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Cargo Ship Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Premier West Transport Inc

Be Seen First

OTR Driver

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... ships Nationwide. Responsibilities: ~ safely operate a tractor trailer ~load or unload cargo ... L driving record (Required) ~Ability to handle physical workloads(for loading and unloading ...

Premier West Transport Inc

Be Seen First

OTR Driver

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... ships Nationwide. Responsibilities: ~ safely operate a tractor trailer ~load or unload cargo ... L driving record (Required) ~Ability to handle physical workloads(for loading and unloading ...

Valtir LLC

Equipment Operator/Driver

Bloomsburg, PA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

What you'll do: • Receive, store and ship materials and related reporting in accordance with ... cargo • Maintains radio or telephone contact with dispatcher to receive delivery or pick up ...

Victory Air & Equipment Llc

Driver

Geismar, LA

$15 - $18/hr

Load and unload cargo, frequently lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds * Follow established ... Pack, label, and ship orders accurately and efficiently * Assist with loading and unloading trucks

Valtir LLC

Equipment Operator/Driver

Glenn Dale, MD · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

What you'll do: • Receive, store and ship materials and related reporting in accordance with ... cargo • Maintains radio or telephone contact with dispatcher to receive delivery or pick up ...

Victory Air & Equipment Llc

Driver

Geismar, LA

$15 - $18/hr

Load and unload cargo, frequently lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds * Follow established ... Pack, label, and ship orders accurately and efficiently * Assist with loading and unloading trucks

Valtir LLC

Equipment Operator/Driver

Villa Rica, GA · On-site

What you'll do: • Receive, store and ship materials and related reporting in accordance with ... cargo • Maintains radio or telephone contact with dispatcher to receive delivery or pick up ...

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All JobsCargo Ship Driver Jobs

Cargo Ship Driver information

See salary details

$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.
More about Cargo Ship Driver jobs
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.
Independent Contractor - Sprinter Van / High Roof Cargo Van

Independent Contractor - Sprinter Van / High Roof Cargo Van

Hackbarth Delivery Service

Pensacola, FL • On-site

$1K - $1K/wk

Contractor

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description
We are seeking reliable drivers for Monday - Friday starting at 5am to 3pm. The end time is determined by the specific route.
The driver will be handling retail, wholesale, industrial, and medical supplies (may include installations, servicing, pickups, and deliveries) and this may involve entering residential homes. All routes are 5 days/week with occasional Saturdays.
  • Current Cargo/Sprinter Van opportunity offers gross earnings up to $600-$1500/week
  • Must own or lease: Full-Sized High Roof Cargo Van or Sprinter Van
  • Schedules Available:
    • Monday - Friday starting at 5am to 3pm. The end time may vary according to the route.
  • Miles: Typically, 50 - 150 /day (in-town) or 150-350/day (out-of-town) round trip.
  • Current Box Truck opportunity offers gross earnings up to $1000-$1800/week
  • Vehicle type needed: 16ft Box Truck
  • Schedules Available:
    • Monday - Friday starting at 5am to 3pm. The end time may vary according to the route.
  • Miles: Typically, 50 - 150 /day (in-town) or 150-350/day (out-of-town) round trip
  • Services: Final mile delivery, warehousing, customized logistics solutions, retail pool distribution, route optimization, regional same day and overnight, LTL &FTL, appliance delivery and installation, white glove assembly, hot shot, inside residential deliveries, inventory management, Nationwide Implementation Partner, Pick-Pack-Ship, ecommerce.
  • Weight: Heaviest piece weighs 50 lbs. May have 3-5 of these per day or more

Requirements:
  • This is a 1099 position and couriers must own or lease cargo, or sprinter van.
  • Must be over 21
  • Must be able to undergo a background check, motor vehicle report and drug test

An Equal Opportunity Employer
*Follow us on FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN for more of the latest news & updates. https://www.facebook.com/HackbarthDelivery/https://www.linkedin.com/company/hackbarth-delivery-service/

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