As the economies of underdeveloped nations continue to bow to the pressures from global conflicts, more people from these countries are cashing in their chips and exploring other opportunities abroad. Among the first world countries, the United States of America is a top choice among migrants thanks to its large job market driven by a strong economy.
There are different ways willing immigrants can get work visas to live and work in the United States of America. However, this article will be focussing on the warehouse industry and how immigrants can obtain employer sponsored visas to relocate to the State of Texas as warehouse workers.
Warehousing in Texas is a very big industry. The state’s size and geographic location gives it a unique advantage that has made it the top destination for warehousing businesses in the USA. The Texas Triangle, comprising 35 counties, boasts an impressive economy that if combined, would form the 15th largest economy in the world. Approximately 20 million residents reside in the four major metros within this region, and this number is expected to grow by nearly 50%, surpassing 29 million by 2040.
In 2022, the economic output of the Texas Triangle was a staggering $1.7 trillion, making it the 4th largest state economy in the United States.
Dallas/Fort Worth, the northern apex of the Texas Triangle, is projected to surpass Chicago in population by 2034-2035, becoming the third most populous urban region in the U.S. with a population of 9.4 million. Additionally, the state of Texas also boasts of a number of top sea ports within its borders such as the Port of Beaumont known as the No. 1 strategic military port in the US and the Port of Corpus Christi which serves as a gateway to international and domestic maritime commerce.
The Texas warehouse market has witnessed remarkable growth. Absorption rates have escalated significantly, with the five major Texas markets experiencing a surge from 28 million sq. ft. in 2015 to over 87 million sq. ft. in 2022. Texas surpassed its 2021 record-breaking totals, setting the bar even higher. Warehousing facilities benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure, robust transportation networks, and access to third-party logistics (3PL) services, making Texas an attractive hub for eCommerce businesses.
Warehouse Worker Job Description in Texas, US
A warehouse worker in the United States plays a crucial role in the logistics and operations of a warehouse. Their responsibilities involve receiving, processing, storing, and dispatching inventory based on purchase orders and shipping schedules. Here are the key duties and qualifications for this role:
- Collecting Merchandise: Warehouse workers collect merchandise from the distribution center and safely transport materials to the shipping bay.
- Receiving and Documenting: They receive and document merchandise for delivery or return.
- Inventory Management: Warehouse workers maintain an inventory of all merchandise entering or exiting the warehouse.
- Damage Identification: They identify any missing, lost, or damaged materials and promptly notify their supervisor.
- Packing and Labelling: Ensuring that all merchandise is safely and securely packed and labelled for shipping.
- Careful Handling: Managing all merchandise with appropriate care.
- Training Assistance: Assisting in training newly employed workers.
- Label Scanning: Scanning labels to ensure products are shipped to the correct destination.
To competently work in the warehouse industry in the US, you would need to possess the following skills:
- Organizational Skills: Warehouse workers need good organizational skills to manage inventory efficiently.
- Physical Strength: Lifting and moving inventory is a significant part of the job.
- Attention to Detail: Keeping detailed records of warehouse activities is essential.
- Safety Awareness: Adhering to safety standards while handling materials.
Common Certifications for Warehouse Work in the US
For those considering a starting career in warehouse operations, obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your skills, improve job prospects, and potentially lead to higher-paying positions. Here are some warehouse certifications you can consider:
1. Certified Logistics Associate/Warehouse Distribution Certification
This certificate is offered by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Its main goal is to repair warehouse workers for various material handling roles, including freight stockers, forklift operators, logistics specialists, and traffic clerks. Key learning objectives include understanding security issues in logistical operations. The training duration demands a total of 58 hours and applicants would need to have a High school diploma or GED, meet the minimum age of 18, and be proficient in computer applications.
2. Qualified Warehouse Logistics Professional (QWLP)
This particular training is provided by the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) and targets emerging professionals in the logistics and warehousing industry. To be eligible, you must have at least one year of experience in warehousing or logistics. Educational requirements also include courses in warehousing essentials, economics, safety, risk, and technology. Certification maintenance involves renewal fees and continuing education..
3. OSHA Safety Certificate
OSHA’s saefty certificate program focuses mainly on workplace safety and hazard prevention. It is an essential training for all kinds of warehouse workers as it ensures compliance with safety regulations.
4. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
The EPA certification is a special program that is relevant for warehouse workers handling amusement equipment or machinery. Amongst other things, the program mainly emphasises safety protocols and maintenance.
Visa Types and Application Process for Warehouse Workers in Texas
There are several visa options available that allow immigrants to move to Texas and work in the Warehousing industry.
1- H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
The H-1B visa is a crucial pathway for skilled foreign workers seeking employment in the United States. The H-1B visa falls under the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 101(a)(15)(H), allowing U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialty occupations. A specialty occupation requires “Theoretical and Practical Application” which simply means the job involves specialized knowledge. To qualify for this Visa, applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in the specific specialty.
Eligibility: To qualify for an H-1B visa, you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer, work in a field that requires specialized knowledge, and also possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in the relevant specialty. The H-1B visa is commonly used in fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, education, and law.
Application Process: Employers would need to file Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) on behalf of the prospective employee. The employer must also demonstrate that the position qualifies as a specialty occupation. If approved, the employee can work in the U.S. for the specified period. However, the H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap, and demand often exceeds supply.
4. Portability: The H-1B petitions are portable, meaning beneficiaries can switch jobs within the same visa category. Even if currently employed or terminated, beneficiaries can begin new H-1B employment with a different employer.
2. L-1 Visa
The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign workers to enter the United States for work purposes. It is mostly used for intracompany transfers, enabling U.S. employers to transfer executives or managers from affiliated foreign offices to their U.S. offices. Additionally, the L-1 Visa also allows foreign companies without a U.S. office to send an executive or manager to establish one in the United States
Eligibility: The employer must file a Form I-129(Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) on behalf of the employee. The L-1A visa holder can stay for up to seven years (initial period plus extensions). Also, the L-1B visa holder can stay for up to five years (initial period plus extensions).
Benefits: One remarkable quality of this visa is that it allows professionals to transfer their skills from abroad to the U.S. Additionally, this visa facilitates collaboration between foreign and U.S. offices and enables executives and managers to oversee operations in the U.S.
3- The TN Visa
The TN visa (under the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA) is a valuable option for professionals from Canada and Mexico who wish to work in the United States. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico. Your profession must also meet the regulations for TN classification. Eligible professions include accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers.
Additionally, the U.S. position must require a NAFTA professional. You would also need a prearranged full-time or part-time job with a U.S. employer (self-employment is not eligible). You must have the qualifications to practice in your profession.
Unlike Mexican citizens, Canadian citizens can generally seek admission as nonimmigrants without a visa. The TN category reflects this exemption from the visa requirement.
Current Warehouse Work Opportunities in Texas paying $15/hr and above
1. Shipper at Continental Carbon
- Location: Sunray, TX 79086
- Salary: Starting from $25 per hour
- Responsibilities: Includes tasks like warehouse belt drop cleaning, tank switching, and gauging
2. Maintenance Technician at Polymer Adhesives Sealant Systems, Inc
- Location: Mineral Wells, TX 76067
- Salary: $25 – $30 per hour
- Requirements: High school diploma/GED and production maintenance experience.
3. Sit-down Forklift Operator at Daikin/Goodman Manufacturing
- Location: Waller, TX 77484
- Salary: Starting from $18.45 per hour
- Requirements: Qualified applicants will not require employer-sponsored work authorization.
4. Warehouse Associate at Autozone
- Location: Terrell, TX 75160
- Salary: $17.90 – $18.90 per hour
- Benefits: 401(k) with company match and stock purchase plan.
5. Part-Time Warehouse Administrative Assistant at New Converge Medical Technology, LLC
- Location: Austin, TX 78737
- Salary: $22 per hour
- Work Schedule: 32 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
- Preferred Experience: Working in a warehouse and using RF scanners.
6. Warehouse Associate at H&K Smart Fence Inc
- Location: Pattison, TX 77423
- Salary: $17 – $18 per hour
- Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
- Basic computer and warehouse tools experience required.
7. Warehouse Support Associate at Austin Home Systems
- Location: Pflugerville, TX 78660
- Salary: $20 – $25 per hour
- Work Schedule: Full-time (8-hour shift)
- Responsibilities: Keeping track of picklists and updating them.
8. Warehouse Associate at Marcone Appliance Parts
- Location: Denton, TX 76205
- Salary: Starting from $20 per hour
- Requirements: Basic math skills and attention to detail.
9. Service Technician at Rent Equip
- Location: Dripping Springs, TX 78620
- Salary: Starting from $860 per week
- Work Schedule: Full-time (47.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
- Requirements: Basic experience with gasoline/diesel engines and hydraulic systems.