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Material Handler

Sonoco · DeForest, WI · Full time

Posted Aug 21, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you made a mistake moving or counting material. How did you fix it?

What they are checking: Whether they own and report errors quickly, since wrong material at the line costs time and product.

Tell me about your attendance record. What helps you show up every shift?

What they are checking: Whether they have the excellent attendance the posting says is crucial for the team.

What would you do

You notice damaged product on a pallet going to the packing line. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they have the eye for defects the posting asks for and will stop bad product from moving.

This is third shift, Sunday through Thursday, with overtime when needed. How does that fit your life?

What they are checking: Whether they can commit to an overnight schedule and flexible overtime without frequent call-offs.

A pedestrian walks into your path in a busy aisle. How do you handle the traffic around you?

What they are checking: Whether they drive defensively and treat pedestrian safety as their responsibility.

Two departments both need material from you right now. How do you decide who gets it first?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize by production need and communicate instead of picking whoever yells loudest.

About the work

Tell me about your forklift experience. What types of trucks have you driven and what loads?

What they are checking: Whether they can safely drive and handle raw materials and finished goods from day one.

Walk me through your pre-shift forklift inspection.

What they are checking: Whether they actually check brakes, forks, horn and fluids rather than just signing the sheet.

How do you keep track of which materials go where so the line never runs out?

What they are checking: Whether they stay organized and plan ahead so production does not stop waiting for material.

How do you stack and secure a load so it does not shift or fall?

What they are checking: Whether they understand load stability, which prevents product damage and serious injuries.

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The full job description

As published by Sonoco.

Position: Material Handler Location: DeForest, WI Shift: 6pm - 2am; beginning on Sunday at 6pm Wage: $29.38/hour From a small family business to a multi-billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people. While reporting to the Shipping Supervisor, the Material Handler is responsible for operating a forklift while handling raw materials and finished goods. What you’ll be doing: • Operates forklift during routine performance of duties. • Unloads, receives, inspects, and stages raw materials, scrap dunnage, packaging materials, chemicals, and other supplies. • Removes finished products from the production areas ensuring proper identification, banding, and labeling to meet customer specifications. • Responsible for replenishing supplies in assigned areas. • Reviews warehouse production control schedule to determine duties for shipping and receiving. • Ensure finished goods are properly documented for shipment. • Stages and loads finished goods and materials in accordance with warehouse production control schedule. • Lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally. • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment. • Supports and follows the guidelines of the food safety system. • Performs other job-related duties as assigned. We’d love to hear from you if: • You have previous forklift experience in a fast-paced environment • You are safety oriented. • Familiar with rules and regulations for handling LP gas tanks. • Familiar with the use of banders, stretch wrappers, and other packaging processes. • Able to work the assigned schedule and overtime as required. At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee. Benefits • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options • 401(k) retirement plan with company match • Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services • Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family • Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance • Tuition reimbursement We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

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