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.

What you’ll do1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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

What you bring

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience0–3 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

How you operate

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 escalate issues proactively

You adapt to changing priorities without losing operational control

Compensation & Setup Pay: $20.00 per hour

Location:

Onsite – Chicago, IL Benefits:
Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is…