Hostler

The Hostler role sits at the core of our Operations function, ensuring the continuous, safe, and efficient movement of freight and equipment across the service center. This position directly impacts dock flow, trailer utilization, and overall throughput—making it essential to maintaining operational velocity and service reliability.

As freight volumes scale and operational complexity increases, precision in yard and dock coordination becomes a critical advantage. Success in this role means minimizing delays, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, and enabling seamless handoffs between inbound, outbound, and storage functions. The Hostler ensures that the right assets are in the right place at the right time—every time.

• Execute yard and dock movement with precision
• Shuttle empty and loaded trailers across dock doors, staging areas, and parking lots
• Interpret work orders and verbal instructions to prioritize equipment movement
• Align trailer positioning with inbound/outbound scheduling needs
• Maintain continuous flow to eliminate bottlenecks and idle time
• Support freight handling operations
• Load, unload, and transport freight across dock, storage, and staging areas
• Move materials using forklifts, pallet jacks, or industrial equipment
• Stack, bundle, and secure freight to ensure safe handling and shipment readiness
• Verify and count freight accurately during movement
• Maintain safety, compliance, and equipment standards
• Follow all safety protocols, including hazardous material handling procedures
• Perform routine checks and safe operation of forklifts and hoisting equipment
• Secure loads properly to prevent damage or operational risk
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free work areas
• Enable operational efficiency and teamwork
• Coordinate closely with operations and dock supervisors to align priorities
• Participate actively in team initiatives to improve workflow and productivity
• Adapt to shifting demands with speed and attention to detail
• Support team performance by maintaining consistency and reliability
• Execute with accountability and attention to detail
• Track tasks and complete assignments with minimal supervision
• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and safety
• Apply sound judgment in dynamic, fast-paced environments
• Communicate clearly across teams to ensure operational clarity

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 0–3 years of experience in warehouse, logistics, or freight handling environments
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification
• Hazardous Materials training or willingness to complete training
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, work orders, and procedural documentation
• Working math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, and fractions)
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across operations teams
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and handle multiple responsibilities
• Demonstrated sound judgment in environments with limited structure
• Preferred:
  Experience operating yard tractors, hoists, or other material handling equipment

• You think in systems, ensuring flow and coordination across moving parts
• You take ownership of outcomes, not just assigned tasks
• You prioritize safety without compromising efficiency
• You execute quickly with precision and discipline
• You maintain focus and composure in fast-paced, high-demand environments
• You communicate clearly and elevate issues proactively
• You adapt to changing priorities without losing operational control

• Pay: $18.00–$20.00 per hour
• Location:
  
  Onsite – Chicago, IL
• Benefits:
  Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off

• Frequent standing, walking, use of hands, reach, talk and hearing
• Occasional sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling or smelling
• Regularly lifting and or moving up to 50 pounds, frequently up to 80 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds
• Specific vision requirements: color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

• Exposure to moving vehicles, outside weather conditions, and vibrations
• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, high precarious places, and extreme temperatures
• Noise level usually moderate to high
• Statements reflect general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the position and are not intended to be all inclusive
• Position and any requirements listed above are subject to change according to the changing needs of the company
• Roadrunner is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind