Donald Mester
Gallatin,TN
Summary
Dynamic warehouse professional with proven expertise in forklift operations and loading efficiency at Dorman Products. Recognized for enhancing inventory accuracy and reducing cargo damage through meticulous shipment processing. Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to safety fostered a collaborative environment, ensuring timely deliveries and improved team productivity. Diligent forklift operator with background in loading and unloading. Proven track record of efficiently handling materials and ensuring accurate inventory management. Demonstrated teamwork and attention to safety protocols.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Loader and Unloader
Dorman Products
09.2024 - 09.2025
- Operated forklifts and pallet jacks to load and unload materials efficiently.
- Followed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment at all times.
- Assisted in organizing inventory for easy access and streamlined operations.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely completion of loading tasks.
- Conducted quality checks on incoming and outgoing shipments for accuracy.
- Maintained cleanliness of work area to promote safety and efficiency.
- Reported equipment malfunctions to supervisors for prompt resolution.
- Maintained workplace safety by adhering to company guidelines and promptly addressing potential hazards.
- Enhanced loading efficiency by implementing proper lifting techniques and utilizing appropriate equipment.
- Reduced cargo damage by securely fastening and organizing items in accordance with shipment requirements.
- Picked, received and loaded orders using forklift or pallet jack and inspected and maintained warehouse machines.
- Improved customer satisfaction by skillfully handling fragile items during the loading and unloading process, minimizing breakage incidents.
- Ensured timely deliveries by consistently meeting deadlines for loading and unloading tasks.
- Facilitated smooth operations by closely collaborating with team members to coordinate loading and unloading processes.
- Increased warehouse organization by sorting incoming shipments and properly storing materials in designated locations.
- Supported warehouse team in maintaining clean workspaces, effectively reducing potential hazards and fostering a positive working atmosphere.
- Demonstrated adaptability with cross-training in various warehouse roles, providing support where needed during busy periods.
- Performed routine inspections of loading equipment, ensuring its safe operation and reducing the risk of accidents or delays.
- Operated equipment while observing standard safety procedures.
- Strapped items down over protective padding to secure throughout transportation.
- Moved furniture and boxes using utility dolly and truck ramp.
- Successfully navigated large shipments of materials through tight spaces and busy facilities.
- Surrounded items in cling film, padded blankets, and tape to protect from damage.
- Verified documentation and condition of freight to assure quality standards were achieved.
- Helped train new employees in safe practices and warehouse procedures.
- Verified quantity and description of materials received by checking merchandise against packing list.
- Shipped material and performed boxing, packing, labeling, and preparation of related documents.
- Assembled pallets and crates for secure transportation of materials.
- Assisted in receiving, stocking and distribution of merchandise.
- Unpacked and repacked items in different quantities and configurations for shipment.
- Used machinery and equipment such as box cutters, shrink-wrap guns and electric pallet jacks.
- Used handheld scanners to efficiently track and maneuver freight throughout distribution network.
- Drove forklifts, pallet jacks and other equipment to move materials.
- Maintained clean, orderly work environment free of hazards.
- Loaded and unloaded materials onto and off of trucks for fast shipment.
- Enhanced warehouse efficiency by organizing and categorizing inventory for easy access.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, suggesting process enhancements.
- Enabled seamless restocking, promptly unloading goods to replenish warehouse shelves.
- Improved loading times, using forklifts and pallet jacks efficiently.
- Facilitated smoother operations by maintaining clean and organized workspaces.
- Supported timely dispatch of goods, preparing and organizing items according to delivery schedules.
- Improved team morale and productivity with effective communication and collaboration.
- Expedited shipment process, accurately labeling and documenting items for shipping.
- Decreased loading errors, paying close attention to order details and specifications.
- Assisted in training new hires, sharing best practices for safe and efficient loading.
- Streamlined unloading process, enabling quicker turnover of delivery trucks.
- Lifted and slid packages weighing up to 90 pounds on conveyor belts to transport items.
Warehouse Forklift Operator
Ralphs Grocery Distribution Center
09.2006 - 09.2024
- Operated forklifts to transport goods efficiently within warehouse environment.
- Conducted regular inspections of equipment to ensure safe operation and compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize loading and unloading processes, enhancing overall workflow efficiency.
- Maintained accurate inventory records using warehouse management systems for precise stock tracking.
- Trained new employees on proper safety procedures and forklift operation techniques to promote a safe working environment.
- Wrapped pallets in plastic wrap and attached merchandise tags to prepare for shipping.
- Built pallets and loads for partial and mixed pallets, wrapped finished pallets and staged pallets and loads into truck when ready for shipment.
- Worked with racking systems and loaded or unloaded pallets, pulling and placing pallets on or off of vertical product racking systems and trucks, maximizing storage by stacking products vertically.
- Received products using frequency scanners, unloaded shipments from trucks and fulfilled and organized orders to streamline customer delivery processes.
- Unloaded and stacked materials by raising and lowering lifting devices.
- Optimized warehouse space utilization by effectively stacking pallets using a forklift, maximizing storage capacity without sacrificing accessibility or safety.
- Ensured timely deliveries by efficiently loading and unloading trucks with the use of forklifts.
- Maintained an organized warehouse by systematically arranging products using a forklift according to company guidelines.
- Reduced product damage by performing routine forklift maintenance and safety checks.
- Contributed to the reduction of workplace accidents by adhering to strict safety protocols during all forklift operations.
- Participated in regular safety meetings, staying up-to-date on best practices in regards to safe and efficient operation of a warehouse forklift.
- Improved overall warehouse cleanliness, routinely clearing debris from aisles with the use of attachments on the forklift.
- Supported the shipping department with prompt loading and unloading tasks utilizing a variety of specialized attachments on the forklift as needed.
- Collaborated with other warehouse team members, ensuring smooth workflow through effective communication during forklift operations.
- Expedited shipment processes by accurately pulling orders from inventory shelves using a forklift following pick tickets specifications.
- Transported stowed product inventory to various locations throughout unit, labeling and replenishing inventory items, making boxes and loading and unloading trailers to keep stock in proper condition.
- Packed items into appropriate containers for shipment.
- Fostered positive working relationships with colleagues and supervisors, promoting teamwork and collaboration within the warehouse environment while executing daily forklift tasks.
- Kept up-to-date on company policies and procedures relating to forklift operations through continuous training sessions and self-directed learning.
- Turned in paperwork outlining orders for inspection before loading, marking load tickets for out of stock items, withholding or completing orders as necessary and inspecting trucks before departure.
- Drove carts, dollies, hand trucks, mobile power-propelled trucks and other moving equipment to move large quantities of merchandise.
- Assisted with periodic physical inventory counts, ensuring accuracy and integrity in stock records through meticulous tracking of items moved via the use of a warehouse forklift operator.
- Safeguarded quality of products stored in the warehouse by ensuring proper stacking techniques and adherence to weight restrictions while operating a forklift.
- Monitored area for pedestrian and vehicular traffic while operating various types of equipment.
- Assisted in inventory management through accurate record-keeping of forklift operations and stock movement.
- Maneuvered forklift safely in congested and confined areas using Skills and Techniques.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing on-the-job training to new forklift operators, ensuring proper handling techniques were followed at all times.
- Manually counted Number of picked and packaged orders for any loss.
- Aided in the reduction of overall lead time, promptly transporting materials from receiving dock to designated storage areas using a forklift.
- Streamlined order processing with efficient materials handling and accurate placement of goods using a forklift in designated locations.
- Operated forklift in compliance with OSHA guidelines and organizational policies.
- Operated equipment safely and efficiently to prevent damage to items and avoid injuries.
- Maneuvered forklift safely using appropriate load rates and maintaining clear visibility of work areas.
- Communicated with floor managers to determine merchandise placement.
- Kept accurate records of materials moved within warehouse to quickly locate inventory and keep facility operating smoothly.
- Used strapping and bracing techniques combined with proper balancing to prevent load shifting.
- Coordinated with other lift truck drivers and production personnel to process orders efficiently.
- Positioned lifting devices under, over or around loaded pallets or boxes to secure material or products for transport to designated areas.
- Operated or tended automatic stacking, loading and packaging machines.
- Assessed equipment for damage, wear, battery life, and fluid levels.
- Moved levers or controls to operate forklifts, lifting beams with swivel-hooks and hoists to transport and load materials.
- Adjusted machinery and notified supervisors of malfunctions.
- Coordinated team member movements based on current needs, avoiding safety concerns, or delays.
Education
High School Diploma -
Herbert Hoover High
San Diego, CA06.1995
Skills
- Loading efficiency
- Shipping and receiving
- Sorting and labeling
- Shipment processing
- Pallet jack operation
- Unloading proficiency
- Stacking accuracy
- Inventory accuracy
- Warehouse safety
- Forklift operation
- Problem-solving
- Loading and unloading
- Truck loading and unloading
- Forklift operations
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Loader and Unloader
Dorman Products
09.2024 - 09.2025
Warehouse Forklift Operator
Ralphs Grocery Distribution Center
09.2006 - 09.2024
High School Diploma -
Herbert Hoover High