Post job

Freight handler vs mover

The differences between freight handlers and movers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a freight handler has an average salary of $35,944, which is higher than the $33,187 average annual salary of a mover.

The top three skills for a freight handler include basic math, pallets and math. The most important skills for a mover are office furniture, customer service, and household goods.

Freight handler vs mover overview

Freight HandlerMover
Yearly salary$35,944$33,187
Hourly rate$17.28$15.96
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs67,4224,222
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 56%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does a freight handler do?

A freight handler is responsible for monitoring the distribution and delivery of the freight, unloading and storing materials, and verifying the accurate information of the freight records. Freight handlers inspect the condition and quality of the goods and materials before loading into the distribution trucks for shipment. They also operate various warehouse tools and equipment to transport merchandise from the vehicle to different parts of the facility. A freight handler must be highly organized, especially in checking the correct tagging of items and conducting safety checks.

What does a mover do?

Movers help people take or move things from one place to another through their physical strength. They work manually to help customers in their businesses or homes. Among the elements, they do include the preparation, loading, and unloading of items. They are also notable as material movers and hand laborers. Some movers drive a moving truck. However, they should not be burdened with any issue with a high value like jewelry and cash.

Freight handler vs mover salary

Freight handlers and movers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Freight HandlerMover
Average salary$35,944$33,187
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $44,000Between $26,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityBillerica, MAKent, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyR+L CarriersZag
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between freight handler and mover education

There are a few differences between a freight handler and a mover in terms of educational background:

Freight HandlerMover
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Freight handler vs mover demographics

Here are the differences between freight handlers' and movers' demographics:

Freight HandlerMover
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 88.2% Female, 11.8%Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.2% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 5.3% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between freight handler and mover duties and responsibilities

Freight handler example responsibilities.

  • Manage temporary staff doing warehouse work and train and test them in order to receive forklift certification per OSHA.
  • Dock work then get CDL and then go to the road
  • Work on the dock loading and unloading truck and backup CDL driver.
  • Ship order via FedEx on a daily basis and perform an inventory and cycle count when need.
  • Distribute break loads, freight and merchandise on inbound and outbound side of the LTL freight terminal.
  • Job include handling all types of LTL freight with a forklift while unloading and loading trailers for delivery.
  • Show more

Mover example responsibilities.

  • Hand hoisting furniture both up and down.
  • Assist families with helping to build their new homes through USDA funding.
  • Move pianos, gym equipment, bookcases, computer equipment, televisions, mirrors and glass pieces.
  • Work with USDA to develop policies and procedures to enhance the volume and quality of housing services.
  • Used a variety of items such as, a fork lift and dollies to move receptacles to and from appropriate locations.
  • Develop inventory management -learn how to pack/unpack furniture by utilizing hand-trucks and dollies for public/private housing moves
  • Show more

Freight handler vs mover skills

Common freight handler skills
  • Basic Math, 28%
  • Pallets, 21%
  • Math, 12%
  • Hazardous Materials, 10%
  • Manual Equipment, 7%
  • Hand Trucks, 3%
Common mover skills
  • Office Furniture, 40%
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Household Goods, 7%
  • Load Trucks, 6%
  • Pallet Jack, 4%
  • Delivery Vehicle, 4%

Browse transportation jobs