How to Be Materials Handler - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The increasing demand for goods has caused a rise in the need for materials handlers. Materials handlers are responsible for the movement of goods within an organization, and they play a vital role in ensuring that products are stored and distributed efficiently. They are responsible for receiving, storing, inventorying, and distributing materials, as well as ensuring that materials are shipped and received on time.

In addition, materials handlers must often operate forklifts and other heavy machinery to transport goods. As a result of their work, organizations are able to reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve customer satisfaction.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer applicants who have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.
2. Consider earning experience in the industry. Working in a related sector, such as a warehouse, may increase your chances of securing a materials handler job.
3. Participate in on-the-job training. Depending on the job, you may receive on-the-job training to learn how to use equipment and perform other tasks.
4. Obtain a forklift certification. Forklifts are commonly used in materials handling, so obtaining a certification may make you more desirable to employers.
5. Obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). A CDL may be required if you will be driving large vehicles to transport materials.
6. Earn additional certifications or licenses. Depending on the job, you may be required to obtain additional certifications, such as hazardous material handling or hazardous waste management.

As a Materials Handler, it is essential to stay updated and capable of handling the various materials that come through. It is important to ensure that the materials are properly stored, organized, and tracked. Keeping up with current technology and safety standards is critical in order to handle materials effectively.

This can include learning how to use the latest inventory management systems, staying up-to-date on industry regulations, and making sure that all equipment is functioning properly. keeping track of the materials as they move through the warehouse is necessary to ensure that no material is misplaced or lost. By staying informed and capable of handling materials, the Materials Handler can ensure that the warehouse runs smoothly and efficiently.

You may want to check Advanced Materials Engineer, Raw Materials Specialist, and Materials Inventory Clerk for alternative.

Job Description

1. Receive, store, and issue materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard.
2. Keep records of items shipped, received, or transferred to another location.
3. Fill orders or issue supplies from stock.
4. Prepare parcels for mailing.
5. Move materials and items from receiving or storage areas to shipping or to other designated areas.
6. Sort and place materials or items on racks, shelves, or in bins according to predetermined sequence such as size, type, style, color, or product code.
7. Assemble customer orders from stock and place orders on pallets or shelves, or relocate orders to a holding area or shipping department.
8. Mark materials with identifying information using appropriate method.
9. Open bales, crates, and other containers.
10. Clean and maintain supplies, tools, equipment, and storage areas in order to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Ability to safely operate material handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
2. Knowledge of safe lifting techniques and use of personal protective equipment.
3. Ability to accurately read weight scales to ensure accurate recording of product weights.
4. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
5. Ability to efficiently organize, prioritize, and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
6. Knowledge of basic computer skills, including the ability to use an inventory management system.
7. Ability to keep accurate records of products moved, received, and shipped.
8. Knowledge of proper loading, unloading, and transport procedures.
9. Ability to detect and report any defective materials or equipment.
10. Ability to maintain a clean and organized workspace.

The most important skill for a Materials Handler is to have excellent organizational and time management skills. A materials handler must have the ability to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively in order to ensure that materials are received, stored, and distributed in an efficient and timely manner. They must also be able to maintain accurate inventory records and track shipments, as well as recognize and follow safety protocols.

Good problem solving abilities are also important, as materials handlers must be able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the processing of materials. Finally, they must have excellent communication skills, in order to effectively communicate with other departments and ensure that the materials are handled appropriately. Without these skills, a materials handler would struggle to complete their tasks, resulting in delays and potential hazards.

Therefore, having excellent organizational, time management, problem solving, and communication skills is essential for a materials handler to be successful in their role.

Materials Accounting Clerk, Materials Manager, and Finished Materials Inspector are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• How much experience do you have working as a Materials Handler?
• What tasks have you performed in your previous Materials Handler roles?
• Describe a time when you faced a difficult situation while handling materials and how you overcame it.
• How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple materials at once?
• What safety protocols do you follow when handling materials?
• How do you ensure accuracy when inventorying materials?
• What systems and processes do you use for organizing and storing materials?
• How do you handle hazardous or fragile materials?
• What experience do you have using forklifts and other machinery to move materials?
• What steps do you take to ensure that materials are stored properly for easy access and retrieval?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Forklift. a vehicle used for lifting and transporting heavy materials. (eg: for moving pallets of goods in a warehouse)
2. Pallet Jack. a small hand-operated truck designed to move heavy pallets. (eg: for moving pallets in a factory or warehouse)
3. Hoist. a device used to lift and transport heavy objects. (eg: for lifting heavy crates onto shelves in a warehouse)
4. Hand Truck. a two-wheeled cart used for transporting objects. (eg: for moving boxes from one place to another in a warehouse)
5. Strapping Machine. a device used to secure and fasten packages. (eg: for wrapping items securely for shipping)
6. Wrapping Machine. a device used to wrap items in plastic or paper. (eg: for wrapping packages for shipping)
7. Dollies. a small wheeled platform used for carrying goods. (eg: for transporting large items from one location to another in a warehouse)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. Materials Management Society (MMS)
2. International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA)
3. National Inventory and Materials Management Society (NIMMS)
4. American Society for Quality (ASQ)
5. National Association of Purchasing and Supply Management (NAPM)
6. Institute of Supply Management (ISM)
7. International Association of Inventory Control Specialists (IAICS)
8. Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA)
9. Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA)
10. International Packaging and Materials Handling Association (IPMHA)

We also have Materials Technician, Materials Coordinator, and Materials Quality Control Inspector jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Receiving - The process of receiving goods and services from vendors.
2. Inventory Control - The process of tracking and managing a company’s stock of products and materials.
3. Shipping - The process of packaging, labeling, and transporting goods from one location to another.
4. Loading/Unloading - The physical process of loading or unloading goods from a truck or other vehicle.
5. Picking - The process of selecting items from a warehouse or storeroom for order fulfillment.
6. Stocking - The process of replenishing inventory on shelves and in storage areas.
7. Palletizing - The process of organizing items into standardized pallet units for easier handling and storage.
8. Fulfillment - The process of delivering orders to customers on time and in good condition.
9. Cycle Counting - The process of counting inventory at regular intervals to ensure accuracy and accountability.
10. Quality Control - The process of inspecting materials and products to ensure they meet standards of quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a Materials Handler?

A Materials Handler is responsible for the movement, storage, and distribution of materials and products in a warehouse or other storage facility.

What skills are required to be a Materials Handler?

To be a successful Materials Handler, you need to have strong organizational and record-keeping skills, as well as good physical strength and stamina to be able to handle heavy loads.

What is the average salary for a Materials Handler?

The average salary for a Materials Handler is $33,000 per year.

What types of tasks does a Materials Handler do?

The tasks of a Materials Handler include receiving, inspecting, storing and distributing goods and materials, as well as counting and marking items, operating forklifts and other machinery, and maintaining accurate inventory records.

What safety precautions should a Materials Handler take?

A Materials Handler should always follow safety protocols when operating machinery and handling heavy loads, such as wearing protective clothing, using proper lifting techniques, and adhering to all safety regulations.

What are jobs related with Materials Handler?

• Materials Sales Representative
• Materials Analyst
• Materials Scheduler
• Recycled Materials Coordinator
• Materials Program Manager
• Materials Planner
• Materials Buyer

Web Resources

• Materials Handler - jobs.colorado.edu jobs.colorado.edu
• Materials Handler I - Biomanufacturing Facility at Cedars-Sinai jobs.cedars-sinai.edu
• What is Materials Handling in logistics? - SCM EDU scmedu.org