Weekend Warehouse Loading Unloading Jobs in Gainesville, GA

Lead Truck Loader / Yard Jockey — 3rd Shift

Department: Warehouse / Shipping & Receiving Reports To: Warehouse Manager / Distribution Manager Shift: 3rd shift — Sunday through Thursday, 8:30 PM – 6:30 AM (10-hour shifts)

Position Summary

The Lead Truck Loader / Yard Jockey is a working lead role responsible for safely loading and unloading freight, spotting and staging trailers at dock doors, and directing the activities of the 3rd shift loading crew. This position keeps the overnight outbound operation on schedule by managing trailer flow in the yard, verifying load accuracy, and holding the crew to safety and productivity standards. A valid Class A CDL is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Yard and Trailer Movement

• Operate a yard tractor (spotter/hostler) and/or road tractor to move, spot, and stage trailers between the yard, dock doors, and drop lots.
• Pull loaded trailers from dock doors and replace them with empties to maintain continuous loading flow.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on yard equipment and tractors; complete Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) and report defects immediately.
• Verify trailer numbers, seals, and door assignments against the shipping schedule; apply and document seals on outbound loads.
• Maintain an organized yard — stage trailers by carrier, appointment time, or priority; keep travel lanes clear.
• Connect and disconnect air lines, landing gear, and glad hands; chock wheels and set dock locks/restraints before loading begins.
• Conduct yard checks and trailer inventory counts each shift and report discrepancies.

Loading and Freight Handling

• Load and unload trailers using a sit-down forklift, electric pallet jack, and/or by hand.
• Build, wrap, and label pallets; block and brace freight to prevent shifting in transit.
• Load to weight distribution and axle-weight requirements; ensure loads are legal, balanced, and secured.
• Scan and verify freight against bills of lading, pick tickets, or manifests; confirm piece counts and note damages or shortages.
• Complete shipping paperwork and system transactions accurately in [WMS name].

Supervision and Crew Leadership

• Direct the work of three 3rd shift loaders: assign doors, set priorities, and adjust labor as volume shifts through the night.
• Conduct a start-of-shift huddle covering volume, priorities, safety topics, and equipment status.
• Monitor loading progress against departure times; escalate delays to the Warehouse Manager and adjust the plan to protect on-time dispatch.
• Train new and existing loaders on loading standards, equipment operation, scanning procedures, and safety rules.
• Enforce safety policies and PPE requirements; stop unsafe work immediately and coach in the moment.
• Document and report attendance, performance concerns, injuries, near-misses, and equipment damage to the Warehouse Manager.
• Provide input on performance reviews, coaching, and scheduling.
• Complete end-of-shift handoff report for the 1st shift team: loads completed, loads pending, equipment issues, open problems.

Housekeeping and Compliance

• Keep dock area, trailers, and yard clean and free of debris, pallets, and shrink wrap.
• Follow all DOT/FMCSA, OSHA, and company safety requirements applicable to the role.
• Participate in safety meetings, audits, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License — required, no exceptions — held for a minimum of 1 year, with a clean driving record (MVR reviewed).
• Minimum 5 years of warehouse loading/dock experience.
• 2+ year in a lead, trainer, or supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated experience operating a yard tractor/spotter and backing trailers into tight dock doors.
• Current or ability to obtain forklift certification within [30] days of hire.
• Ability to read and interpret bills of lading, load plans, and shipping documents.
• Basic computer/scanner literacy; comfortable with warehouse management systems.
• Ability to work overnight hours consistently, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as volume requires.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check; subject to DOT random testing pool.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in logistics environment.
• Forklift, dock safety

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Frequently lift, push, and pull up to 50lbs; occasionally up to 100 lbs with assistance.
• Stand, walk, bend, twist, climb, and reach for the majority of a 10-hour shift.
• Climb in and out of tractor cabs and trailers repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Work in non-climate-controlled dock and trailer environments
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions during yard moves.
• Exposure to noise, dust, moving equipment, and forklift/vehicle traffic.
• Required PPE: steel/composite-toe boots, high-visibility vest, safety glasses, gloves.