Ship Loader
A ship loader, also referred to as a longshoreman or stevedore, is a vital professional in the shipping industry, responsible for loading and unloading cargo from ships. This role involves verifying cargo counts, operating various loading equipment, and collaborating with teammates to ensure that goods are transported safely and efficiently. Ship loaders typically work outdoors at docks, warehouses, and wharves, often in challenging weather conditions, and they face physical demands such as heavy lifting and operating machinery.
To succeed in this occupation, individuals generally need a high school diploma, and while on-the-job training is common, courses in machinery operation and inventory control from technical schools can enhance employability. Ship loaders earn an annual median salary of around $60,530, with job growth projected to be slower than average at 1% to 5%. The role necessitates strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask, as safety and accuracy are paramount during the loading and unloading process. As shipping plays a crucial role in global trade, ship loaders contribute significantly to the movement of goods worldwide.
Ship Loader
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales & Service
Interests: Computers, shipping technology, inventory, machine maintenance, heavy machinery
Earnings (Yearly Median): $60,530 annual $29.10 hourly
Employment & Outlook: 1% to 5% (Slower than average)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Ship loaders, also known as longshoremen and stevedores, work in the shipping industry, performing various tasks related to cargo transportation on shipping vessels. Their primary responsibilities include verifying the barge load numbers, operating the loading and unloading equipment, and collaborating with other workers to ensure goods travel securely. Ship loaders can safeguard a wide range of cargo as they travel to their destination using heavy machinery and handheld scanning technology. The job involves a lot of physically demanding tasks and, therefore, requires stamina.
Work Environment. Ship loaders work in an assortment of environments, including warehouses, wharvfs, and docks. Typically, a ship loader will work outside in all kinds of weather. Because of the machinery used and the physical nature of the job, there are several hazards a ship loader needs to be aware of. Sometimes the cargo itself can be hazardous as well. For example, ship loaders must be cautious when moving liquid cargo such as chemicals, petroleum, or gasoline.
Occupation Interest. A career in the shipping industry tends to attract individuals who enjoy physical labor and who do not want to be trapped behind a desk all day. Most ship loaders have had some background in the shipping industry, and many start as a laborer in a warehouse. Ship loaders have a strong eye for detail and are good at multitasking. They must also be collaborators, as it takes many loaders to get the job done.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. In the ship-loading profession, accuracy and safety are essential. Workers must monitor and verify cargo as it is loaded and unloaded from warehouse to ship. During the loading and unloading process, ship loaders collaborate with other workers to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. They use a variety of technologies, including forklifts, cranes, and X-ray machines. Their daily work involves a lot of physically demanding tasks, such as bending, lifting, and pushing handcarts.
Before cargo loading begins, ship loaders verify the count to ensure all scheduled items are shipped. Different loading technology is used depending on the cargo. Commonly used loading technologies include conveyors, mechanical hoists, cranes, and forklifts. The movement of the cargo is constantly monitored during this process. If liquid materials are being shipped, ship loaders weigh the containers to ensure the proper amount gets loaded. They use computers to record the quantity shipped, the weight of the cargo, operating times, and other important information.
When the cargo arrives at its destination, workers perform many of the same duties as when the cargo was first loaded. They ensure the correct amount of cargo has arrived and use various loading technologies to move the shipment from the ship to the dock, warehouse, or wharf. From there, the cargo is often loaded onto trucks for delivery to its final destination.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Ship loaders work in different dock, wharf, and warehouse environments in all kinds of weather. Warehouses are where much of the inventory control is done, while the loading and unloading occur at the docks and wharves. Safety standards must be adhered to at every location.
Human Environment. Ship loaders collaborate heavily with others in the shipping industry. Throughout the day, ship loaders interact with supervisors, machine operators, captains, and fellow ship loaders. Communication is essential to be sure cargo arrives safely and on time.
Technological Environment. Ship loaders use various technology, ranging from handheld tools to large machinery. Throughout the day, ship loaders use handheld inventory scanners, dollies, conveyors, mechanical hoists, cranes, and other items. Safety gear such as hard hats, gloves, and reflector vests are worn.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Many shipping companies require applicants to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. High school students can prepare for a job as a ship loader with introductory courses in mathematics, English, and any computer courses that teach the use of spreadsheets. Because computers are used often in inventory control, a basic understanding of them is essential.
Postsecondary. While most shipping companies do not require applicants to have a college education, there are many courses offered by community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools that would give an individual better knowledge of the profession. Although ship loaders typically receive on-the-job training, many obtain a professional background through one of these schools.
Technical and vocational schools provide instruction in various loading-machinery operations, such as cranes and forklifts. Ship loaders can only use many of these machines once they take a formal class on their function. These courses provide weeks of formal instruction and hands-on training from experienced instructors. Students are also taught to maintain these machines and comply with safety standards. Completing one of these courses will increase the chances of an individual being hired by a shipping company. Employers are more likely to hire someone with experience with the technology, so they do not have to spend time training them. These schools are also a great place to network with others in the industry.
Related Occupations
− Freight, Stock & Material Mover
Bibliography
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022; 53-7121 Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders." Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537121.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.