How To Become An Unload Associate: What It Is and Career Path

What is an unload associate and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

An unload associate ensures the appropriate handling and distribution of merchandise from freight trucks. They help the factory, store, or warehouse secure enough stocks for sale and delivery.

The responsibilities of an unload associate include receiving shipments, sorting out goods, and checking store inventory. They ensure that the safety protocols and regulations are observed properly concerning the handling of the goods. They also pull and set aside expired or faulty products from the store's shelves.

The work schedule of an unload associate may vary depending on the business needs and goals. Physical stamina matters in this line of work since there is a great deal of lifting and transporting of goods within the facility. For large work areas, they may be required to operate forklifts and other types of machinery.

Typically, an unload associate has a high school diploma. Some employers prefer candidates with prior work experience in warehouse operations or relevant settings in the retail industry. Strong communication and organization skills are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of inventory software is a great advantage.

ScoreUnload AssociateUS Average

Salary

2.6

Avg. Salary $32,951

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.4

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.12%

Asian 5.38%

Black or African American 13.82%

Hispanic or Latino 18.51%

Unknown 5.27%

White 55.90%

Gender

female 9.21%

male 90.79%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

4.7

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an unload associate

Explore unload associate education requirements

Most common unload associate degrees

High School Diploma

49.4 %

Bachelor's

19.2 %

Associate

18.5 %

Start to develop specific unload associate skills

Skills	Percentages
Safety Procedures	46.56%
Pallets	36.86%
Cleanliness	3.62%
Hazardous Materials	3.28%
Sales Floor	1.87%

Complete relevant unload associate training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New unload associates 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 an unload associate based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real unload associate resumes.

Research unload associate duties and responsibilities

Manage all lifting of goods efficiently and maintain store floor at all times and ensure cleanliness in same.
Used a RF scanner to scan the product into inventory.
Utilize the RF system daily to obtain work orders and/or equipment need to perform.
Receive truck from regional RDC and make sure the correct documentation correlates with the truck.

Prepare your unload associate resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your unload associate 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 an unload associate resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable unload associate resume templates

Build a professional unload associate 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 unload associate resume.