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Cargo Ship Unloading Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd

Mechanic

Curtis Bay, MD · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

Operate, Install, maintain, diagnose, and repair equipment/instrumentation related to the unloading, loading, transfer and storage of cargo including conveying equipment, gearboxes, ship loader, and ...

Pangaea Baltimore LLC

Mechanic

Baltimore, MD

$27 - $35/hr

Operate, Install, maintain, diagnose, and repair equipment/instrumentation related to the unloading, loading, transfer and storage of cargo including conveying equipment, gearboxes, ship loader, and ...

Savard Personnel Group

Lead Stevedore

Houston, TX · On-site

Lead and supervise the stevedore crew working inside the ship's hatch (cargo hold) * Coordinate and direct unloading operations to ensure safe and efficient cargo movement * Work closely with crane ...

Savard Group

Lead Stevedore

Houston, TX · On-site

$21/hr

Lead and supervise the stevedore crew working inside the ship's hatch (cargo hold) * Coordinate and direct unloading operations to ensure safe and efficient cargo movement * Work closely with crane ...

Cargo Largo

Warehouse Shipper

Kansas City, MO

$19/hr

Cargo Largo is a dynamic, growing company. We have unmatched variety - product and roles for ... Create shipping label in World Ship * Stack. Place shipments on pallets for pickup * Hand Lift.

Savard Labor

Marine Crane Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

... ship-mounted, pedestal, or marine cranes. Must have a valid TWIC Card Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and climbing onto vessels. Experience loading and unloading bulk cargo ...

Mancan

Furniture Installer

Fort Myers, FL

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

... ships, or containers, by hand or using moving materials Read work orders or receive oral ... Sort cargo before loading and unloading. Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with ...

Bowline Marinas LLC

Dock Hand

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Responsibilities: * Assist in the loading and unloading of cargo, supplies, and equipment from ... Communicate effectively with ship crews and dock supervisors to coordinate vessel movements and ...

Staff Solve

Warehouse Checker

Houston, TX · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

... cargo throughout the loading and unloading processes. Additionally, Cargo Checkers may be responsible for operating equipment such as cranes or forklifts to help move cargo to and from ships or ...

Savard Group

Marine Crane Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Experience operating ship-mounted, pedestal, or marine cranes. * Must have a valid TWIC Card ... Experience loading and unloading bulk cargo, breakbulk, steel, project cargo, or heavy materials.

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Cargo Ship Unloading information

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$12

$19

$25

How much do cargo ship unloading jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship unloading in the United States is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is cargo ship unloading?

A Cargo Ship Unloading job involves the process of offloading goods, containers, or bulk materials from a cargo ship at a port or dock. Workers use equipment like cranes, forklifts, and conveyor belts to move cargo safely and efficiently. The job requires physical labor, attention to safety protocols, and coordination with other dock workers to ensure smooth operations. It is essential for global trade, helping transport goods to warehouses, distribution centers, or other destinations.

What is a typical workday like for someone in cargo ship unloading?

A typical day in cargo ship unloading involves working in shifts to move goods from ships to storage or transportation areas using specialized equipment, often in varying weather conditions. Team members usually collaborate closely to coordinate unloading schedules and uphold strict safety standards throughout the process. The job can be physically demanding, requiring lifting, bending, and sustained attention to detail to prevent damage or loss of goods. You’ll also interact regularly with dock supervisors, equipment operators, and truck drivers, making strong communication and teamwork vital assets in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in cargo ship unloading, and why are they important?

To thrive in Cargo Ship Unloading, individuals need physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and experience with basic logistics or warehouse operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with dock equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, and sometimes OSHA safety certifications is highly beneficial. Strong teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability are important soft skills in this environment. These qualities help ensure efficient cargo handling, minimize workplace accidents, and support smooth coordination among crew members.

Can I work on a cargo ship unloading with no experience?

Cargo ship unloading jobs often do not require prior experience, as employers typically provide on-the-job training for tasks such as handling cargo, operating equipment, and following safety protocols. Physical fitness, the ability to work in a team, and adherence to safety standards are important, and some positions may require certifications like OSHA or STCW depending on the employer and location.

How much do cargo ship unloaders make?

Cargo ship unloaders typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and union membership. Overtime and shift differentials can increase overall pay, and the job often requires physical strength and the use of specialized equipment like forklifts or cranes.
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Cargo Ship Unloading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Ship Unloading job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,176 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Facility Service Operator

Gulfstar Industries LLC

Kingwood, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 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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