Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Lumper Loader

🎯 Role Definition

As a Lumper Loader, you are the backbone of our warehouse and distribution operations. This is a physically demanding, hands-on role where you are directly responsible for the efficient and safe movement of goods into and out of our facility. You are the first and last point of contact for the physical product, ensuring that inbound freight is received accurately and outbound shipments are loaded securely. Your hard work directly impacts supply chain velocity, inventory accuracy, and customer satisfaction. This position requires strength, stamina, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and teamwork.

📈 Career Progression

This role is more than just a job; it's a direct entry point into a rewarding career in the fast-growing logistics and supply chain industry. With a strong performance and a desire to learn, you can build a long-term career path with us.

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Mover or Construction Worker
Retail Stock Associate
Event Setup Crew

Advancement To:

Forklift Operator (Reach Truck, Stand-up, etc.)
Warehouse Team Lead
Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Order Selector / Picker
Quality Control Inspector
Receiving Clerk

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Efficiently and safely unload floor-loaded and palletized freight from inbound trailers, shipping containers, and railcars, ensuring product integrity is maintained throughout the process.
Manually lift, carry, move, and stack cartons, cases, and other products, which can weigh up to 75 pounds, consistently throughout an 8-10 hour shift.
Expertly break down and re-palletize mixed freight according to company specifications, customer requirements, and proper warehouse slotting.
Meticulously sort and segregate products based on SKU, lot number, expiration date, or other designated criteria to ensure proper inventory rotation and organization.
Operate manual material handling equipment, primarily manual pallet jacks and hand trucks, with a high degree of proficiency and safety to transport freight within the facility.
Accurately verify the accuracy of inbound shipments by physically counting products and matching quantities against the Bill of Lading (BOL) or freight manifest.
Carefully inspect all inbound freight for any visible damage, shortages, or overages, and promptly report any discrepancies to the warehouse supervisor or receiving clerk for resolution.
Prepare and stage product for efficient put-away by forklift operators, ensuring pallets are stable, securely shrink-wrapped, and correctly labeled.
Maintain a high level of productivity and work with a sense of urgency to meet or exceed established unloading standards and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Prepare outbound trailers for loading by thoroughly sweeping them, removing debris, and confirming the trailer is in a suitable condition to protect our freight.
Strategically load finished orders and transfers onto outbound trailers, ensuring proper weight distribution, stability, and adherence to specific loading diagrams to prevent transit damage.
Utilize a Radio Frequency (RF) scanning device to accurately track product movement and update the Warehouse Management System (WMS) in real-time.
Strictly adhere to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to foster and maintain a secure and hazard-free work environment.
Secure loaded freight using dunnage, airbags, straps, and load bars to prevent shifting and guarantee the safe arrival of products at their destination.
Collaborate effectively with truck drivers, forklift operators, and warehouse leadership to coordinate the smooth and efficient flow of inbound and outbound dock traffic.
Proactively maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area on the receiving dock and inside trailers by removing empty pallets, plastic wrap, and other debris.
Accurately and legibly complete all required paperwork, such as lumper receipts, damage reports, and unloading logs, with a keen eye for detail.

Secondary Functions

Participate in regular inventory cycle counts and full physical inventory events as required to support the facility's overall inventory accuracy goals.
Assist with general warehouse housekeeping duties beyond the dock, including sweeping aisles, organizing storage locations, and managing facility waste and recycling.
Provide support to other warehouse departments, such as order picking or packing, during peak volume periods or when primary duties are complete.
Communicate clearly and constructively with team members and supervisors regarding workflow status, potential delays, safety concerns, or improvement ideas.
Assist in assembling or breaking down promotional displays or performing other value-added service (VAS) tasks as directed by leadership.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Physical Stamina & Strength: Demonstrated ability to consistently lift, push, and pull objects weighing 50-75 lbs and to stand, bend, stoop, and walk for extended periods.
Manual Material Handling: Proficiency in safely and effectively operating manual pallet jacks, hand trucks, and dollies in a busy warehouse environment.
Basic Mathematical Acumen: Solid ability to perform basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication to accurately count, verify, and document freight quantities.
Spatial Reasoning & Stacking: A strong understanding of how to build stable, secure pallets and load trailers for optimal space utilization and weight distribution.
RF Scanner Usage: Prior experience using handheld RF scanning equipment for inventory management is highly desirable.
Document Comprehension: Ability to read and interpret critical documents such as Bills of Lading (BOLs), safety procedures, and product labels.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Work Ethic: A reliable, punctual, and self-motivated individual who is driven to meet productivity targets in a physically demanding, fast-paced setting.
Keen Attention to Detail: Meticulous in verifying counts, inspecting for damages, and ensuring the accuracy of all tasks and associated paperwork.
Team-Oriented Mindset: Proven ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with supervisors, drivers, and fellow warehouse associates to achieve common goals.
Safety-First Attitude: An unwavering commitment to following all safety protocols to protect oneself and the entire team.
Adaptability & Flexibility: A positive attitude and willingness to work overtime as needed, assist in different departments, and adapt to shifting priorities throughout the day.
Resilience: The ability to maintain focus and a positive demeanor while performing repetitive, physically intensive tasks.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED is preferred; equivalent work experience in a related field will be considered.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or training in Logistics, Warehousing, or Supply Chain.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics
Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 - 2 years in a role requiring significant physical labor.

Preferred:

6+ months of direct experience as a Lumper, Freight Handler, or Warehouse Associate in a high-volume distribution center, cross-dock facility, or manufacturing environment is highly valued.