Freight and Furniture Handler
Freight and Furniture Handlers secure and move objects, freight, stock, and other materials between storage facilities and forms of transport. They may work with loads in trucks, rail cars, containers, and ships. They may also be responsible for checking in loads upon arrival and exit.
Duties and tasks
- Direct and guide loading and unloading
- Indicate destinations of shipments by labelling; secure shipments to prevent damage and shifting
- Monitor equipment, vehicles, and tools and notify management of wear and damage
- Move objects and furniture by hand, when necessary, and apply padding and protection to reduce accidental damage when moving
- Report missing and lost shipments and damaged loads
- Use equipment to load heavy goods into vehicles and vessels
Skills required
- Ability to follow Safety Standards
- Attention to detail
- Fit and able to perform physical and repetitive tasks
- Listen and take directions
- Operate equipment and heavy machinery
Working conditions
Freight and Furniture Handlers generally travel to various locations for work, or work in yards, depending on their employment; they may be exposed to all kinds of weather conditions. The work can be very physically demanding; therefore, workers must take precautions, especially when lifting heavy loads, to avoid injuries. They generally work 8 hour shifts, though many work overtime and night shifts, especially in large yards and warehouses.
Professional associations / Industry information
Australian Furniture Removers Association
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA)
The Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc. (CBFCA)
Transport & Logistics Industry Skills Council
Related jobs and job titles
- Commercial Removalist
- Freight Traffic Controller
- Import/Export Clerk
- Office Mover
- Packer
- Shipping Officer/Clerk
- Transport Clerk
- Truck Despatcher
- Truck Driver