Truck Loader Unloader

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Warehouse Loader and Unloader Job Description

This role focuses on manually loading and unloading freight in a high-volume distribution center, primarily within manual shipping and semi-automated unloading and receiving. You will work at an assigned dock to handle incoming and outgoing freight, palletize materials, and move products onto conveyor systems while maintaining safety, accuracy, and productivity in a fast-paced, labor-intensive environment.

Responsibilities

• Work primarily in manual shipping and semi-automated unloading and receiving to handle freight as it arrives at the distribution center.
• Operate at an assigned dock to load and unload 18-wheelers, ensuring all freight is processed efficiently and accurately.
• Palletize materials, which are generally already labeled, and place them onto the conveyance system so products can be added into the warehouse management system.
• Support cross-dock operations by moving product directly to shipping without adding it to inventory when required.
• Remain flexible to assist with labeling, moving product into the shipping area, and loading trucks as operational needs change.
• Manage freight flow by moving and unloading freight manually, without the use of mobile equipment, in accordance with established procedures.
• Identify, separate, count, combine, and scan freight using warehouse management system terminals, scales, and scanners.
• Handle and process freight in a safe and cautious manner, reporting unsafe work conditions and damaged products to leadership.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with facility standards.
• If assigned to loading, load trucks correctly as materials come down the conveyor or are delivered to the dock, placing heavy products on the bottom and lighter products on top.
• Perform physically demanding material handling tasks, including repeatedly entering and exiting trailers throughout the shift.
• Enter and locate information on a computer or system communication device as needed to complete freight processing tasks.
• Write documents or reports when required to support operational and safety documentation.
• Remain primarily near the dock area during the shift, focusing on lifting, loading, and unloading tasks rather than extensive walking.
• Meet productivity expectations, including handling up to 1,000 pieces moved and conveyed per hour in truck environments that can be very hot.
• Adhere to strict break structures and facility rules while working in a labor-intensive environment.
• Move between different areas of the facility if requested, demonstrating flexibility to support loading, cross-dock, and other warehouse functions.

Essential Skills

• 0–2 years of experience in loading and unloading trucks or similar manual labor roles.
• 0–2 years of experience in material handling and general labor within a warehouse, production, or distribution environment.
• 0–2 years of experience in order pulling, picking, packing, or packaging.
• Experience working in labor-intensive roles and comfort with continuous lifting, loading, and manual handling of freight.
• Previous experience working in or around trucks, including understanding the physical demands and heat conditions in trailer environments.
• Ability to handle lifting requirements of up to 60 pounds safely and repeatedly.
• Ability to manage high-volume freight flow, including meeting expectations of up to 1,000 pieces moved and conveyed per hour.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to enter and locate information on a computer or system communication device.
• Ability to use scanners and warehouse management system terminals to scan, track, and process freight.
• Attention to detail to identify, separate, count, combine, and accurately scan freight.
• Strong attendance record and reliability, with a proven history of consistent presence at work.
• Willingness and ability to follow a strict break structure and adhere to facility policies.
• Commitment to safety, including identifying and reporting unsafe conditions and damaged products.
• Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled environment and adapt to varying temperatures.
• Strong desire to learn, adapt, and remain flexible to meet hourly, daily, and weekly operational goals.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with mobile equipment in a warehouse or distribution environment is a plus, even though this role does not involve operating mobile equipment.
• Experience in shipping and receiving, warehouse shipping, and shipping entry processes.
• Familiarity with warehouse inventory practices, including scanning and inspection of products.
• Experience in a warehouse environment with conveyor systems and cross-dock operations.
• Ability to inspect freight for damage and ensure proper handling and placement.
• Interest in learning advanced warehouse technologies, robotics, and automated systems as the facility upgrades continue.
• Flexibility to move between different departments or areas of the facility based on operational needs.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume distribution setting during peak seasons.

Why Work Here?

You will join a distribution center that is investing heavily in its future, including a multi-million-dollar renovation to enhance robotics and automation, positioning the facility among a select group of technologically advanced sites nationwide. During the busy season, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate strong attendance and performance, with the potential to transition from a contract role to a permanent position as early as mid-December. The organization is expanding its leadership and maintenance teams, adding multiple managers and mechanics, which creates additional pathways for career growth in operations, leadership, and technical roles. Recent changes in management emphasize a culture that values processes and associates, offering an environment where your contributions are recognized and where you can develop new skills on cutting-edge equipment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large distribution center that is currently not climate controlled, meaning temperatures in the facility and inside trailer backs can become very warm, especially during peak seasons. The facility is undergoing a year-long upgrade project that will eventually add climate control and significantly enhance robotics and automation. Work is primarily performed at or near the dock, with limited walking but frequent lifting, loading, and unloading throughout the shift. Loading and cross-dock areas are located close together, though you may occasionally move between different parts of the facility depending on operational needs, which can involve additional walking. The environment is fast-paced and labor-intensive, with high productivity expectations and a strict break structure. You will use warehouse management system terminals, scanners, scales, conveyor systems, and other standard warehouse equipment to process freight. The dress code requires shorts to be no more than six inches above the knee, with all pants and shorts worn at waist level. Tennis shoes are preferred, and footwear must cover both heels and toes. Shirts must not display large logos, offensive images, or controversial language. Contract associates may be required to wear safety vests at all times; these vests must be brought to work and kept in good condition, as replacements may not be available and failure to have a vest could prevent you from working.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sutherland, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.60 - $23.60/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sutherland,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

\nCompany Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.