Truck Loader

Your Fit

Income

$58K

Preparation

Some

Growth

1.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Truck Loader?

A Truck Loader is responsible for efficiently and safely loading and unloading goods and materials onto and off trucks. This role requires physical strength, attention to detail, and the ability to operate loading equipment.

Sample job titles:

Loader, Loader Operator, Tankerman, Truck Loader

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Truck Loader.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Truck Loader earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$38K per year	$47K per year	$58K per year	$71K per year	$88K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $8.57K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Truck Loader do?

Work environment

Truck Loaders work in a variety of settings, including warehouses, distribution centers, docks, and industrial environments. The job is physically demanding and often requires working in fast-paced conditions, sometimes in outdoor environments with varying weather conditions.

Quick task list

Loads and unloads goods from trucks.
Operates forklifts and other loading equipment.
Coordinates with warehouse staff and truck drivers.
Ensures goods are safely and securely stowed.
Maintains accurate records of inventory.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Forklift Operation: Specializing in operating forklifts for loading and unloading.
Hazardous Materials Handling: Specializing in safely handling and transporting hazardous materials.
Heavy Machinery Loading: Focusing on loading and unloading heavy or oversized machinery.
Refrigerated Goods Loading: Specializing in the loading of temperature-sensitive goods.
Distribution Center Operations: Focusing on loading and unloading in large distribution centers with high volume and fast turnover.

Description

Truck Loaders play a crucial role in the logistics and supply chain process, ensuring that goods are moved efficiently and safely. They need to be physically fit, as the job involves lifting, bending, and moving heavy items regularly. Attention to detail is crucial to prevent damage to goods and ensure correct loading according to weight distribution and securement guidelines.

Safety is a top priority in this role, not just in the handling of goods, but also in operating equipment like forklifts or pallet jacks. Truck Loaders need to be aware of and comply with all workplace safety regulations, especially when handling hazardous materials. Coordination with warehouse staff and truck drivers is vital to ensure that loading and unloading operations run smoothly and on schedule.

Truck Loaders often work under tight schedules, making time management and efficiency critical skills. The ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with colleagues is essential to maintain a smooth workflow and meet deadlines.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in the movement of goods and supply chain.
The physical nature of the work, offering an active alternative to desk-bound jobs.
The sense of accomplishment in efficiently and safely handling goods.

You might make a good Truck Loader if you are...

Physically fit and capable of handling heavy items.
Detail-oriented, ensuring safety and accuracy in loading.
Comfortable operating loading equipment such as forklifts.
Able to work efficiently both individually and as part of a team.
Adaptable to working in various environments and weather conditions.

Pros:

Active work that keeps you physically engaged.
Essential role in logistics with job stability.
Opportunities for overtime and flexible hours.

Cons:

Physically demanding with potential risk of injury.
Sometimes requiring work in harsh weather conditions.
Repetitive tasks and the pressure of meeting loading deadlines.

How to become a Truck Loader

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient. On-the-job training is common, and specific certifications may be required for handling certain materials or operating specialized loading equipment.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical education to build strength and endurance.
Technical education or shop classes for equipment operation skills.
Mathematics for inventory and load planning.
Courses in logistics or supply chain management, if available.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Sports teams or physical fitness clubs.
Part-time jobs or internships in warehouses or similar environments.
Volunteering for organizations that require logistical coordination and physical work.

Preparation after high school

Obtaining certifications for forklift operation or other relevant equipment.
On-the-job training in a warehouse or logistics environment.
Pursuing short courses or certifications in logistics, supply chain management, or safety procedures.

More resources

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Offers guidelines and training for workplace safety.
Material Handling Industry (MHI) - Provides resources and information on material handling.
National Forklift Exchange - Offers forklift safety tips and guidelines.
Warehouse Education and Research Council (WERC) - A resource for warehouse and logistics professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.