Warehouse Associate - Loader/Unloader - 2nd Shift Role Overview

In the heart of Ashland, Kentucky, Cintas Corporation is on the lookout for dedicated Warehouse Associates - Loader/Unloaders for the 2nd shift to join our thriving Rental Division. Picture this: the sun has set over the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky, and as the evening deepens, you're the backbone of our operation, ensuring that businesses across the region wake up to clean, crisp uniforms and fresh floor mats. This isn't just a job; it's a critical role in a supply chain that keeps over a million businesses nationwide Ready™ for the workday.

As a Loader/Unloader, you'll drive company trucks within our Ashland facility, strategically moving between soiled product drop-off zones and clean product loading bays. Your keen eye for detail ensures every uniform is accounted for, every mat is properly placed, and every truck leaves loaded to perfection according to precise customer routes. Working the 2nd shift means you thrive in a rhythm that aligns with evening energy, typically from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM or similar, offering a perfect balance for those who prefer afternoons and evenings over early mornings. At Cintas in Ashland, Kentucky, we value precision, speed, and safety, and we're seeking team members who embody these traits to help us maintain our reputation as a Fortune 500 leader.

The story of a typical new hire, let's call him Jake, begins with his first shift. Fresh from a job tryout where he proved his mettle, Jake steps into the bustling warehouse. The air hums with activity—forklifts beeping, loaders calling out confirmations, and the steady rhythm of pallets being stacked. Jake's day starts with a safety huddle, where the team reviews the route manifest. Armed with his valid driver's license and protective gear, he hops into a company truck, navigating the facility like a pro to unload the day's soiled linens from customer returns. The physical demands are real—lifting bundles up to 50 pounds, bending to secure loads—but Jake finds satisfaction in the tangible results of his labor.

A Day in the Life of a Cintas Loader/Unloader in Ashland, Kentucky

Imagine arriving at our state-of-the-art facility in Ashland, Kentucky, just as the afternoon light filters through the Ohio River Valley. Your shift kicks off with a team briefing: today's routes, any special customer requests, and safety reminders. Donning your Cintas-provided uniform and safety gear, you inspect your truck, ensuring it's fueled and ready. First task: drive to the soiled products area. Trucks arrive heavy with used uniforms and mats from local businesses—restaurants, hospitals, manufacturers all along the I-64 corridor.

You methodically unload, scanning items into our inventory system, separating damaged goods for repair. Attention to detail shines here; one missed uniform could disrupt a customer's entire operation. Transitioning to the clean side, you consult the digital manifest. Uniforms fresh from the plant, anti-fatigue mats rolled tight, shop towels bundled—you load them with efficiency, balancing weight distribution for road safety. It's a dance of speed and precision: stretch to reach high shelves, squat to secure bottom loads, bend to verify counts. By mid-shift, you've loaded a dozen trucks, each destined for routes serving Ashland, Huntington, West Virginia, and beyond.

Breaks offer camaraderie—sharing stories over vending machine snacks, discussing weekend plans for the nearby Carter Caves State Park. Back to work, you tackle end-of-day cleanup, sweeping bays and organizing equipment. As the shift winds down around 10:30 PM, you log your productivity metrics, consistently hitting or exceeding targets. Clocking out, you head home knowing you've played a pivotal role in keeping Kentucky businesses sharp and safe. This rhythm builds resilience, skills, and pride in Ashland's industrial heartbeat.

Why Ashland, Kentucky?

Ashland, Kentucky, perched on the confluence of the Ohio River and Big Sandy River, is more than a dot on the map—it's a gateway to opportunity in the Appalachian foothills. With a population of around 21,000, this city blends small-town charm with big-city access. Just minutes from Huntington, West Virginia, and a stone's throw from Ironton, Ohio, Ashland offers affordable living—median home prices hover at $140,000, far below national averages. Yet, you're 90 minutes from Lexington's horse country or Charleston's vibrancy.

Nestled in Boyd County, Ashland boasts a rich industrial heritage, from AK Steel's legacy to modern logistics hubs along US Route 23. Cintas' presence here taps into this workforce tradition, providing stable jobs amid the region's economic revival. Outdoor enthusiasts revel in nearby Ashland State Park for hiking, or the scenic trails of the Highlands Nature Center. Families appreciate top-rated schools like Ashland Community and Technical College for career training, and Paul Blazer High School for education. Culturally, the Paramount Arts Center hosts Broadway shows, while the Fourth Street Refresh food scene delights with local eats like The Greenbo Lake Restaurant.

Working 2nd shift at Cintas means enjoying Ashland's daytime perks—morning farmers markets, afternoon river walks—while earning premium shift differentials. Low crime rates, vibrant community events like the King of the Hill Festival, and proximity to major interstates make Ashland ideal for building a life and career. At Cintas, you're not just loading trucks; you're investing in a community where your hard work fuels local prosperity.

Career Growth at Cintas in Ashland, Kentucky

Cintas isn't a dead-end warehouse gig; it's a launchpad. Start as a Loader/Unloader, master operations, and climb. Many Ashland team members advance to Route Service Sales Rep, managing customer relationships and driving revenue. From there, supervisory roles like Warehouse Supervisor or Production Manager await, overseeing shifts and teams. High performers enter Cintas University's training programs, earning certifications in logistics, safety, and leadership.

Our ESOP means you're an owner—your success directly boosts your wealth. Internal promotions fill 80% of management positions. Jake, our example hire, went from unloader to service supervisor in 18 months, now training the next generation. In Ashland, with our facility's growth serving expanding Tri-State routes, opportunities abound. Skills like inventory management translate to corporate logistics roles in Cincinnati headquarters. Commit to growth, and Cintas invests in you.

Compensation & Benefits

Earn competitive wages starting around $17-20/hour plus 2nd shift differential, translating to $35,000-$45,000 annually with overtime potential. Benefits shine: medical plans with one free option, dental, vision below national averages. 401(k) matching, profit sharing, ESOP ownership. Fully paid life, disability, AD&D insurance. Generous PTO, holidays, tuition reimbursement. Uniforms, gear provided free. Wellness incentives, employee assistance programs round out a package valuing your whole life.

Cintas Culture in Ashland, Kentucky

Our culture? Family-owned roots since 1929, now Fortune 500 scale with heart. In Ashland, we foster respect, integrity, teamwork. Daily huddles build bonds; recognition programs celebrate wins. Diversity thrives—veterans, locals, career-changers united. Safety first: zero-harm goals with cutting-edge training. Fun shines through potlucks, BBQs at Greenup County Park, team outings to Reds games. Be honest, hardworking, customer-focused—you'll thrive in our Ready-for-Work™ ethos.

How to Apply

Ready to load up your future? Apply online at Cintas.com/careers, search requisition 216509 for Ashland, Kentucky. Submit resume highlighting warehouse/physical work. Expect application review, interviews, paid job tryout for realistic preview. Top candidates advance to background/drug screen. We hire holistically—past doesn't define you. Join us; posting open 5+ days.

FAQ

Q: What shifts are available? 2nd shift, typically 2-10:30 PM, Monday-Friday.
Q: Is experience required? Preferred but not mandatory; training provided.
Q: What's the dress code? Cintas uniforms and safety gear supplied.
Q: Do you hire felons? Case-by-case; criminal history doesn't auto-disqualify.
Q: Benefits start when? Day one for most; medical after 90 days.