Warehouse Associate

Description

Founded in 1997, Cook’s Direct was the first company to specialize in food service equipment and supplies for correctional facilities. Drawing on deep experience in corrections, we built an organization that knows how to help food service operators find the right products, knowledge, and service.

Since then, we have expanded our partnerships to include correctional, educational, and institutional facilities across the country, helping them improve efficiency and effectiveness in high‑pressure, high‑volume environments.

Cook’s Direct is seeking a reliable and safety‑focused Warehouse Associate to support our Distribution Center operations in Woodridge, IL. This role plays a critical part in receiving inbound shipments, picking and packing customer orders, preparing parcel and LTL shipments, and maintaining a clean, organized warehouse environment. The Warehouse Associate works closely with the Warehouse Supervisor to ensure orders are fulfilled accurately, safely, and on time.

• Accept UPS and Fed Ex packages daily and unload pallet shipments from common carriers.
• Receive, inspect, and check in orders shipped via common carrier.
• Pick assigned orders accurately using carts, stairs, pallet jacks, hand carts, electric order picker, electric articulating forklift, and electric pallet jack.
• Pack orders efficiently using packing materials and boxes best suited for the items being shipped.
• Palletize LTL (Less Than Truckload) orders, then weigh, wrap, and measure pallets.
• Double‑check accuracy of picks before shipping.
• Create UPS, USPS, and Fed Ex shipping labels.
• Build LTL shipments, create Bills of Lading (BOLs), and rate‑shop LTL rates.
• Empty warehouse trash cans, break down boxes for recycling, and sweep floors.
• Remove empty pallets from racks, cut flaps, and remove loose wrap as needed.
• Clean the break room and restock supplies in restrooms.
• Keep walkways and aisles clear of obstructions; keep sidewalks shoveled and salted.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide) using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but simple written or oral instructions.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Windows software, and standard office machines such as PCs, calculators, printers, and copiers.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 70 pounds and to stand, walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch throughout the workday.

• Prior experience in a warehouse, distribution, or shipping environment.
• Experience operating electric pallet jacks, electric order pickers, or articulating forklifts.
• Familiarity with LTL shipping, Bill of Lading creation, and parcel carrier shipping software (UPS, USPS, Fed Ex).

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, quality, and thoroughness.
• Dependable team player with consistent attendance, punctuality, and follow‑through.
• Effective at planning, prioritizing, and using time efficiently to complete work in a timely manner.
• Strong commitment to safety and the ability to adapt to frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.