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Unloading Container Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$19.25 - $19.75/hr

... or containers. * Operates sit down forklifts, standup electric lifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, carts, to assist in loading, unloading, or moving materials and products. * Loads and unloads ...

New

Material Handler

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$19.25/hr

... or containers. * Operates sit down forklifts, standup electric lifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, carts, to assist in loading, unloading, or moving materials and products. * Loads and unloads ...

Stand- Up Forklift Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $17.75/hr

This position is responsible for receiving, loading and unloading 53' trailers, flatbeds and containers as well as preparing material for shipping. Requirements: * Unload material to warehouse dock

Forklift Operator

Richmond, VA

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Loading and Unloading: Load and unload goods from trucks, shipping containers, and other vehicles. * Inventory Management: Accurately track inventory, perform stock counts, and update records in the ...

Shift 2 Warehouse Associate

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Position Summary The Loader is responsible for efficiently and safely loading, unloading, and ... Load and unload trucks, trailers, or containers using manual methods or material-handling equipment.

This position is responsible for receiving, loading and unloading 53' trailers, flatbeds and containers as well as preparing material for shipping. See www.givens.com for additional information.

Forklift Operator

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Loading and Unloading: Load and unload goods from trucks, shipping containers, and other vehicles. * Inventory Management: Accurately track inventory, perform stock counts, and update records in the ...

Shift 1 Associate

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Position Summary The Loader is responsible for efficiently and safely loading, unloading, and ... Load and unload trucks, trailers, or containers using manual methods or material-handling equipment.

Shift 1 Associate

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Position Summary The Loader is responsible for efficiently and safely loading, unloading, and ... Load and unload trucks, trailers, or containers using manual methods or materialhandling equipment.

Shift 2 Warehouse Associate

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Position Summary The Loader is responsible for efficiently and safely loading, unloading, and ... Load and unload trucks, trailers, or containers using manual methods or materialhandling equipment.

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Unloading Container information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$16

$22

How much do unloading container jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for unloading container in Virginia is $16.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical work conditions for someone unloading containers, and how does the team coordinate tasks?

Unloading container roles often involve physically demanding tasks in warehouse or dockside settings, where workers may be exposed to varying temperatures and need to lift heavy items. Team members typically work in shifts, coordinating closely with supervisors and co-workers to safely and efficiently unload goods, sort items, and prepare shipments for inventory. Communication and teamwork are essential, as tasks are often divided based on the size and content of containers. Regular safety meetings and clearly structured workflows help ensure everyone’s well-being and efficiency on the job.

How much do you get paid working on a container ship?

Unloading container ship workers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. Salaries can also include benefits such as overtime pay and per diem allowances, with some positions offering monthly or annual wages for crew members on longer voyages.

Is it hard to get a job on a container ship?

Getting a job as an unloading container worker can be competitive and often requires physical strength, safety training, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA. Experience in manual labor and familiarity with port operations can improve chances, but entry-level positions are generally accessible with proper training and adherence to safety protocols.

What is a Unloading Container job?

An Unloading Container job involves manually or using equipment to unload goods from shipping containers, trucks, or other transport vehicles. Workers ensure items are handled safely, sorted correctly, and moved efficiently to the designated storage area. The role may require physical strength, attention to detail, and the ability to work in different weather conditions. It is commonly found in warehouses, distribution centers, and logistics companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Unloading Container position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unloading Container worker, you need physical strength, stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety protocols, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and RF scanners is common, and OSHA safety certifications may be required. Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication skills help individuals stand out in this position. These skills ensure efficient, safe unloading and organization of goods, which is crucial for smooth warehouse and logistics operations.

How much do you get paid to unload trucks?

Unloading containers is typically paid hourly, with wages ranging from $12 to $20 per hour depending on experience, location, and employer. Some positions may offer overtime pay or bonuses, and physical strength and safety training are often required for this physically demanding job.

Is UPS unloader a good job?

An unloading container job involves physically handling and moving goods, often requiring strength and attention to safety protocols. It can offer steady employment with opportunities for overtime, but it may also involve physically demanding work and shift schedules. Overall, it can be a suitable entry-level position for those seeking manual labor roles in logistics or warehousing.
What are popular job titles related to Unloading Container jobs in Virginia? For Unloading Container jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Unloading Container job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,231 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Material Handler

Handy Distribution

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$19.25 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

New


Job description

Description:


SUMMARY

Performs shipping, receiving, order picking, loads, unloads, and moves materials within warehouse, yard, or work site area by performing the following duties.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties may be assigned)

  • Follows oral, written, and visual instructions moving materials contained in cartons, boxes, bundles, skids or containers.
  • Operates sit down forklifts, standup electric lifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, carts, to assist in loading, unloading, or moving materials and products.
  • Loads and unloads materials onto or from pallets, carts, racks, and shelves by hand.
  • Performs receiving processes unloading inbound delivery trucks, checking shipment for damage, accurately verifying items, quantities, and stocking in proper assigned locations.
  • Performs order picking process pulling multiple line items by hand or proper lift, palletizing, shrink wrapping, loading, or staging orders in designated area.
  • Loads materials into trailers securing load using runners, boards, ratchet straps, chains, binders around items to secure cargo during transit.
  • Operates slid side curtain trailers.
  • Counts, weighs, and records number of units of materials moved or handled on daily production sheet when applicable.
  • Attaches identifying tags or bar code labels to materials or marks information on cases, cartons, boxes, bales, bundles, or other containers.
  • Observes all company safety practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Attends mandatory monthly safety meetings.
  • Palletizes materials on to pallets maintaining proper weight distribution and shrink wraps or bands material securely on pallet.
  • Frequently lifts heavy objects by hand and/or proper forklift when required.
  • Ensures products are safely handled in accordance to established policies and procedures.
  • Maintains a high standard of housekeeping duties keeping all product, materials, floors, aisles, stocking locations organized, clean and free of debris.
  • Controls and accounts for materials to minimize loss and damage.
  • All shipping, receiving, order picking and moving of material is performed using state of the art WMS radio frequency bar code scanning technology software and hardware.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None required.


EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); 6 months material handling experience preferred.


CERTIFICATION, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Forklift training.


SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Organizational skills.
  • Ability to read and analyze Information.
  • Adept at handling multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
  • Proficiency with prioritizing and meeting multiple deadlines.
  • Excellent time management.
  • Process improvement mindset.
  • Knowledge of inventory control.
  • Basic mathematical skills. Proficient understanding of units of measure.
  • Data entry skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency. Experience with WMS is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to use sense of smell.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes of airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The warehouse space is not climate controlled.


FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

Requirements: