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The differences between package handlers and freight handlers 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 $32,785 average annual salary of a package handler.
The top three skills for a package handler include warehouse environment, load trailers and delivery truck. The most important skills for a freight handler are basic math, pallets, and math.
| Package Handler | Freight Handler | |
| Yearly salary | $32,785 | $35,944 |
| Hourly rate | $15.76 | $17.28 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 93,831 | 67,422 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A package handler's primary duty is to place and load correct packages to delivery vehicles and review inventory upon shipments. Package handlers are responsible for analyzing product labels to make sure that the items are accurately processed. A package handler should also have basic knowledge on running warehouse equipment and loading tools to finish the task more efficiently. Package handlers must be able to communicate with other personnel for any concerns that might affect the parcel condition and customer's satisfaction.
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.
Package handlers and freight handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Package Handler | Freight Handler | |
| Average salary | $32,785 | $35,944 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $41,000 | Between $28,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Saint Paul, MN | Billerica, MA |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Alaska |
| Best paying company | ALDI USA | R+L Carriers |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a package handler and a freight handler in terms of educational background:
| Package Handler | Freight Handler | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between package handlers' and freight handlers' demographics:
| Package Handler | Freight Handler | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 88.2% Female, 11.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |