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Cargo Ship 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 computerized scanners. They find, evaluate, record all cargo, and support other needs of the operation.

Logistec

Ship Crane Operator

Gibsonton, FL · On-site

The Ship Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of ship-to-shore cranes to load and unload cargo at the marine terminal. This position plays a critical role in ensuring ...

Antillean Marine Shipping Corp

Stevedore

Miami, FL

Cargo Handling * Load and unload cargo from ships, trucks, and railcars by following clear work steps. * Secure cargo with ropes, slings, and other tools to prevent damage and movement. * Place and ...

Antillean Marine Shipping Corp

Stevedore

Miami, FL · On-site

Cargo Handling * Load and unload cargo from ships, trucks, and railcars by following clear work steps. * Secure cargo with ropes, slings, and other tools to prevent damage and movement. * Place and ...

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All JobsCargo Ship Jobs

Cargo Ship information

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$13

$21

$36

How much do cargo ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship 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 are some common challenges faced by crew members working on a cargo ship?

Crew members on cargo ships often face challenges such as long periods away from home, adapting to life at sea, and working in a multicultural environment. They must also be prepared for physically demanding tasks and irregular working hours, including night shifts and extended duty during port operations. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the crew works closely together to ensure safe navigation, cargo management, and compliance with international maritime regulations.

What Are Cargo Ship Jobs?

Cargo ship jobs include any positions involved in helping container ships transport freight from port to port across the world. Some of the different jobs include the captain, officers of the watch, engineers, electricians, other skilled tradespeople, and workers in the steward’s department. Your duties in each of these jobs differ significantly. For example, as a deckhand or able seaman, you maintain a clean and safe deck, paint the ship, and haul cargo. Deck officers oversee the deck, set watch, and report any issues to the captain or other deck masters. As the captain, you oversee the overall operation of the ship.

What are cargo ships?

Cargo ships are large vessels designed specifically to transport goods and materials across seas and oceans. They are a vital part of international trade, carrying everything from raw materials like oil and coal to finished products such as electronics and vehicles. Cargo ships come in various types, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, each specialized for different kinds of cargo. The crew on a cargo ship is responsible for the safe navigation, operation, and maintenance of the vessel during its journey. These ships follow strict safety and environmental regulations to ensure efficient and secure transportation.

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

To thrive as a Cargo Ship Officer, you need a solid background in maritime operations, navigation, and safety protocols, typically supported by a maritime degree and STCW certification. Familiarity with ship management systems, radar, GPS navigation tools, and cargo handling equipment is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help coordinate crew activities and ensure smooth operations. These competencies are crucial to maintain vessel safety, efficient cargo transport, and compliance with international regulations.
More about Cargo Ship jobs
What cities are hiring for Cargo Ship jobs? Cities with the most Cargo Ship job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Cargo Ship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cargo Ship jobs are:
Cargo Ship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Ship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Dating back to a century ago in 1923, T. Parker Host quickly developed a strong reputation for offering exceptional service and solutions as a ship agency. HOST is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States and handles nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers and cruise ships.

As agents, we represent principals from around the world and coordinate directly with both local and international parties for every ship we're appointed - improving efficiency for our customers. Host Agency continues to develop a strong worldwide network of relationships throughout the maritime community. In addition to immediately serving our customers' vessels, we offer a range of services to add value and support throughout the supply chain - from forwarding and documentation, to commodity reporting, to cargo monitoring. Position Summary: Entry-level position and springboard to embark on a career in the maritime field. Liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port.

Excellent opportunity for those looking to spend time in the field, as well as time in the office, handling communications and port expenses. Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule, working nights and weekends as needed based on vessels' schedules. Essential Responsibilities and Duties: Operations Management * Boarding of vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations * Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels * Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits * Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic when required * Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy * Be contactable at all times while on call and maintain readiness to respond to vessel requirements and changes of boarding schedules after office hours * Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications for specific calls or other questions arise * Travel to and provide operations support to other ports when required by the Host management team * Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members as required Regulatory * Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents, verify successful filings of reporting notices, and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames * Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames Service * Maintain professional acumen and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customer, stakeholder and industry relationships Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required: * Prior customer service experience, required.

Prior agency experience, a plus. * Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply. * Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record. * Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills * Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment * Analytical and problem-solving skills * Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in office and while mobile in the field * Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations * ASBA agency certified or willing to become within first three months of employment Physical Requirements: * Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water * Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms * Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs * Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow) HOST, and its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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