When we say that working in the frozen warehouse, also known as the freezer warehouse, is the “coolest” job around, we mean it. We keep our frozen warehouses right around -4 degrees, and if you’ve never worked in a cold environment, it can take some getting used to. But with the right preparation and a positive attitude, you might be surprised at how quickly you adapt.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you won’t be there full-time unless you want to be. And yes, many people do prefer working in frozen as compared to other temps. But if you’re not quite on board with that just yet, then you might be wondering exactly how much time you’ll be spending in the frozen warehouse in a given week.
So let’s try to clear that up, shall we?
What is a Freezer Warehouse?
A freezer warehouse is a large cold storage facility for frozen goods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish. It typically consists of multiple insulated rooms or chambers kept below 32 degrees. The freezer warehouses at our distribution centers are kept at around -4 degrees because that’s the best temperature for the products we distribute.
What’s the Difference Between a Freezer Warehouse and a Refrigerated Warehouse?
Our refrigerated warehouses are also cold storage facilities, but they’re not as cold. We keep them at around 37 degrees. They’re chilly, but not so cold that you’ll need special protective clothing to work in them.
All Dot locations have three warehouse environments: frozen, refrigerated, and dry. As we explain below, unless you work at our Mt. Sterling distribution center, you’ll likely experience all three environments during your time working at Dot Foods. The proportions of frozen, refrigerated, and dry goods passing through the distribution center changes, so the time you spend in each warehouse environment varies from day to day, depending on the warehouse volume.
Is It Safe to Work in a Freezer Warehouse?
Yes, it is safe to work in a freezer warehouse. Dot Foods takes your health and safety seriously, and we implement numerous safety precautions to ensure workers are protected from any potential harm.
We provide appropriate thermal protection, such as gloves and freezer suits, for everyone who works in the freezer warehouses. All of our employees undergo 90 days of rigorous training, which includes health and safety best practices to keep you and your co-workers safe.
What Do You Wear in a Freezer Warehouse?
At Dot Foods, we provide special cold-environment gear for everyone working in the freezer warehouse. The gear may differ from site to site but typically includes a freezer suit, gloves, a coat, and other protective gear.
What Is Work Like in a Freezer Warehouse?
Freezer warehouses are much colder than our other warehouses, but the work is similar. You will be loading and unloading goods and picking products, while operating a forklift or other warehouse equipment.
Working in Our In Mt. Sterling Freezer Warehouse
Our Mt. Sterling headquarters is a bit different from our regional distribution centers in that the warehouse space is so big (roughly 2 million square feet) that each temp has its own dedicated staff. So if you select frozen as your “home temp”, that’s pretty much where you’ll be spending your days (or nights). Depending on volume, some workers may be tapped to work in another temp from time to time, but generally speaking your home temp is your home temp.
Mt. Sterling also offers a $1.75 hourly differential for hours worked in the frozen warehouse which gives a nice little incentive–approximately $3,600 per year–to brave the frigid temperatures. In addition, those opting for the night shift can pull an extra $1.50 hourly differential. So if you want to make the most on the warehouse floor, pick overnights in the frozen warehouse (and hit those productivity goals every pay period to be eligible for yet another added hourly bonus).
Mt. Sterling also recognizes that a worker may change their mind over time and choose to join or leave the frozen floor. This is common, and more often than not a manager can pull some strings to get the employee transferred and settled into a different temp and/or shift.
“One thing for sure about Dot is that nothing is set in stone,” Doug Hammer, Director of the Mt. Sterling frozen warehouse, said. “There is a ton of opportunity in Mt. Sterling to find what works best for you whether it is the desired temp, schedule, or department.”
Working in Freezer Warehouses at At Regional Distribution Centers
Unlike Mt. Sterling, warehouse workers at the regional distribution centers don’t have “home temps”. Rather, all warehouse workers (barring medical exemptions) will pull rotating shifts in all warehouse environments.
While some DCs will have employees work a certain number of frozen hours per shift, other rotations will encompass an entire shift. For example, you might be in frozen one day, then dry the next, and so on. Or you might do two days in frozen followed by two days in dry, etc. Keep in mind that temp placement is dependent upon the amount of volume coming in and out of the warehouse, so it’s highly unlikely that you’ll spend exactly one third of your time in each temp. If frozen product accounts for 25% of business, you might be in there roughly 25% of the time. If it accounts for 50%, you may be in there roughly half the time.
In any case, however, shift managers do their best to keep the rotation moving and make sure no one is in frozen for multiple shifts in a row unless they request it. At most DCs, those who prefer working in frozen can also trade shifts with other employees and/or pick up overtime hours when available.
Tips for Staying Warm in the Freezer Warehouse
While it’s cold, most who work in the frozen warehouse either part-time or full-time will agree that as long as you’re dressed appropriately and you keep moving, that it’s actually not as bad as you might think.
“It still gets very cold, but a steady pace will help to keep your muscles warm and flexible,” said Brian Tinsley, Warehouse Director for Dot Foods Oklahoma.
Dot Foods locations provide protective freezer gear including bibs and coats, but it’s still suggested that you dress in layers, find a good pair of wool socks, and invest in a composite-toe boot rather than steel as cold steel can make your feet cold.
And for those still nervous about the thought of working in a frozen warehouse, Hammer says you won’t know until you live it.
“Give it a try and you’ll find that it’s a great place to work with a great bunch of folks who will treat you like family.”