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Unload associate vs package handler

The differences between unload associates and package handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an unload associate has an average salary of $32,951, which is higher than the $32,785 average annual salary of a package handler.

The top three skills for an unload associate include safety procedures, pallets and cleanliness. The most important skills for a package handler are warehouse environment, load trailers, and delivery truck.

Unload associate vs package handler overview

Unload AssociatePackage Handler
Yearly salary$32,951$32,785
Hourly rate$15.84$15.76
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs47,10293,831
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 49%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does an unload associate do?

An unload associate is responsible for ensuring the unloading process flows efficiently. They are responsible for unloading trucks, loading trucks, and stocking stores so consumers can find whatever they seek without much hassle. They may be expected to unload regional distribution center (RDC) freight from delivery vehicles or docks. If merchandise gets damaged, they will be expected to dispose of it following company policies and recommended proper procedures for disposal of hazardous materials.

What does a package handler do?

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.

Unload associate vs package handler salary

Unload associates and package handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Unload AssociatePackage Handler
Average salary$32,951$32,785
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $40,000Between $26,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City-Saint Paul, MN
Highest paying state-Minnesota
Best paying company-ALDI USA
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between unload associate and package handler education

There are a few differences between an unload associate and a package handler in terms of educational background:

Unload AssociatePackage Handler
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%High School Diploma, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Unload associate vs package handler demographics

Here are the differences between unload associates' and package handlers' demographics:

Unload AssociatePackage Handler
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 90.8% Female, 9.2%Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 5.4% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%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%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between unload associate and package handler duties and responsibilities

Unload associate example 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.
  • Cross reference incoming RDC and order sheets to ensure proper product are at the correct destination.
  • Separate merchandise and pallets according to department.
  • Show more

Package handler example responsibilities.

  • Attach slings, ropes, or cables to objects such as pipes, hoses, or bundles.
  • Read GPS maps for your driving directions.
  • Operate sit down forklift for loading, unloading and running material.
  • License to operate MHE (forklifts, tractors, etc . )
  • Load grind and air shipments onto designate trailers using sit down forklift.
  • Conduct post inspections to ensure guard force personnel proficiency and level of alertness.
  • Show more

Unload associate vs package handler skills

Common unload associate skills
  • Safety Procedures, 47%
  • Pallets, 37%
  • Cleanliness, 4%
  • Hazardous Materials, 3%
  • Sales Floor, 2%
  • Stock Merchandise, 1%
Common package handler skills
  • Warehouse Environment, 25%
  • Load Trailers, 10%
  • Delivery Truck, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Load Packages, 8%
  • Load Trucks, 7%

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