Plainfield - Forklift Material Handler - All Shifts

RJW Logistics Group is expanding its team in Plainfield, Illinois, inviting applications for a Forklift Material Handler to join the onsite operation on all shifts. This is a full-time, on-site role in the inbound/outbound department, focused on moving freight safely, loading trailers, and keeping the warehouse tidy. The company emphasizes building a workforce that can grow with it, and this position sits at the heart of that effort in a hands-on, practical environment.

RJW has a stated commitment to developing talent and driving innovation in the retail logistics space. An Employee Ownership Program is now in place, offering a path to ownership, the potential for share appreciation, and a deeper sense of belonging within the company. Shares are awarded yearly based on salary, and there’s no cost to participate as long as you remain employed with RJW. It’s a chance to contribute to a collective success and share in the company’s journey.

The role suits someone with practical forklift experience, a proven attendance record, and an interest in being part of a growing, employee-owned organization. It’s a job for someone who doesn’t mind long shifts when needed, who stays safety-minded, and who wants to work in a team setting that keeps shipments moving from dock to stock.

Moving shipments smoothly from dock to stock

The core responsibility is operating a sit-down forklift to handle inbound and outbound freight, ensuring shipments are staged and loaded properly while keeping the workspace orderly. The best-fit candidate will also assist with loading RJW trucks and trailers, including equipment used by outside carriers, and will help maintain good housekeeping throughout the warehouse.

Daily duties revolve around using warehouse operation sheets to pick customer orders and load them onto trailers, while performing routine forklift maintenance checks and ensuring all paperwork aligns with the shipments. The role also involves spotting trailers to maintain yard flow, keeping dock doors clear of debris, and communicating any issues or damages to the Shift Supervisor promptly.

What you’ll bring to the yard

• (Must-have) At least one year of forklift driving experience in a warehouse setting, with hands-on use of multiple machine types (reach, walkie rider, sit-down, cherry picker/order picker)
• (Must-have) A solid, reliable work history and attendance
• (Must-have) A high school diploma or GED; warehousing certifications are a bonus
• (Must-have) Proficiency in English, read, write, speak, and follow instructions
• (Must-have) Basic computer skills and familiarity with handheld RF equipment
• (Nice-to-have) Warehousing certifications
• (Nice-to-have) Experience with cross-docking freight processes and pallet-building
• (Nice-to-have) Prior work in a fast-paced warehouse
• (Nice-to-have) Flexibility to work overtime and rotate shifts

Compensation, perks and practical details

RJW is rolling out a suite of pay incentives aligned with attendance, referrals, and early tenure: an attendance bonus of up to $2,400 for solid attendance, a referral bonus of up to $500 per referral, and a hiring bonus of up to $1,000. There’s also a step increase program that raises pay by $0.50 per hour after 90 days and again after 180 days for Material Handlers. If you’re certified in forklift/Walkie Rider/Cherry Picker operations, you’ll see an extra $0.50 per hour, while Reach Truck certified drivers receive an additional $1.00 per hour.

The company’s Employee Ownership Program is designed to share ownership with team members, offering potential financial rewards through share appreciation, a deeper sense of belonging, and collaboration within a community-driven environment. Shares are provided on a yearly basis based on salary, at no cost to the employee, as long as you remain with RJW.

On the benefits side, RJW offers a solid package that includes a 401(k) with matching, medical/dental/vision insurance, an employee discount, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, paid time off and sick days, short- and long-term disability insurance, and accidental and critical illness insurance. The role is full-time and onsite in Plainfield, with the potential for 10- to 12-hour shifts when necessary. Additional physical and environmental details include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, regular indoor/in-office work blended with hands-on warehouse tasks, and exposure to a noise level that can range from quiet to moderately loud. Employment is at-will, and the job description acknowledges that duties may evolve with the needs of RJW Transport, Inc.

Tips for your application

Lead your resume with your forklift experience, especially the number of years you’ve operated in a warehouse and the machine types you’ve used (reach, walkie rider, sit-down, cherry picker). This role puts a premium on practical handling of inbound/outbound freight and accurate shipment documentation, so make those details jump off the page.

Back up your must-have skills with concrete examples: a stable work history that demonstrates reliable attendance, proof of English literacy, and hands-on experience with both forklift operations and RF handheld devices. If you’ve handled cross-docking or pallet-building tasks, or have experience loading and unloading for outside carriers, call those out with specific outcomes or numbers if possible.

Be prepared to talk through long or irregular shifts and the safety practices you follow on the job, such as consistent use of seat belts, completing daily forklift maintenance inspections, and maintaining accurate paperwork. You may be asked to discuss how you handle high-pressure tasks and maintain accuracy under time constraints.

If you can, prepare a thoughtful question about the Employee Ownership Program, how shares are allocated, what ownership could look like for a day-to-day operator, and how that program interacts with performance milestones like the 90- and 180-day increases.