Material Handler Job Description – What It Is, What They Do, and Why It Matters

A Material Handler plays a critical role in the logistics, warehousing, and supply chain sectors. They are responsible for the movement of materials, products, and goods in and out of storage, ensuring everything is accounted for and placed correctly. Their work directly impacts the efficiency of operations, making them an integral part of any warehouse or distribution facility.

The primary role of a material handler revolves around ensuring that goods are received, sorted, stored, and sent out in a way that supports smooth and efficient processes in any organization. Without material handlers, warehouses would face challenges in maintaining accurate stock levels and meeting delivery deadlines.

A material handler is often required to work with various tools, machinery, and equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and inventory tracking systems. This job requires a blend of physical strength, attention to detail, and effective organizational skills to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Core Responsibilities of a Material Handler

Material handlers perform several important duties that make the flow of materials in warehouses and manufacturing facilities efficient and smooth. Here are the core responsibilities in detail:

Receiving and Verifying Shipments

When new stock arrives at the warehouse or facility, it’s the material handler’s job to ensure the delivery is accurate. They inspect the materials to check that they match the order forms or purchase orders. This includes counting items, checking the condition of products, and reporting any discrepancies or damages. Their ability to catch mistakes at this stage ensures that the warehouse doesn’t run into issues later when fulfilling customer orders.

Sorting, Storing, and Organizing Inventory

Once the materials are received, they need to be properly stored. Material handlers are responsible for ensuring that the items are placed in the correct location within the warehouse. This involves sorting products by type, size, or any other criteria that makes it easy to locate them when needed. Proper storage also helps prevent damage and ensures that materials are ready for quick retrieval when orders need to be fulfilled.

Efficient organization is key to keeping a warehouse running smoothly, and material handlers play a central role in maintaining this organization.

Pulling Materials and Fulfilling Orders

One of the primary tasks of material handlers is pulling inventory when a customer order comes through. This involves locating the necessary materials, taking them from the storage area, and preparing them for shipment. Material handlers often work alongside warehouse workers or shipping teams to pack and prepare the items for dispatch.

The accuracy of order picking is crucial. Mistakes during this process can result in incorrect shipments, leading to customer dissatisfaction. Material handlers must be careful and detail-oriented to avoid these errors.

Loading and Unloading Trucks

Material handlers also assist in loading and unloading goods from trucks or shipping containers. This requires them to use various equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks to safely move large quantities of goods. They ensure that items are loaded in a way that prevents damage and that they are unloaded in the correct order for sorting.

The safety aspect of loading and unloading is vital, as improper handling can cause injury or damage to the materials. Material handlers must be trained to use equipment properly and follow safe practices.

Ensuring Proper Labeling and Documentation

Labeling is a crucial part of warehouse management. Each product needs to be clearly labeled with important information, such as product codes, batch numbers, or expiration dates. Material handlers are responsible for ensuring that every item is labeled properly before it is stored or shipped.

They also help with documentation, ensuring that stock levels are accurately recorded in the inventory management system. Accurate records help prevent stockouts, overstocking, and order inaccuracies, making material handlers central to a business’s overall inventory control system.

Tools and Equipment Commonly Used

Material handlers are expected to operate various types of tools and equipment to efficiently complete their tasks. The key tools they use include:

Forklifts and Pallet Jacks

Material handlers commonly use forklifts to move heavy materials over short distances within the warehouse. Pallet jacks, on the other hand, are used to move smaller loads or pallets of materials from one place to another. Both tools are essential for the efficient movement and handling of products without risking injury or product damage.

Proper training and certification are required to operate forklifts, ensuring the safety of both the handler and the goods being moved.

Inventory Scanners and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Material handlers use inventory scanners and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to maintain accurate stock levels. These tools allow them to scan barcodes, track items in real time, and ensure that inventory records are updated instantly. WMS helps material handlers know the exact location of products and where to store or pick them from.

These systems also help with order tracking, making the fulfillment process faster and more efficient.

Safety Gear

Material handlers often work with heavy equipment and large quantities of materials, so safety is paramount. They must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety gloves, steel-toe boots, and high-visibility vests. Additionally, they must be familiar with safety protocols, such as fire safety procedures and emergency evacuation plans, to ensure their wellbeing on the job.

Skills and Qualifications Needed

The role of a material handler requires a variety of skills, both technical and personal. Here’s a closer look at the qualifications needed for this position:

Physical Strength and Stamina

Material handlers spend much of their day on their feet and must be capable of lifting heavy objects. While the weight of materials varies, being able to lift boxes, pallets, and other items is a fundamental part of the job. In addition, moving around the warehouse requires stamina to carry out repetitive tasks over long periods.

Basic Math and Record-Keeping Skills

Basic math skills are essential, as material handlers may need to count inventory, measure material sizes, and perform simple calculations. Additionally, keeping accurate records, whether by hand or on a computer system, is essential for inventory control.

Attention to Detail and Organizational Ability

A material handler must be detail-oriented. Missing even one small item can lead to significant issues when receiving shipments or picking orders. Additionally, staying organized and keeping track of where materials are stored is essential for quick retrieval during order fulfillment.

Communication Skills and Teamwork

Although much of the work is independent, material handlers often work as part of a team. Effective communication with other team members, including warehouse workers, supervisors, and shipping staff, is crucial for smooth operations. Material handlers must be able to follow instructions clearly and communicate any issues they encounter during their workday.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Material handlers typically work in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. The environment can be fast-paced and physically demanding. Here’s what you can expect from the work setting:

Typical Settings

Material handlers generally work in large, open spaces, such as warehouses or factories, where products are stored and shipped. The work setting may involve loud machinery, moving vehicles, and constantly shifting products, requiring focus and attention to ensure safety and efficiency.

Shift-Based Work and Overtime

Material handlers often work full-time, and shifts may vary depending on the company. Some businesses require evening or weekend shifts, especially during busy periods. Additionally, material handlers may be required to work overtime during peak seasons or special projects.

Physical Demands

As mentioned earlier, the job is physically demanding. Material handlers are expected to lift heavy objects, sometimes up to 50 pounds or more. They also need to be able to stand, walk, bend, and move around the warehouse for extended periods.

Opportunities for Growth and Advancement

While a material handler position is often an entry-level job, there are opportunities for growth and advancement within the field. Here are some possibilities:

Entry-Level Nature

Most material handlers start at an entry-level position, where they are trained to learn the ropes. Many organizations offer on-the-job training to ensure that material handlers are proficient in using equipment and handling materials efficiently.

Advancing to Supervisory Roles

As material handlers gain experience, they may be able to move into higher positions, such as warehouse supervisor, logistics coordinator, or inventory manager. These roles typically involve more responsibility, such as overseeing teams, managing inventory systems, and handling more complex logistics.

Certifications and Skills Development

Material handlers can enhance their career prospects by obtaining relevant certifications. For instance, for those working with heavy machinery, forklift certification is often required. Many employers may offer additional training on advanced warehouse management systems, improving efficiency and career growth.

Importance of Material Handlers in the Supply Chain

Material handlers are integral to the smooth functioning of the supply chain. They ensure that goods are correctly stored, organized, and shipped efficiently, contributing to a streamlined operation. Without material handlers, businesses would face major setbacks, from delays in shipments to difficulties managing stock levels.

Material handlers help prevent bottlenecks in the supply chain by ensuring that every product is in the right place at the right time, facilitating smoother operations at all stages of production and delivery.

Conclusion

Material handlers play a vital role in logistics, warehousing, and distribution. They are responsible for receiving, organizing, storing, and shipping products, ensuring smooth operations within the supply chain. Their work is physically demanding, involving tasks such as lifting, moving, and sorting materials. Material handlers help maintain inventory accuracy, preventing delays and disruptions in business operations. They also operate tools like forklifts and inventory systems to streamline processes. This position offers a great opportunity for individuals seeking a hands-on career with physical engagement, as well as potential for growth within the industry. With experience, material handlers can advance into supervisory roles or take on more specialized tasks, making it a promising career path in logistics.