Job Description

Position: Material Handler

The Material Handler is responsible for executing day-to-day warehouse tasks to support safe, efficient, and accurate inbound, outbound, inventory, and fulfillment activities. This role works as part of the Contract Logistics warehouse team to ensure product is received, stored, handled, and shipped in accordance with operational standards. The Material Handler plays a key role in maintaining productivity, quality, and safety while supporting overall customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Perform daily warehouse activities including receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing, and shipping.
• Load and unload freight safely and efficiently, ensuring accuracy of shipments and documentation.
• Accurately pick and stage orders to meet customer requirements and service levels.
• Operate warehouse equipment (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks) in a safe and compliant manner, as required.
• Ensure materials are properly labeled, handled, and stored according to company standards.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through proper scanning, counting, and system updates.
• Assist with cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory reconciliation activities.
• Identify and report discrepancies, damages, or operational issues to leadership.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Comply with all safety, environmental, and operational policies and procedures.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying process improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet daily productivity and quality goals.
• Respond to changing priorities and workload demands as needed.
• All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)/equivalent required.
• 1+ year of warehouse, distribution, or material handling experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced operational environment with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Basic understanding of warehouse processes including receiving, picking, packing, and shipping.
• Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or RF scanning devices preferred.
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and as part of a team.
• Strong commitment to safety and adherence to safe work practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
• Equipment: Ability to safely operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks (with company-assisted certification/training), and/or other specialized MHE as required by the site.
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Physical Demands: Extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8-12 hours per/shift, with the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50lbs without assistance, with occasional lifting of freight up to 75lbs with assistance or mechanical aids throughout each 8-12 hour shift, multiple times per/week.
• Vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to work safely in a noisy dock environment.
• Environment: Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold), occasional outdoor work and/or exposure to precipitation (rain, sleet, snow, etc.), regular exposure to moving equipment, vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.

Forward Air is a leading asset-light provider of transportation services across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. We provide expedited less-than-truckload services, including local pick-up and delivery, shipment consolidation/deconsolidation, warehousing, and customs brokerage by utilizing a comprehensive national network of terminals. In addition, we offer truckload brokerage services, including dedicated fleet services, and intermodal, first and last-mile, high-value drayage services, both to and from seaports and railheads, dedicated contract and Container Freight Station warehouse and handling services. Forward also operates a full portfolio of multimodal solutions, both domestically and internationally, via Omni Logistics. Omni Logistics is a global provider of air, ocean, and ground services for mission-critical freight. We are more than a transportation company. Forward is a single resource for your shipping needs

We move freight, but we’re powered by people. Whether you’re in the warehouse, on the road, or behind the screen, every teammate keeps our global business in motion and brings logistics to life.