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Freight sorter vs loader/unloader

The differences between freight sorters and loader/unloaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a loader/unloader has an average salary of $31,827, which is higher than the $30,215 average annual salary of a freight sorter.

The top three skills for a freight sorter include load freight, delivery vehicle and hand trucks. The most important skills for a loader/unloader are inventory control, electric pallet jack, and pallets.

Freight sorter vs loader/unloader overview

Freight SorterLoader/Unloader
Yearly salary$30,215$31,827
Hourly rate$14.53$15.30
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs24,61367,063
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%High School Diploma, 63%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

Freight sorter vs loader/unloader salary

Freight sorters and loader/unloaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Freight SorterLoader/Unloader
Average salary$30,215$31,827
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $37,000Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City-Tacoma, WA
Highest paying state-Minnesota
Best paying company-Bunge
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between freight sorter and loader/unloader education

There are a few differences between a freight sorter and a loader/unloader in terms of educational background:

Freight SorterLoader/Unloader
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%High School Diploma, 63%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common college--

Freight sorter vs loader/unloader demographics

Here are the differences between freight sorters' and loader/unloaders' demographics:

Freight SorterLoader/Unloader
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 70.9% Female, 29.1%Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 14.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.5% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between freight sorter and loader/unloader duties and responsibilities

Freight sorter example responsibilities.

  • Process mail using automate mail processing equipment or manual methods of sortation and distribution.
  • Volunteer work for kohl's cares events.

Loader/unloader example responsibilities.

  • Check boxes for leaks or damages so they can be send to back to QA.
  • Provide QA and material damage reports.
  • Position also require the use of RF equipment.
  • Load shingles on roof tops during the summer time.
  • Roof LoaderLoading shingles and unloading other roofing materials onto roofs.
  • Stock groceries and freight, unload trucks, condition aisles.
  • Show more

Freight sorter vs loader/unloader skills

Common freight sorter skills
  • Load Freight, 62%
  • Delivery Vehicle, 22%
  • Hand Trucks, 6%
  • Sales Floor, 6%
  • Sort Freight, 4%
Common loader/unloader skills
  • Inventory Control, 27%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 16%
  • Pallets, 13%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Delivery Truck, 3%

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