Freight handlers move materials from one spot to another, such as into and out of trucks.
The world's largest cargo plane is the Antonov AN-225. Originally built to transport a Russian space shuttle, its wingspan is almost as long as a football field. It can carry over 250 tons of freight. That's 500,000 pounds! So now the question is, who gets to load and unload all that freight?
Freight handlers load, unload, and stack a wide variety of materials. Materials may be large, heavy, oddly shaped, fragile, or some combination of these characteristics. Freight handlers must know how to move each type of item safely and quickly. They use dollies, hand trucks, and wheelbarrows to move small or light items. They use hoists and cranes to move larger, heavier items. When using hoists and cranes, freight handlers attach slings to steady loads while they are being moved. They guide these loads to pallets, trucks, ships, or shelves in warehouses. They also position containers in the correct spot to receive items. Freight handlers brace loads to prevent shifting during transport. They install braces, pads, and straps to secure loads.