In this palletizing the operators arrange items into the desired pattern used to form the unit load. Since the ergonomics of loading and unloading are important e.g., vertically, the prime working zone is between the knees and the chest and horizontally it reaches of more than 24 inches with a load should be avoided. Lifting and turning of tables is often used. Semi-mechanized palletizers use operators to arrange items into the desired pattern for each layer of the unit load and a powered device is used to transfer layers onto a pallet and then lower the load for the next layer.

Manual palletizing is still commonly found in many of todays factories. Some general sources estimate it to be used by over 100,000 firms. Manual palletizing requires very little training, not being a job requiring human intuition or skill. Proposed regulations made a large impact on human palletizing due to the repetitive motion injuries palletizing can cause. Case weights and speed would be impacted. Worker Compensation claims are still an active issue, however. Workers performing palletizing are generally among some of the lowest paid in a factory's workplace.