Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Freight Associate

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly motivated and dependable Freight Associate to join our fast-paced logistics team. In this critical role, you will be the backbone of our shipping and receiving operations, responsible for the accurate and efficient handling, sorting, and processing of inbound and outbound freight. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem-solver with a keen eye for detail, a commitment to safety, and the ability to thrive in a physically active environment. You will play an essential part in maintaining our inventory integrity and ensuring our products reach our customers on time and in perfect condition.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Worker
General Laborer
Retail Stocker

Advancement To:

Lead Freight Associate / Team Lead
Warehouse Supervisor
Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Inventory Control Specialist
Shipping & Receiving Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Efficiently and safely load and unload freight from trucks, trailers, and containers, utilizing proper material handling equipment like pallet jacks and forklifts to prevent damage.
Meticulously verify incoming and outgoing freight against shipping documents, such as Bills of Lading (BOL) and packing lists, to ensure accuracy and report discrepancies.
Accurately sort, stage, and route freight to its proper destination or storage location within the warehouse, ensuring an organized and logical flow of goods.
Proficiently operate Radio Frequency (RF) scanners and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to track inventory movement, update shipment statuses, and maintain real-time data integrity.
Prepare outbound shipments by building, wrapping, and labeling stable and secure pallets according to company and carrier specifications to ensure safe transit.
Safely operate and perform daily pre-shift inspections on material handling equipment (MHE), including electric pallet jacks, forklifts, and dollies, adhering to all safety protocols.
Conduct thorough quality control inspections on inbound and outbound shipments, identifying and documenting any damage, defects, or missing items for immediate resolution.
Strictly adhere to all company safety policies, OSHA guidelines, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to foster and maintain a hazard-free work environment.
Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace in the shipping, receiving, and staging areas to promote safety, increase productivity, and facilitate smooth operations.
Communicate effectively and professionally with truck drivers, warehouse team members, and supervisors to coordinate the seamless flow of inbound and outbound logistics.
Process and handle a high volume of freight throughout the shift, which includes consistently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling packages and boxes of various weights and sizes.
Accurately apply shipping labels, barcodes, placards, and other identifying tags to freight, ensuring proper routing and end-to-end tracking within the supply chain.
Proactively identify and resolve routine operational issues related to shipments, such as incorrect counts, routing errors, or documentation problems, escalating complex issues when necessary.
Perform accurate and timely data entry of all shipment information into the company's transportation or warehouse management system to ensure complete and reliable records.
Handle and process customer returns (RMAs), which involves inspecting returned items, documenting their condition, and routing them to the appropriate department or inventory location.
Assist in organizing freight for specific delivery routes, ensuring a logical loading sequence that aligns with the delivery schedule to maximize driver efficiency.
Manage cross-docking operations by efficiently moving incoming freight directly from a receiving dock to an outbound shipping dock with minimal to no storage time.
Document and photograph any damaged freight, equipment, or property, completing detailed incident reports as required for internal review and claims processing.
Monitor and maintain adequate levels of essential shipping supplies, such as boxes, tape, labels, and shrink wrap, and notify supervisors when reordering is necessary.
Actively participate in team meetings, safety briefings, and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing warehouse efficiency, accuracy, and safety performance.
Collaborate with the inventory control team to perform regular cycle counts and physical inventories, helping to reconcile discrepancies and maintain inventory accuracy.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to freight volume and throughput.
Contribute to the organization's logistics and warehouse strategy by providing on-the-floor feedback.
Collaborate with other departments, like customer service, to resolve shipping inquiries or issues.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if working within a technologically advanced logistics team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in operating material handling equipment (MHE) such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and reach trucks (certification is a major plus).
Experience using Radio Frequency (RF) scanning guns for inventory tracking, order picking, and cycle counting.
Familiarity with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or other inventory control software for data entry and status updates.
Ability to read and interpret complex shipping documents, including Bills of Lading (BOL), packing slips, and customs manifests.
Basic computer literacy, including accurate data entry and functional knowledge of MS Office (Outlook, Excel) and other logistics software.
Strong understanding of freight handling, product stacking, and load securing procedures for safe transit.
Knowledge of fundamental safety regulations and procedures (e.g., OSHA) within a warehouse or distribution environment.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy when checking, counting, and documenting freight.
Excellent time management and organizational skills to prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
Clear communication and strong teamwork skills to effectively collaborate with colleagues, drivers, and supervisors.
Physical stamina and strength to consistently lift, carry, and move heavy objects (e.g., up to 50-75 lbs) and be on your feet for extended periods.
Proactive problem-solving abilities to quickly identify and address shipping discrepancies, inventory issues, or safety hazards.
A strong work ethic demonstrated by reliability, punctuality, and a consistently positive and coachable attitude.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational or technical certification in logistics, supply chain, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics
Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution center, or logistics environment.

Preferred:

2+ years of direct experience in a role with responsibility for LTL/FTL freight handling, shipping, or receiving.