How to hire a cargo handler

How to hire a cargo handler, step by step

Here's a step-by-step cargo handler hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a cargo handler job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new cargo handler
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a cargo handler do?

Post a cargo handler job for free, promote it for a fee

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your cargo handler job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a cargo handler for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A cargo handler's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, cargo handlers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of cargo handler salaries for various roles:

   Type of Cargo Handler	Description	Hourly rate
   Cargo Handler	Hand laborers and material movers manually move freight, stock, or other materials. Others feed or remove material to and from machines, clean vehicles, pick up unwanted household goods, and pack materials for moving.	$12-18
   Dock Worker	People working in the docks are collectively called dock workers. Their primary job is to load and unload ships... Show more	$13-20
   Loader/Unloader	A loader's responsibilities regularly involve manual work such as lifting and transporting objects to vehicles like trucks and vans. The tasks of a loader may also include operating various kinds of machines, maintain accurate documentation and inventory, sort and organize goods while examining their quality and quantity, and devise strategies on how to expand space capacity... Show more	$12-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Pallets
   • Safety Policies
   • Quality Standards
   • Unload Trailers
   • FAA
   • Hub
   • Safety Procedures
   • Distribution Network
   • Hazardous Materials
   • Air Cargo
   • Hazmat
   • Load Trucks
   • RF
   • Load Freight

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage temporary staff doing warehouse work and train and test them in order to receive forklift certification per OSHA.
   • Scan and sort packages in hazmat.
   • Scan the cargo in using rf scanners
   • Utilize RF scanner system to transfer packages onto conveyor system or trailers.
   • Pick up packages and letters from FedEx delivery locations for processing and shipping.
   • Assist units in preparing documents, certifying vehicles, HAZMAT, and other cargo for air movement.

   More cargo handler duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your cargo handler job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A cargo handler can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, cargo handlers' average salary in new mexico is 39% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level cargo handlers 33% less than senior-level cargo handlers.
   • Certifications. A cargo handler with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a cargo handler's salary.

   Average cargo handler salary

   $15.41hourly

   $32,044 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level cargo handler salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average cargo handler salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$38,457	$18
   2	Ohio	$35,632	$17
   3	Maryland	$32,209	$15
   4	Florida	$29,683	$14

   Average cargo handler salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Worldwide Flight Services Inc	$35,726	$17.18
   2	Menzies Aviation	$35,276	$16.96	8
   3	Amazon	$34,732	$16.70	5
   4	Amerijet International	$33,331	$16.02	4
   5	LGSTX Services	$32,771	$15.76
   6	Atlantic Companies Holding Corporation	$32,693	$15.72	1
   7	SOC	$32,649	$15.70
   8	Signature Technicair	$32,599	$15.67
   9	Forward Air	$32,150	$15.46	40
   10	Ryder System	$32,071	$15.42	228
   11	Kelly Services	$31,833	$15.30	92
   12	DHL	$31,491	$15.14
   13	Lynden	$31,346	$15.07	4
   14	Randstad North America, Inc.	$31,276	$15.04	8
   15	Elwood Staffing	$30,700	$14.76
   16	Automation Personnel Services	$29,517	$14.19	35

4. Writing a cargo handler job description

   A cargo handler job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a cargo handler job description:

   Cargo handler job description example

   Lynden Logistics, Inc. is looking for someone who is enthusiastic and self-motivated to join our dynamic freight operations team. This is an intermediate position responsible for performing all aspects of cargo operations. The Company Lynden Logistics, Inc. provides transportation and logistics solutions in Alaska, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and around the world. We encourage our employees to grow and develop within the company and believe our diverse workforce contributes tremendously to our success. Why you want to work for Lynden Logistics, Inc.: Compensation - Competitive pay with a discretionary bonus program Healthcare - Medical, dental and vision plans Paid Time Off - 17 days paid time off, PTO days increase with years of service Holidays - 8 paid holidays Retirement Plan - 401K with up to 6% employer match Extras - Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Long Term Disability Coverage and Employee Assistance Program at no cost to you! Tuition Reimbursement program
   Responsibilities

   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

   • Verifies piece count and signs off documents; checks in inbound/outbound freight and labels freight
   • Dimensionalizes freight; weighs and reweighs freight
   • Keeps work area and vehicles clean
   • Reads inbound status to determine when consoles should be recovered from airlines; loads and unloads containers or pallets; performs OS&D manifests
   • Works within the protocol of Lynden Logistics requirements for cargo handling as well as with other companies where co-located, including aircraft
   • Using computer inputs entries for freight movement. Data Entry, Data Processing
   • Be able to run receiving desk (Receive freight, enter re-weigh and dimensional information into skeleton entry and generate labels for staging cargo), and process shipments through cross-dock program efficiently
   • Documents damage using company guidelines
   • Follows Hazmat protocol when working with shipments
   • Works with internal customers in providing solutions in keeping with company policies and procedures
   • Building airplane skid loads to required specifications
   • Proficient at building scheduled service loads for ocean containers and scanning of all shipments
   • Direct temp employees in unloading and loading of ocean containers
   • Responsible for working in a safe manner, following all safety policies and procedures
   • May be assigned special projects and other duties
   • Works with forklifts, pallet jacks and other warehouse equipment
   • Regular and predictable attendance is required

   
   Qualifications

   QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

   EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

   High school education or equivalent preferred.

   LANGUAGE SKILLS

   Ability to write legibly, especially numbers, and to read and comprehend simple instructions and memos.

   MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

   Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

   REASONING ABILITY

   Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

   OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

   Computer skills to complete on-line forms and input information into data base. Assist with carrier selection and documentation with limited supervision from Night Operations Supervisor

   Must be able to pass Security Threat Assessment under TSA regulations.

   • Ability to possess and maintain a TSA Security Threat Assessment(STA) with a status of Passed, or a TSA recognized equivalent. TSA recognized equivalents include a Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge, Commercial Driver's License(CDL) with Hazmat Endorsement issued within the 50 States or District of Columbia, the Transportation Worker Identification Card(TWIC), or Free and Secure Trade(FAST) card issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. STA's will be submitted by Lynden International upon job offer and renewed thereafter. Recognized equivalents must be current at time of application and successfully renewed by the applicant thereafter.

   Intermediate use of MS Office products a plus.

   PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

   Must be able to lift and move cargo, frequently up to 50 lbs and occasionally up to 100 lbs; frequent walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; Able to handle office and warehouse equipment and tools, or controls; Able to communicate orally and in writing. Wide range of vision abilities required (close vision, distance, color, & peripheral vision, and depth perception). Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and exposed to vibrations. Daily attendance required.

   WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

   While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

   COMMENTS

   Physical demands of this job based on:

   1. Driving forklifts and using pallet jack and other dock equipment as required.
   2. Verifying freight received against shipping manifests
   3. Writing dimensions on air waybills
   4. Lifting of freight on a continuous basis, up to 50 pounds on a consistent basis.

   Environmental conditions affect truck and forklift driving.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find cargo handlers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your cargo handler job on Zippia to find and recruit cargo handler candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit cargo handlers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new cargo handler

   Once you've selected the best cargo handler candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new cargo handler first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a cargo handler?