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Cargo Ship Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Watco

Checker - Houston, TX

Houston, TX

$19 - $20/hr

... ships, barges, and terminal warehouses. Checkers will utilize paperwork, and often use handheld ... with drivers, clerks, warehouse personnel, security guards to coordinate logistics of cargo ...

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$13

$21

$36

How much do cargo ship driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship driver in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cargo Ship Driver vs Cargo Vessel Operator?

AspectCargo Ship DriverCargo Vessel Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), maritime certificationsMaritime licenses, captain's license
Work EnvironmentOn-road, port terminals, docksOnboard ships, ports, maritime routes
Industry UsageFreight transportation, logistics companiesShipping companies, maritime industry
Job FocusDriving cargo trucks, transporting goodsOperating and managing cargo ships

While both roles involve cargo transportation, a Cargo Ship Driver primarily operates trucks on land, whereas a Cargo Vessel Operator manages and navigates cargo ships at sea. The roles differ in credentials, environment, and industry focus, but both are essential in the logistics and shipping sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cargo Ship Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cargo Ship Driver (also known as a Ship Captain or Marine Pilot), you need extensive maritime knowledge, navigational expertise, and typically a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) along with completion of relevant maritime training. Familiarity with radar systems, GPS navigation, electronic chart display information systems (ECDIS), and international maritime regulations is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for managing crew and ensuring safe operations. These skills and qualifications are vital for navigating complex shipping routes, ensuring cargo safety, and complying with international laws.

What are some common challenges faced by cargo ship drivers and how can they be managed?

Cargo ship drivers, often referred to as ship captains or marine pilots, frequently encounter challenges such as navigating in adverse weather conditions, adhering to strict shipping schedules, and ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations. Effective communication with crew members and port authorities is essential to address these challenges. Staying updated with the latest navigation technologies and safety protocols can help cargo ship drivers manage risks and maintain efficient operations while at sea.

What does a cargo ship driver do?

A cargo ship driver, more commonly known as a ship captain or marine pilot, is responsible for navigating and operating large vessels that transport goods across oceans and seas. Their duties include ensuring the safe passage of the ship, managing the crew, overseeing cargo operations, and complying with international maritime laws. They use advanced navigation systems, monitor weather conditions, and make critical decisions to ensure the safety and efficiency of the voyage. Ship captains also communicate with port authorities and coordinate docking and undocking procedures. This role requires extensive training, licensing, and experience at sea.
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What cities are hiring for Cargo Ship Driver jobs? Cities with the most Cargo Ship Driver job openings:
What states have the most Cargo Ship Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Cargo Ship Driver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cargo Ship Driver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cargo Ship Driver jobs are:
Cargo Ship Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Ship Driver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Facility Service Operator

Facility Service Operator

Gulfstar Industries LLC

Kingwood, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Facility Services Operator performs a variety of duties at refinery and terminal customer locations, including connecting/ disconnect tanker trucks, rail cars, cargo ships or barges for loading or unloading liquid or bulk cargo and light facility maintenance.
  • Spot, connect, disconnect Tank Trucks or Rail Cars for loading or unloading liquid or bulk cargos.
  • Monitor the loading or unloading of Tank Trucks or Rail Cars.
  • Spot, connect, disconnect cargo hoses to or from Cargo Ships or Barges for the loading or unloading of liquid or bulk cargos.
  • Monitor and Operate Shore Side Flare or VDU (vapor destruction unit).
  • Monitor the loading or unloading of Cargo Ships or Barges.
  • Ability to Climb Stair Ways and / or Ladders for Gauging, Sampling, and Gathering Temperatures on Shore Tanks, Tank Trucks, or Rail Cars.
  • Ability to Climb Gangways for Boarding Cargo Ships or Barges.
  • Open and Close Valves throughout the Facility for Transfers to or from Shore Tanks to Tank. Trucks, Rail Cars, Cargo Ships, Barges, or Shore Tank to Shore Tank.
  • Obtain Certifications and Operate Forklifts and Shore Side Cranes.
  • Operate Locomotive and/or work the ground for In-Plant Rail Car Switching.
  • Clear and Clean Shore Side Pipelines and Hoses for Various Liquid Cargos.
  • Perform Facility Specific Duties in Accordance with Facility and Gulfstar SOP's.
  • Perform Light Plant Maintenance Up to and Including Housekeeping and Lawn Services as needed or requested.
  • Fill in or cover as needed at other Facilities and Call-Out Docks.
  • Attend and participate in all company Safety Meetings.
  • Attend and participate in Customer Safety Meetings.
  • Perform JSA's (job safety analysis).
  • Attend and Maintain Area Safety Council Training.
  • Adhere to Company and Facility Specific Safety Guidelines.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
  • TWIC - Must posses a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC).
  • Medical Certification - Must clear a Pre-Employment Examination.
  • Drug & Alcohol Clearance - Must pass and remain compliant with Pre-Employment, Annual, Random, Post Incident, and Reasonable Suspicion for DCCHA Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy.
  • Drivers License - Must posses a valid Driver's License in resident state.
  • Rail Car Experience a plus

Success Factors
  • Self Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
  • Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  • Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  • Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Physical Demands
  • Multilimbed Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Walking - Walk one to four miles per job.
  • Weight - Lift, grip, pull or hold up to 80 pounds to waist and carry up to 300 feet.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Working Conditions
  • Environment - Work outside in environmental conditions which at times include extreme heat or extreme cold. Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Technology
  • Employee Information Management Systems - QuickBase
  • CBT Safety Training Software - Complete all safety training topics, as they are assigned through Moxie Media.
  • Company Cell Phone - Review and respond to company email communications, as needed.

Tools
  • Hand Tools -
  • GSI issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • PPE - Employee is required to provide and maintain their own hand tools

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