Forklift Operator / Yard Truck Driver

Job Summary:

As a skilled Forklift Operator and Yard Truck Driver, you will play a dual role essential to our warehouse and yard operations. Inside the warehouse, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient movement of pallets and materials — primarily focused on loading and unloading trailers, organizing inventory, and ensuring all movements are accurately documented. In the yard, you will operate a yard truck (hostler) to move and spot trailers, keeping trailer flow efficient, organized, and safe. If you are a dependable individual with forklift and/or driving experience and a strong commitment to safety and precision, we encourage you to apply!

Our Story… So Far

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, PLA is a national supply chain solutions provider offering Pallet Management Services, 3PL Services, Reverse Logistics Services, and Freight Brokerage & Transportation Management Services, handling over 115 million pallets per year for over 1,500 customers. Now one of the largest pallet manufacturing and recycling companies in the United States, PLA has over 76 facilities, employing upwards of 3500 employees across 23 states, and is still looking for opportunities for growth, both organically and through acquisition.

Pay Rate: $16.00 per hour

• Guaranteed Progression: $0.50 per hour increases at 90 days, 1 year, and annually thereafter for a total of 5 years, reaching the maximum rate at 5 years in this role.

Work Schedule:

• 2nd Shift: 2:30 pm to 11:30 pm (Monday thru Friday)

Here's What We Offer

• Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings before payday.
• Weekly Pay – Get paid on time, every week.
• PTO (Paid Time Off).
• Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – 3 medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield with low weekly premiums starting at $28.75.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Company contribution up to $750 annually with tax-advantaged savings.
• 401(k) retirement plan featuring up to a 4% employer match, eligibility the first of the month after 90 days, and access to a Financial Wellness Consultant.
• Flexible Benefits – Multiple plan options to fit your needs and budget.
• Prescription Drug Coverage – Low copays starting at $10 for generic medications.
• FREE Life Insurance & AD&D – Basic coverage provided at no cost upon employment.
• Vision Benefits – $10 eye exams and $150 frame allowance through Superior Vision by MetLife starting at $1.46 per week.
• Dental Coverage – 100% preventive care coverage with MetLife plans starting at $5.76 per week.
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD) – Income replacement up to 60% of weekly covered earnings for a non-work-related injury or illness.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free and confidential support for work stress, grief, legal/financial issues, and more.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits – MetLife Legal and Identity Theft Services and Pet Insurance with ASPCA.
• LifeMart employee discounts (through ADP) on everyday stuff and larger purchases.
• Dell Employee Purchase Program (EPP) discounts available for personal use.

What You'll Be Doing

Reporting to the Supervisor or Manager, the Forklift Operator / Yard Truck Driver is responsible for operating and maintaining both a sit-down forklift and a yard truck (hostler) to support warehouse and yard operations. Your responsibilities will include:

Forklift Operations:

• Loading and unloading pallets to and from trailers with precision and care.
• Moving pallets to their correct locations throughout the warehouse to maintain organization and accessibility.
• Completing daily inspections of the forklift using a provided checklist, ensuring it is in safe operating condition.
• Safely refueling tanks, following established procedures for changing out propane tanks or charging electric tanks.
• Completing and confirming accuracy of loads, whether on paper or electronically, verifying counts of good and bad loads, and acting as the final inspector for all trailer loads.
• Ensuring that all materials moved from one location to the next are properly accounted for and marked for accurate documentation.

Yard Truck / Trailer Spotting:

• Operating the yard truck (hostler) to move trailers within the facility safely and efficiently.
• Functioning as a yard jockey/trailer spotter, ensuring trailers are positioned at the correct dock doors for loading/unloading.
• Performing routine trailer checks and actively maintaining yard organization.
• Inspecting and maintaining yard truck condition (fuel, tires, oil, lights, etc.) and reporting mechanical issues promptly to the Supervisor.
• Recording trailer moves accurately on the trailer movement log and verifying trailer contents against shipping papers.
• Ensuring all trailers are properly chocked and doors secured before movement.
• Communicating effectively with dock supervisors to coordinate trailer moves and maintain flow efficiency.

General Responsibilities:

• Maintaining a clean and orderly work environment at all times.
• Maintaining safe working conditions by following all guidelines and procedures for handling equipment and materials.
• Complying with all PLA policies and procedures, as well as federal and state safety rules.
• Assisting in other areas of the warehouse or yard as assigned to support and improve overall team operations.
• Adjusting as needed to new reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules to meet company needs and business requirements.
• Cooperating and working well with team members and management, maintaining clear and open communications at all times.
• Consistent and reliable attendance is an essential function of this job

What We're Looking For

• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Valid driver's license (required).
• At least 6 months of forklift operating experience (preferred).
• 1+ year of yard driving or trailer spotting experience (preferred).
• Proficiency in operating a sit-down forklift; must pass PLA's forklift certification test (on-site certification provided if needed).
• Ability to read, write, and speak English well enough to follow safety procedures and job instructions.
• Strong attention to detail for accuracy in counts and documentation.
• Commitment to safety guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team environment.
• Dependable and punctual attendance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment, as well as standing, walking, bending, and stooping as needed.
• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the workday.
• Requires good manual dexterity and foot coordination for operating forklift and yard truck controls.
• Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions, equipment sounds, and safety alarms in a warehouse and yard environment.
• Excellent vision (including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus) for operating machinery, reading documentation, and navigating the warehouse and yard safely.

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in both a warehouse and outdoor yard environment. This may include exposure to dust, fluctuating temperatures (hot and cold), and moderate to high noise levels. Hazards in the yard and dock areas require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including steel-toed boots.

PLA and its Family of Companies is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request by contacting hiring@plasolutions.com. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized because of such a request.