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What is a truck loader and how to become one
The job of a truck loader is quite straightforward, but there is so much more to it than that. As a truck loader, your main responsibility will be, of course, to load and unload trucks. However, you may also be responsible for other important tasks, such as operating cargo handling machines, manually checking the completion of each load, communicating with loading coordinators, and maintain loading and unloading records.
Furthermore, a truck loader must uphold all safety standards and operational protocols of the company while performing their duties--not only for their personal safety but for the sake of other personnel as well.
Most truck loaders are high school graduates or have a GED. Many also have licenses to operate heavy equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and other cargo handling equipment. Moreover, since this is a physically-demanding job, truck loaders usually have above-average physical strength, stamina, endurance, and manual dexterity. They also have a good understanding of safety practices, especially when it comes to avoiding lifting injuries and equipment-related accidents.
Avg. Salary $34,749
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.54%
Asian 4.30%
Black or African American 10.43%
Hispanic or Latino 15.50%
Unknown 3.79%
White 64.44%
Genderfemale 9.20%
male 90.80%
Age - 41American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 41Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Truck loader career paths
Key steps to become a truck loader
Explore truck loader education requirements
Start to develop specific truck loader skills
Skills Percentages Pallets 20.09% Load Trucks 13.20% Electric Pallet Jack 9.20% Customer Orders 8.41% Safety Standards 8.38% Complete relevant truck loader training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New truck loaders learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a truck loader based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real truck loader resumes.Research truck loader duties and responsibilities
- Prepare pallets by following prescribe stacking arrangement and properly tagging pallets.
- Load designated items onto a pallet and bring selected items to their designate loading area
- Move inventory in support of logistics management.
Prepare your truck loader resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your truck loader resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a truck loader resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable truck loader resume templates
Build a professional truck loader resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your truck loader resume.
Apply for truck loader jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a truck loader job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first truck loader job
Are you a truck loader?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average truck loader salary
The average truck loader salary in the United States is $34,749 per year or $17 per hour. Truck loader salaries range between $28,000 and $42,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do truck loaders rate their job?
Truck loader reviews
My job loding unloading Italian marble and Granite in my city. 20 years work experience. good job
Truck driver helper loding unloading need to be careful
It saves time and makes work easier and enhance greater output
Stay busy stay in shape early hours no one ever died from a little hard work good lumpers can throw 1000 pcs an hour off the floor of a trailer on to a pallet or skid.all you hear is slaming off the wall of the trailer your unloading.
I like it all whats not to like I like it so much that I owned and operated qualified material handlers inc denver colorado for 10 yrs
Updated January 8, 2025
