The Dot Foods warehouse is an exciting and fast-paced arena that requires a dedicated team to keep things running day in and day out. This includes warehouse workers, sanitation crews, housekeeping teams, trainers, and managers, as well as one group that we tend to field a lot of questions about: parcel handlers.
Let’s see if we can’t answer some of your most common inquiries.
The parcel handler job description includes packaging, labeling, and shipping out small orders to customers and partners. Parcel handlers are hands-on key players with one of Dot Foods’ fastest-growing departments: single-case fulfillment.
In addition to organizing and delivering custom order pallets of products for distributors, Dot Foods also offers ecommerce fulfillment opportunities for our customers and suppliers. In these instances, we might pull just a few specifically requested items from our dry, cooler, and frozen warehouses. We’ll then parcel them up and send them via FedEx or UPS.
For instance, if you recently ordered a signature product from honeybaked.com, there’s a good chance your holiday dinner was picked and shipped from one of our warehouses. Pretty cool, huh?
And with so many small orders coming in every single day, we rely heavily on parcel handlers to manage the ins and outs of this process. Parcel handlers are responsible for packaging these single- or multiple-item custom orders and shipping them where they need to be in a timely manner.
Warehouse worker is a general term for someone who works in a warehouse, carrying out tasks such as inventory management, stocking and organizing products, operating machinery (like forklifts), processing inbound shipments, preparing outbound orders, and so on. Their work can be quite varied depending on the needs of the warehouse at any given time.
A parcel handler, on the other hand, has a more focused job. They package, label, and ship small orders to ecommerce customers. Unlike their warehouse worker colleagues, they are not responsible for operating heavy machinery, pulling products from tall shelves, or navigating the warehouse on a regular basis
An integral part of our overall warehouse team, parcel handlers work with cutting-edge automation software to ensure that orders are fulfilled accurately and efficiently. Parcel handlers work as a part of a friendly team whose aim is to efficiently and accurately package single-case orders and get them on their way to customers.
It’s the perfect job for someone who enjoys the energy and atmosphere of the warehouse, but doesn’t wish to operate heavy machinery day in and day out.
Parcel handlers can count on making upwards of $18 per hour at most locations. In addition to bonus potential and add-ons like weekend differentials, you’ll be eligible for a per-hour raise after a year. And like all Dot Foods employees, you’ll have access to incredible benefits and guaranteed PTO.
The parcel handler position is very much a “learn as you go” kind of job, so no previous experience is necessary. An ideal candidate will be a quick learner, a reliable teammate, and someone who can be trusted to work independently. Previous warehouse experience and computer skills are certainly a plus, but are not required.
You don’t need any special qualifications or certifications to apply for a parcel handler job at Dot Foods. However, we require everyone who works in our warehouses to have a high school diploma or GED.
Parcel handlers make sure orders are correctly fulfilled and packages are properly labeled and shipped to the right destinations, so they need to be reliable, diligent, and attentive to details. They lift and move fairly heavy packages, so they need to be capable of handling physical work.
The ideal parcel handler candidate will be able to work both independently and as part of a team, so they can cooperate with other warehouse team members, but also be able to manage their own tasks.
How hard is parcel handler work?
Parcel handler work can be physically demanding and is sometimes challenging because of its fast-paced nature. Dot Foods parcel handlers spend their shifts moving, lifting, and sorting packages, some of which can be quite heavy. It requires moderate physical stamina and strength, as well as good hand-eye coordination, which is why applicants must be able to pass a standard physical abilities test