1

Container Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Founded in 1996 in South Africa and identified in London Stock Exchange's '1000 Companies to Inspire Britain', M&S Logistics is a global tank container operator specialising in the intermodal ...

Export Coordinator - Tank Container

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

Description: Leading Freight Forwarder / NVOCC/ Customs House Broker/ Tank Container Operator, with locations in 24 countries and over 3300 employees strong, is seeking a highly motivated and ...

Apply Early

Export Operator

Pearland, TX ยท On-site

$40K - $52K/yr

Founded in 1996 in South Africa and identified in London Stock Exchange's '1000 Companies to Inspire Britain', M&S Logistics is a global tank container operator specialising in the intermodal ...

Export Operator

Pearland, TX

$40K - $52K/yr

Founded in 1996 in South Africa and identified in London Stock Exchange's '1000 Companies to Inspire Britain', M&S Logistics is a global tank container operator specialising in the intermodal ...

Forklift Operator

Clinton, IA ยท On-site

$18/hr

Our Forklift Operators are responsible for filling customer orders and unloading containers. Operators are driving through the aisles of the warehouse and picking customer orders from the racking and ...

Forklift Operator

Peosta, IA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Our Forklift Operators are responsible for filling customer orders and unloading containers. Operators are driving through the aisles of the warehouse and picking customer orders from the racking and ...

Container Deliver Driver

Haltom City, TX ยท On-site

$23 - $25/hr

You, a vital piece of the team, would be responsible for safely operating our Container Delivery Truck to provide the carts and containers in neighborhoods. This includes duties such: * Operate ...

Founded in 1996 in South Africa and identified in London Stock Exchange's '1000 Companies to Inspire Britain', M&S Logistics is a global tank container operator specialising in the intermodal ...

Container Deliver Driver

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

You, a vital piece of the team, would be responsible for safely operating our Container Delivery Truck to provide the carts and containers in neighborhoods. This includes duties such: * Operate ...

Founded in 1996 in South Africa and identified in London Stock Exchange's '1000 Companies to Inspire Britain', M&S Logistics is a global tank container operator specialising in the intermodal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Container Operator information

See salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do container operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for container operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are container operators?

Container operators are professionals responsible for the handling, loading, unloading, and management of shipping containers at ports, terminals, or transportation hubs. They operate heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, or straddle carriers to move containers safely and efficiently. Their duties also include inspecting containers for damage, ensuring proper documentation, and adhering to safety regulations. Container operators play a crucial role in international trade and logistics by facilitating the movement of goods around the world.

What is the difference between Container Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectContainer OperatorCrane Operator
CredentialsTypically requires OSHA certification, forklift or container handling certificationsRequires crane operation licenses, OSHA certification, and sometimes specialized crane certifications
Work EnvironmentPorts, shipping yards, container terminalsConstruction sites, ports, industrial facilities
Industry UsageMaritime shipping, logistics, freight handlingConstruction, shipping, industrial manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonContainer Operator vs Crane Operator

Container Operators and Crane Operators both work in port and shipping environments, handling heavy equipment. While Container Operators focus on moving containers using specialized machinery like forklifts and reach stackers, Crane Operators operate large cranes to lift and position containers or heavy materials. Both roles require OSHA certifications, but Crane Operators often need specific crane operation licenses. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role in logistics and shipping industries.

What are some common challenges faced by Container Operators in a busy port environment?

Container Operators often work in fast-paced settings where efficiency and safety are top priorities. Common challenges include coordinating with multiple teams to manage container movements, adapting to rapidly changing schedules due to shipping delays or weather, and handling the physical demands of operating heavy machinery. Effective communication skills and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, Container Operators may need to work irregular hours, including nights or weekends, to accommodate ship arrivals and departures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Container Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Container Operator, you need a solid understanding of cargo handling, logistics procedures, and safety regulations, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with operating heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, and container terminal software systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with colleagues and ensuring safe operations. These skills are crucial for maintaining efficiency and safety in handling and transporting containers in busy port or terminal environments.
More about Container Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Container Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Full Time, 89% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Import or Export Operator

M&S Logistics

Pearland, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Founded in 1996 in South Africa and identified in London Stock Exchange's '1000 Companies to Inspire Britain', M&S Logistics is a global tank container operator specialising in the intermodal transport of bulk liquids with a fleet size of over 9,500 tank containers. The company's headquarters is in the UK with offices in the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Korea, China, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Taiwan, India, France, Germany and The Americas with further office openings planned this year.
We have the following vacancy in the Company:-
Job Title:- Import or Export Operator
Site:- Houston, Pearland
The purpose of this role is:-
To coordinate activities of import and/ or export shipments globally by providing exceptional customer service through focusing on the individual directly or through the support of the team members, promoting long-term customer relationships and customer loyalty.
Assessment for this role will be:-
CV, competency based interview and job based testing.
This position has arisen due to continued growth in the Company and internal promotions.
The nature of the role requires the ideal candidate to have previous experience of working in international transportation or the logistics industry and it is desirable but not essential that this experience has been gained in the Tank Container Industry. Good IT, verbal and written skills are essential to the role as well as a high ability to solve problems and seek alternative solutions combined with excellent follow-up skills. In order to support the company's values and behaviours, the candidate should be a good team player with a professional work ethic, presentation and character.
The candidate needs to live in commuting distance to our Houston office.
Please feel free to contact us for further information about the role.
A Person Specification and Job Description can be provided on request by emailing recruitment@mslogisticsltd.com
We are an equal opportunities employer.