What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lift operator position at Ashley Distribution Services?
Company Description Ashley Distribution Services (ADS), established in 1974 by Ashley Furniture Industries, operates one of the largest private transportation fleets in the industry. With over 800 tractors and 3,700 trailers, ADS has the capacity to deliver to 95% of North America in any given week. The company uses advanced routing, dispatch systems, in-cab satellite communications, and electronic DOT driver logs to support efficient and timely operations. Air-ride suspension equipment helps protect cargo and enhance driver comfort, reflecting ADS’s commitment to safety and quality. Recognized as one of Transport Topics Top 100 private carriers, the fleet travels distances equivalent to 160 round trips to the moon each year.
Role Description The Lift Operator role is a full-time, on-site position based in St Louis, MO. The Lift Operator will operate powered industrial trucks and forklifts to move, stack, load, and unload materials within the warehouse and distribution areas. Responsibilities include safely handling freight, following routing and staging instructions, and supporting loading and unloading of trailers to ensure efficient workflow. The role involves performing basic equipment inspections, reporting maintenance needs, and adhering to company safety policies, procedures, and productivity standards. The Lift Operator will work closely with warehouse and transportation teams to maintain accurate inventory movement and support on-time deliveries.
Qualifications
- Experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks, or other material-handling equipment, with a focus on safe lift operation and load handling.
- Knowledge of basic warehouse procedures, including loading, unloading, staging, and inventory movement.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, read work orders, and communicate clearly with team members and supervisors.
- Strong attention to safety, including adherence to OSHA and company safety guidelines, and ability to perform basic equipment inspections.
- Physical ability to stand, lift, move, and stack materials for extended periods, and work in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
- Reliability in attendance, punctuality, and meeting productivity expectations in a shift-based, full-time role.
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred; prior experience in distribution, warehousing, or transportation is a plus.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as business needs require, and to participate in ongoing training.