What does a Dock Worker/Forklift Operator do?

Dock worker/forklift operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real dock worker/forklift operator resumes:
- Move LTL freight from one trailer to other trailers.
- Load and unload LTL and full truckload freight operating a forklift.
- Load various HAZMAT and non-HAZMAT material/freight onto company trucks, utilizing forklift/pallet jack.
- Scan and repair damaged pallets to make the necessary preparations need for a timely delivery.
- Loaded/Unload freight, sort and distribute to its proper destinations utilizing forklift, clamp trucks, dollies or manually.
- Unload and load truck trailers by using a variety of work tools such as dollies, forklifts, and pallet jack.
- Satisfy FedEx customers by safely picking up, transporting and delivering their shipment on-time, intact, and damage free.
- Operate 4K and 6K forklifts to load and unload FedEx trailers and support trucks; inventory each shipment prior to departure.
Dock worker/forklift operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 43% of Dock Worker/Forklift Operators are proficient in Basic Math, Math, and Load Trailers. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Physical stamina.
We break down the percentage of Dock Worker/Forklift Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Basic Math, 43%
Apply basic mathematical concepts such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and knowledge of weights and measures.
- Math, 11%
Work was done most of the time before our scheduled shift ended.Skills UsedExpertise with the forklifts and quick math skills
- Load Trailers, 9%
Load and unload trailers, scan all inventories, pull orders for delivery for city routes and over the road routes.
- Pallets, 6%
Scanned and repaired damaged pallets to make the necessary preparations needed for a timely delivery.
- Work Ethic, 5%
Based on my work ethic on the dock.
- Electric Pallet Jack, 5%
Certified on electric pallet jack, experienced in unloading, sorting and receiving full trailer loads of merchandise.
"basic math," "math," and "load trailers" are among the most common skills that dock worker/forklift operators use at work. You can find even more dock worker/forklift operator responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. Another skill commonly found on dock worker/forklift operator job descriptions is "communication skills." It can come up quite often in dock worker/forklift operator duties, since "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day dock worker/forklift operator responsibilities: "follow safety procedures, maintain good attendance, possess good mathematical skills and communication skills. "
The three companies that hire the most dock worker/forklift operators are:
- Old Dominion Freight Line132 dock worker/forklift operators jobs
- Career Company in Silicon Valley84 dock worker/forklift operators jobs
- Dayton Freight75 dock worker/forklift operators jobs
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Dock worker/forklift operator vs. Driver/warehouse worker
A driver/warehouse worker is responsible for transporting goods and services from the warehouse or distribution center to specific destinations based on the delivery details. Driver/warehouse workers assist in loading and unloading items from delivery trucks, storing merchandise to the appropriate warehouse areas, operating various warehouse tools and equipment, and inspecting the delivery vehicle for any engine defects that might cause delays. They also check the inventory report to ensure the correct quantity of items and escalate customers' complaints to the warehouse management for immediate resolution, such as product replacement or issuing refunds.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a dock worker/forklift operator are more likely to require skills like "basic math," "math," "load trailers," and "pallets." On the other hand, a job as a driver/warehouse worker requires skills like "customer service," "cdl," "safety regulations," and "warehouse operations." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Driver/warehouse workers tend to make the most money working in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $35,536. In contrast, dock worker/forklift operators make the biggest average salary, $40,605, in the transportation industry.On average, driver/warehouse workers reach similar levels of education than dock worker/forklift operators. Driver/warehouse workers are 0.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Dock worker/forklift operator vs. Driver/material handler
Primarily, driver/material handlers help maintain the production and distribution of products through inventory pullout, production materials, and supplies delivery, and finished product staging. Material handlers manage the transport of equipment or ammunition and conduct the planning and execution functions for effective grind force training. They pick and audit hazmat materials and deliver them to their customers. Also, they develop and expedite clear and effective communication with their customers.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, dock worker/forklift operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "basic math," "math," "load trailers," and "work ethic." Meanwhile, a driver/material handler has duties that require skills in areas such as "cdl," "customer service," "safety rules," and "osha." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Driver/material handlers may earn a lower salary than dock worker/forklift operators, but driver/material handlers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $37,351. On the other hand, dock worker/forklift operators receive higher pay in the transportation industry, where they earn an average salary of $40,605.driver/material handlers earn similar levels of education than dock worker/forklift operators in general. They're 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Dock worker/forklift operator vs. Operator
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, dock worker/forklift operators are more likely to have skills like "basic math," "math," "load trailers," and "pallets." But a operator is more likely to have skills like "cdl," "emergency calls," "preventative maintenance," and "quality checks."
Operators make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $41,321. On the other hand, dock worker/forklift operators are paid the highest salary in the transportation industry, with average annual pay of $40,605.When it comes to education, operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to dock worker/forklift operators. In fact, they're 1.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Dock worker/forklift operator vs. Forklift
The primary job of a forklift operator is to operate and manage forklifts used for moving, locating, relocating, stacking, and counting merchandise in various settings, such as construction sites and warehouses. As a forklift operator, you will unload shipments properly and safely, and stack and store them in their designated areas. In addition, you will need to report any quality variances and assist in physical inventories. Other duties that you may perform include ensuring that stock rotation is done properly, inspecting and performing preventative maintenance of forklift and other equipment, and ensuring that inventory security and control are maintained.
Types of dock worker/forklift operator
Updated January 8, 2025