Freight Handling Lead, Dock Operations & Safety

Overview WHY THIS ROLE EXISTS This role is mission‑critical to maintaining on‑time, damage‑free throughput across our Charlotte terminal. The Freight Handler Lead ensures freight moves predictably and safely from dock to staging, directly impacting transit times, customer satisfaction, and cost‑to‑serve. Key Focus The business challenge is operational scale: higher density long‑haul lanes, tighter schedules, and fewer touches demand disciplined execution, consistent handling standards, and real‑time problem resolution. Success means measurable reductions in damage and re‑handling, faster dock cycle times, and a reliable, accountable crew that executes to our Smart Network standards. You will translate strategic service commitments into repeatable dock‑level systems, lead a small team to deliver flawless handling, and be the on‑site owner of safety, quality, and throughput. Responsibilities Lead operational execution and supervise daily dock activities to ensure loads are moved, staged, and secured for transit with minimal re‑handling. Own shift priorities, assign tasks, and verify completion against work orders and oral instructions. Escalate and resolve exceptions that threaten on‑time departure or shipment integrity. Protect freight integrity and safety by enforcing handling standards, observing, correcting, and reporting unsafe practices; own incident prevention. Ensure loads are stacked, banded, and secured to ride without damage; validate pallet and trailer integrity. Maintain hazardous materials compliance and verify forklift and hoist operations meet safety protocols. Standardize dock workflows, checklists, and handoffs to reduce touches and cycle time. Drive continuous improvement by documenting root causes for damage and implementing corrective actions. Coordinate with operations and maintenance to keep equipment and work areas operational and clean. Coach freight handlers on safe, efficient techniques and cross‑functional expectations; monitor performance, provide feedback, and support training for forklift qualification and hazardous materials handling. Build a resilient shift team that can execute under limited structure and changing priorities. Track and report key metrics (damage rates, cycle time, load accuracy) and use data to prioritize actions. Partner with Operations Supervisor, dispatch, and OTR teams to align dock throughput with network schedules. Own shift‑level accountability for customer‑facing outcomes and operational cost drivers. Qualifications High school diploma or GED; 1–3 months related experience or equivalent education and hands‑on experience; prior supervisory or lead experience preferred. Proven ability to read work orders, interpret safety and operating instructions, and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast‑paced dock environment. Forklift driver qualification; Hazardous Material Training; basic arithmetic competency (whole numbers, fractions, decimals). Demonstrated judgment in solving problems with limited structure; ability to influence peers and coordinate cross‑functionally. Preferred: Experience in LTL or long‑haul freight operations; familiarity with custodial control practices and shipment visibility systems. Operating Principles You think in systems, not tasks. You own outcomes, not activity. You move quickly without creating chaos. You challenge assumptions constructively and surface risks early. You communicate clearly and decisively with operators and supervisors. You prioritize safety and quality as non‑negotiable business drivers. Compensation & Setup Pay: $19.00 per hour. Incentives: Performance recognition programs and bonuses where applicable. Location: Onsite – Charlotte, NC. Benefits: Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and training for forklift and hazardous materials certification. Physical Demands and Work Environment Frequent standing, walking, handling, reaching, talking, hearing; occasional sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, smelling. Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently up to 80 pounds, occasionally up to 100 pounds. Color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus required. Exposure to moving vehicles, outside weather conditions, vibrations, wet/humid conditions, high precarious places, extreme temperatures. Noise level usually moderate to high. Equal Employment Opportunity Roadrunner is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. #J-18808-Ljbffr Roadrunner