Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

Salary Overview

Job Outlook (2024–2034)

Key Skills

Knowledge Areas

What They Do

• Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected.
• Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.
• Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, ships, or containers, by hand or using trucks, tractors, or other equipment.
• Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported.
• Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information.
• Record numbers of units handled or moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets.
• Attach slings, hooks, or other devices to lift cargo and guide loads.
• Carry needed tools or supplies from storage or trucks and return them after use.

Tools & Technology

★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)

Education Requirements

Typical entry-level education: High School Diploma

Related Careers

Careers with the highest skill compatibility from Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand.

A Day in the Life

A typical shift for a material mover begins with a team briefing covering the day's shipment schedule, priority orders, and safety reminders. Workers then proceed to loading docks or warehouse floors where they unload incoming trucks, checking items against manifests and scanning barcodes for inventory tracking. Throughout the shift, movers transport materials using hand trucks, pallet jacks, and dollies, stacking and organizing goods in designated storage areas. Order picking occupies a significant portion of the day, with workers pulling items from shelves to fulfill outgoing shipments and staging them for loading. Physical tasks like lifting, carrying, bending, and pushing are constant, with workers handling packages ranging from small parcels to heavy freight. Break periods are strategically timed to manage fatigue, and safety protocols around lifting techniques and equipment operation are reinforced regularly. Shifts may be morning, evening, or overnight depending on the facility's operating hours, with peak seasons bringing overtime opportunities.

Work Environment

The work environment for material movers is predominantly physical, taking place in warehouses, distribution centers, shipping yards, and loading docks. Temperature conditions vary widely, from climate-controlled facilities to unheated warehouses and outdoor loading areas exposed to seasonal weather extremes. Noise from conveyor systems, forklifts, and truck operations is common, and workers typically wear personal protective equipment including steel-toed boots, gloves, and high-visibility vests. The physically demanding nature of the work carries inherent injury risks, particularly to the back, shoulders, and knees, making proper lifting mechanics and ergonomic awareness essential. Shift schedules often include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays to maintain continuous supply chain operations. Peak periods like holiday seasons bring significantly increased workloads and mandatory overtime. Despite the physical challenges, many workers value the active nature of the job and the camaraderie that develops among warehouse teams.

Career Path & Advancement

Entry into this occupation typically requires no formal education beyond a high school diploma or GED, making it one of the most accessible career starting points. Most training occurs on the job, with new hires learning proper lifting techniques, safety procedures, and equipment operation during their first weeks. Workers who demonstrate reliability and aptitude can advance to lead positions, coordinating small teams and managing workflow priorities. Obtaining forklift certification opens opportunities for equipment operator roles that typically carry higher pay. Experienced movers can progress to shipping and receiving clerk positions, warehouse supervisor roles, or inventory management positions. Some pursue logistics certifications from organizations like APICS or the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals to transition into supply chain coordination. Long-term career growth may lead to warehouse manager, distribution center supervisor, or operations manager positions that oversee entire facility operations.

Specializations

Material movers can develop expertise in specific operational areas within warehousing and logistics. Cold chain specialists work in refrigerated facilities handling perishable goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies, requiring knowledge of temperature-controlled handling protocols. Hazardous materials handlers receive specialized HAZMAT training to safely move chemicals, flammable substances, and other regulated materials. E-commerce fulfillment specialists focus on high-volume, fast-paced pick-and-pack operations that demand speed and accuracy. Furniture and appliance movers develop skills in handling oversized, fragile items and navigating residential delivery challenges. Airport baggage and cargo handlers work in aviation logistics, managing time-sensitive loading and unloading of aircraft. Cross-docking specialists focus on the rapid transfer of goods between inbound and outbound trucks with minimal warehouse storage. Some movers specialize in last-mile delivery operations, combining material handling with customer-facing delivery responsibilities.

Pros & Cons

Industry Insight

The warehousing and material handling industry is being transformed by automation and robotics, with collaborative robots and automated guided vehicles increasingly working alongside human movers. E-commerce growth continues to drive massive demand for fulfillment center workers, though the nature of the work is evolving as automated sorting and picking systems handle more routine tasks. Wage competition among major logistics employers has pushed starting pay upward in many markets, improving compensation across the sector. Workplace safety technology is advancing with wearable devices that monitor lifting mechanics and fatigue indicators in real time. The rise of micro-fulfillment centers in urban areas is creating new employment opportunities closer to population centers. Supply chain resilience strategies developed after recent global disruptions have led to larger inventory buffers and expanded warehouse operations. Seasonal hiring patterns remain pronounced, with holiday periods generating substantial temporary employment.