What does a Material Handler do?
Material handlers move products in warehouses and manufacturing facilities, either manually or using equipment such as trucks or forklifts. Their responsibilities may include pulling inventory and moving stock and other materials to fulfill orders, and unloading product deliveries by pulling them off of trucks and putting them on shelves.
There are no specific education requirements, but many employers prefer a high school degree or equivalent. In some positions, material handlers need a certificate to operate a forklift or other equipment. Material handlers need to have stamina and strength since they are typically on their feet for long periods of time and often need to lift heavy products.
- Load and unload incoming and outgoing materials and products
- Move materials to and from loading docks, delivery trucks, storage areas, and manufacturing areas
- Identify and label materials, and record their locations in the warehouse/on the shelves to maintain inventory
- Prepare finished products for shipment by identifying their location, then pulling, packing, and loading them
- Operate trucks, forklifts, cranes, and other equipment to move freight
- Perform and report cycle counts
- Comply with all warehouse safety rules and guidelines
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 1-5 years of experience working in a warehouse setting or in logistics; experience in operating material handling equipment preferred
- Certification to ride forklift truck preferred
- Must be able to work well in a team
- Ability to read.write and to follow instructions, and work independently with little guidance
- Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time; ability to bend and to lift heavy materials
- Ability to operate computers and relevant warehouse management computer software
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime and weekends
Material Handler Salaries near India
Average Base Pay
Material Handler Career Path
Learn how to become a Material Handler, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Material Handler Insights
The Roomplace“I was told by corporate that my career goal was unrealistic and that I would be eaten alive.”
FedEx Ground“Good for if it’s your first job and not really looking for fast food work.”
Lee Health“It was fun and fairly easy; i would often finish quick with my work and my boss wouldn't be a pain about it.”
“The pay is good and I didn't have any issues interacting with the clientele.”
ANPC“There is a flexed schedule (make your own hours) which is great for work/life balance”
Home Hardware Stores“I enjoy working at Perficient because it provides good learning environment on the day to day activities”
Tesco“It was fun and nice to work”
LSC Communications“People are great and respectful.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Material Handler
When working as a Material Handler, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Load Unload, English Language, Computer Literacy, Attention To Detail and Written Communication.
- Laborer
- Packer
- Forklift Operator
- Warehouse Worker
The most common qualifications to become a Material Handler is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.