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Freelance 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 · 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 ...

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.

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 ...

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Freelance Cargo Ship Unloading information

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$12

$19

$25

How much do freelance cargo ship unloading jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance 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 are freelance cargo ship unloading jobs?

Freelance cargo ship unloading jobs involve independently contracted workers who assist in the unloading of cargo from ships at ports or docks. These freelancers are responsible for tasks such as operating machinery, moving containers, and ensuring that goods are safely and efficiently removed from vessels. Unlike full-time dockworkers, freelancers are typically hired on a project or shift basis, providing flexibility for both the worker and the employer. This type of work often requires physical strength, attention to safety protocols, and sometimes specialized certifications, depending on the cargo and equipment involved.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Cargo Ship Unloader, you need physical strength, stamina, and basic knowledge of cargo handling protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant safety training. Familiarity with port equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and pallet jacks, as well as certifications like OSHA safety training, is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and timely unloading of cargo, which is critical for smooth port operations and minimizing delays.

What is the difference between Freelance Cargo Ship Unloading vs Freelance Warehouse Loader?

AspectFreelance Cargo Ship UnloadingFreelance Warehouse Loader
CredentialsNone required, physical fitness often preferredNone required, physical fitness often preferred
Work EnvironmentDockyards, ships, portsWarehouses, storage facilities
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, maritimeLogistics, retail, manufacturing
Job FocusUnloading cargo from shipsLoading/unloading goods in warehouses

Freelance Cargo Ship Unloading involves working at ports to unload cargo from ships, often outdoors and at docks. Freelance Warehouse Loaders work inside warehouses, handling goods for storage or distribution. Both roles require physical effort but differ mainly in environment and specific tasks.

What are some common challenges freelance cargo ship unloaders face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance cargo ship unloaders often encounter unpredictable schedules, physically demanding tasks, and strict safety protocols. Adapting to irregular hours and variable workloads requires flexibility and good time management. Physical stamina and proper lifting techniques are essential to prevent injuries, while staying updated on safety standards helps ensure compliance and smooth operations. Building strong communication skills is also important, as unloaders regularly coordinate with port staff, supervisors, and other crew members to efficiently manage cargo handling.
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Freelance Cargo Ship Unloading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Cargo Ship Unloading job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,176 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Facility Service Operator

Facility Service Operator

Gulfstar Industries LLC

Kingwood, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 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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