Cargo Handler Jobs for OPT Students
Cargo Handler jobs are physically demanding, fast-paced roles in airports, warehouses, and freight terminals that typically don't require a degree, making OPT eligibility a real consideration. STEM OPT extensions generally don't apply here, so plan around your standard 12-month OPT window and confirm each employer's willingness to sponsor future work authorization.
See All Cargo Handler JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 7+ Cargo Handler jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 7+ Cargo Handler jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Cargo Handler roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob Description
The Cargo Handler is responsible for loading and unloading freight on trailers in a safe and timely manner. Frequent lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying of freight is required. Must accurately stage and audit next day routes, perform other warehouse duties as assigned.
Schedule: Monday-Friday
Shift: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Pay: $16.42 per hour
What We Provide
- Paid holidays
- Benefits such as Medical/Dental/Vision
- 401K plan with employer contributions
- Opportunity for advancement and career development
- Culture that embraces a work-life balance
Primary Duties
- Responsible for loading and unloading freight on trucks and trailers
- Safely load and unload trailers and trucks by utilizing appropriate approved equipment
- Use handheld scanners to efficiently track freight throughout our network
- Accurately stage and audit next day routes
- Correctly label boxes and prepare freight for shipment as required
- Verify documentation and condition of freight to assure quality standards are met
- Accurately check-in and unload freight
- Recoup/restore damaged freight when necessary
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment
- Ensure warehouse duties are being done as directed (cardboard, styrofoam, demanufacture etc)
- Ability to work well without direct supervision, maintain a positive, professional demeanor
- Perform other duties and tasks as assigned
This is an estimated rate based on the circumstances at the time of posting, however it may change based on a combination of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, education, market factors, geographical location, budget, and demand.
Benefits We Offer a Comprehensive Benefits Plan Including
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Life & AD&D Insurance
- Disability
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
BEWARE OF FRAUD!
Hub Group Has Become Aware Of Online Recruiting Related Scams In Which Individuals Who Are Not Affiliated With Or Authorized By Hub Group Are Using Hub Group’s Name In Fraudulent Emails, Job Postings, Or Social Media Messages. In Light Of These Scams, Please Bear The Following In Mind
- Hub Group will never solicit money or credit card information in connection with a Hub Group job application.
- Hub Group does not communicate with candidates via online chatrooms such as Signal or Discord using email accounts such as Gmail or Hotmail.
- Hub Group job postings are posted on our career site
About us
Hub Group is the premier, customer-centric supply chain company offering comprehensive transportation and logistics management solutions. Keeping our customers’ needs in focus, Hub Group designs, continually optimizes and applies industry-leading technology to our customers’ supply chains for better service, greater efficiency and total visibility. As an award-winning, publicly traded company (NASDAQ: HUBG) with $5 billion in revenue, our 6,000 employees and drivers across the globe are always in pursuit of "The Way Ahead" - a commitment to service, integrity and innovation. We believe the way you do something is just as important as what you do.
Job Description
The Cargo Handler is responsible for loading and unloading freight on trailers in a safe and timely manner. Frequent lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying of freight is required. Must accurately stage and audit next day routes, perform other warehouse duties as assigned.
Schedule: Monday-Friday
Shift: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Pay: $16.42 per hour
What We Provide
- Paid holidays
- Benefits such as Medical/Dental/Vision
- 401K plan with employer contributions
- Opportunity for advancement and career development
- Culture that embraces a work-life balance
Primary Duties
- Responsible for loading and unloading freight on trucks and trailers
- Safely load and unload trailers and trucks by utilizing appropriate approved equipment
- Use handheld scanners to efficiently track freight throughout our network
- Accurately stage and audit next day routes
- Correctly label boxes and prepare freight for shipment as required
- Verify documentation and condition of freight to assure quality standards are met
- Accurately check-in and unload freight
- Recoup/restore damaged freight when necessary
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment
- Ensure warehouse duties are being done as directed (cardboard, styrofoam, demanufacture etc)
- Ability to work well without direct supervision, maintain a positive, professional demeanor
- Perform other duties and tasks as assigned
This is an estimated rate based on the circumstances at the time of posting, however it may change based on a combination of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, education, market factors, geographical location, budget, and demand.
Benefits We Offer a Comprehensive Benefits Plan Including
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Life & AD&D Insurance
- Disability
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
BEWARE OF FRAUD!
Hub Group Has Become Aware Of Online Recruiting Related Scams In Which Individuals Who Are Not Affiliated With Or Authorized By Hub Group Are Using Hub Group’s Name In Fraudulent Emails, Job Postings, Or Social Media Messages. In Light Of These Scams, Please Bear The Following In Mind
- Hub Group will never solicit money or credit card information in connection with a Hub Group job application.
- Hub Group does not communicate with candidates via online chatrooms such as Signal or Discord using email accounts such as Gmail or Hotmail.
- Hub Group job postings are posted on our career site
About us
Hub Group is the premier, customer-centric supply chain company offering comprehensive transportation and logistics management solutions. Keeping our customers’ needs in focus, Hub Group designs, continually optimizes and applies industry-leading technology to our customers’ supply chains for better service, greater efficiency and total visibility. As an award-winning, publicly traded company (NASDAQ: HUBG) with $5 billion in revenue, our 6,000 employees and drivers across the globe are always in pursuit of "The Way Ahead" - a commitment to service, integrity and innovation. We believe the way you do something is just as important as what you do.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Cargo Handler
Target freight and logistics companies directly
Large freight carriers, ground handling companies, and third-party logistics providers hire cargo handlers regularly. Apply directly through company career pages rather than waiting for postings to surface elsewhere. Direct applications signal genuine interest and reach hiring managers faster.
Be upfront about your OPT authorization dates
Cargo handler roles often start quickly. Have your EAD card and OPT start and end dates ready to share at the offer stage. Employers in logistics appreciate straightforward timelines so they can plan onboarding and any future sponsorship discussions without surprises.
Ask about H-2B and TN pathways during interviews
Some cargo employers use H-2B visas for recurring seasonal work or sponsor TN status for Canadian and Mexican nationals. Asking about these pathways during interviews shows planning and helps you identify employers with existing immigration infrastructure before accepting an offer.
Highlight physical certifications and safety training
OSHA forklift certification, hazmat handling credentials, or TSA security threat assessment clearance make you a stronger candidate and reduce employer onboarding costs. Candidates who arrive with relevant safety credentials are easier to place quickly, which matters when OPT timelines are tight.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly employers
Not every cargo handler posting comes from an employer willing to work with OPT students. Migrate Mate filters roles by sponsorship openness so you spend time on applications that are actually viable, rather than discovering authorization issues after a phone screen.
Cargo Handler jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Cargo Handler JobsSee all 7+ Cargo Handler jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Cargo Handler roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Cargo Handler on OPT?
Yes. Cargo handler roles qualify for OPT as long as the position is directly related to your degree field. If your degree is in logistics, supply chain, aviation, or a related area, you're in a strong position. Students with unrelated degrees should document the connection carefully, since USCIS requires that OPT employment be relevant to your program of study.
Do Cargo Handler jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
In most cases, no. Cargo handling occupations are not tied to STEM-designated CIP codes, so the standard 24-month STEM OPT extension is unlikely to apply. You'll need to work within your 12-month OPT authorization window. If you're in a logistics technology or engineering role with cargo responsibilities, consult your DSO to assess whether your specific degree and job duties could qualify.
What happens to my OPT if I lose a Cargo Handler job?
You have a 90-day unemployment tolerance built into your OPT period. If you lose your cargo handler position, you can continue job searching without immediately violating your status. However, all unemployment days across your entire OPT period count toward that 90-day limit. Report any employment changes to your DSO promptly and restart your search quickly, since freight and logistics employers often hire on short timelines.
Do Cargo Handler employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Sponsorship rates in cargo handling vary significantly by employer size. Large freight carriers and airport ground services companies with established HR infrastructure are more likely to have sponsored H-1B or other work visas before. Smaller regional operators often lack the resources or experience to sponsor. Researching each employer's past sponsorship history before applying is worth the time. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers with documented sponsorship activity, which helps you target your applications.
Does working Cargo Handler shifts count toward my OPT if I work part-time?
Yes, part-time cargo handler work counts toward OPT as long as you work at least 20 hours per week. USCIS requires OPT employment to be at least half-time, so any arrangement below 20 hours per week would not satisfy the requirement and could jeopardize your status. Confirm your scheduled hours in writing before your start date, since shift-based logistics roles can fluctuate week to week.
See which Cargo Handler employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Cargo Handler Jobs