated logistics


Job description


Primary Responsibility:
Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.
What You'll Do:
• Efficiently and safely load and unload freight using proper equipment to move products to storage throughout facility.
• Effectively stack and store merchandise, pick and assemble orders for shipment, check freight for accuracy, damage, and infestation, while labeling, sorting, wrapping, packing, and repacking as directed by management.
• In compliance with OSHA standards, operate equipment (sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, single/double pallet jacks and RF scanners) in a manner that promotes safety.
• Must be able to meet production standards while maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
• Perform other duties such as inventory, cleaning, or forklift battery changes and may be required to perform other duties outside of normal responsibilities as needed.
What Experience and Education You Need:
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• Three (3) months of related work experience preferred.
What Could Set You Apart:
• An ability to work independently.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, or weekends to complete work or to attend meetings as assigned, and the ability to adhere to attendance policies by showing up to assigned shift on time.
• Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to details and meet deadlines.
Physical Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions for this position and meet the physical requirements needed to perform them, including but not limited to frequently requiring the ability to drive a forklift, sit, hear, or talk, use close vision, use hands to grasp, handle or feel objects, and type and manipulate controls. Employees are occasionally required to use distance vision, stand, kneel, or crouch. Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. While performing the essential functions of this job, the associate:
• Must be able to work in spaces with 55 inches of headroom.
• Must be able to tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures varying from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as outside ambient temperatures (including heat, cold and precipitation).
• Must tolerate heights up to 30 ft. and be able to access elevated products from inside safety cage.
• May stand to rebuild pallets with products. Requires tolerance of standing posture up to 5 hours, over an 8-10-12 hour shift. Occasionally required to walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must be able lift boxes of varying weights from 10 lbs. up to 55 lbs. from ground level to 80 inches in height and up 70 lbs. to 50 inches in height rebuilding pallets without assistance. Must be able to lift and carry product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance.
• Wear clothing, boots, headgear, and gloves that protect against the cold.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to maintain reasonably regular and punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards/requirements.
Americold is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
EOE/AA M/F/D/V.

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