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Freight Boat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

asrcfh

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY

Ensure safe transport of passengers and freight. * Assist vessel captain in navigation and boat handling. * Support operation of marine vessels in the transport of passengers, freight, cargo and ...

asrcfh

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY

Ensure safe transport of passengers and freight. * Assist vessel captain in navigation and boat handling. * Support operation of marine vessels in the transport of passengers, freight, cargo and ...

SeaArk LLC

PRODUCTION SCHEDULER

Monticello, AR

Print boat MSOs * Gather engine and till MSOs for dealer paperwork * Prepare dealer summary sheet ... Update Freight Agreements * Keep copies of til registration, insurance, and til inspections for ...

SeaArk LLC

PRODUCTION SCHEDULER

Monticello, AR · On-site

Print boat MSOs * Gather engine and till MSOs for dealer paperwork * Prepare dealer summary sheet ... Update Freight Agreements * Keep copies of til registration, insurance, and til inspections for ...

SeaArk Boats

PRODUCTION SCHEDULER

Monticello, AR · On-site

Print boat MSOs * Gather engine and till MSOs for dealer paperwork * Prepare dealer summary sheet ... Update Freight Agreements * Keep copies of til registration, insurance, and til inspections for ...

Manufacturing Company

Be Seen First

Purchasing & Logistics Support Specialist

Berlin, CT · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

... and "boat files" with shipment details and estimated arrival dates * Ensure all required documentation is completed and distributed prior to shipment arrival * Coordinate with freight forwarders ...

asrcfh

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY · On-site

$28.37/hr

... freight. • Assist vessel captain in navigation and boat handling. • Support operation of marine vessels in the transport of passengers, freight, cargo and livestock. • Perform maintenance ...

asrcfh

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY

$28.37/hr

... freight. • Assist vessel captain in navigation and boat handling. • Support operation of marine vessels in the transport of passengers, freight, cargo and livestock. • Perform maintenance ...

ASRC Federal Holding

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY · On-site

$28.37/hr

... freight. • Assist vessel captain in navigation and boat handling. • Support operation of marine vessels in the transport of passengers, freight, cargo and livestock. • Perform maintenance ...

ASRC Federal Holding

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY · On-site

$28.37/hr

Ensure safe transport of passengers and freight. * Assist vessel captain in navigation and boat handling. * Support operation of marine vessels in the transport of passengers, freight, cargo and ...

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All JobsFreight Boat Jobs

Freight Boat information

See salary details

$25.5K

$66.7K

$117K

How much do freight boat jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for freight boat in the United States is $66,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Great Lakes freighter crews get paid?

Great Lakes freighter crews typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, position, and the size of the vessel. Salaries can increase with seniority and specialized skills such as navigation and cargo handling, and crew members often work on rotational schedules that can last several weeks at a time.

What boat job pays the most?

The highest-paying boat jobs often include captain or master mariner positions, especially on large commercial vessels like cargo ships, tankers, or luxury yachts. These roles require extensive experience, certifications such as STCW, and often involve long periods at sea, but they offer the highest salaries in the maritime industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freight Boat Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freight Boat Captain, you need a valid captain’s license (such as a Merchant Mariner Credential), strong navigational skills, and comprehensive knowledge of maritime regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, radar, radio communication equipment, and cargo management software is typically required. Effective leadership, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication are essential soft skills for managing crew and ensuring safe operations. These skills are vital for ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely transport of goods across waterways while complying with legal and safety standards.

How to get a job on a freight boat?

To get a job on a freight boat, candidates typically need a valid maritime license such as a Merchant Mariner Credential, relevant experience, and safety training. Applying through shipping companies, crew agencies, or maritime job boards is common, and physical fitness and the ability to work in a marine environment are essential.

What is the difference between Freight Boat vs Cargo Ship?

AspectFreight BoatCargo Ship
CredentialsMaritime licenses, STCW certificationMaritime licenses, STCW certification
Work EnvironmentCoastal waters, inland waterwaysOpen seas, international routes
Industry UsageRegional freight, short-distance transportGlobal freight, long-distance shipping

Freight boats are typically smaller vessels used for regional or inland waterway freight transport, requiring similar certifications as cargo ships but operating in different environments. Cargo ships are larger vessels designed for international shipping across open seas. While both roles involve freight transport, freight boats focus on short-distance, regional routes, whereas cargo ships handle long-distance, global routes.

How much do shipping boats make?

Freight boat captains and crew members typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and routes. Salaries can increase with seniority, specialized skills, and certifications such as STCW or USCG licenses. Pay may also vary based on the employer and geographic location of operations.

What are freight boats?

Freight boats, also known as cargo ships or freighters, are vessels specifically designed to transport goods and materials across bodies of water. They play a crucial role in international trade by moving products such as raw materials, finished goods, and machinery between ports around the world. Freight boats come in various types, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, each tailored for specific kinds of cargo. Their efficient operation is essential for global supply chains and economies.

What are some common challenges faced by crew members on a freight boat, and how can they prepare for them?

Crew members on freight boats often face challenges such as long periods away from home, adapting to rotating shifts, and working in varying weather conditions. Teamwork is essential, as crew members must communicate effectively and support each other to ensure safe navigation and efficient cargo handling. Preparing for these challenges involves building strong interpersonal skills, maintaining good physical fitness, and familiarizing oneself with maritime safety protocols. Additionally, staying adaptable and proactive helps crew members manage the unpredictable nature of life at sea.
More about Freight Boat jobs
What states have the most Freight Boat jobs? States with the most job openings for Freight Boat jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freight Boat jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Boat jobs are:
Freight Boat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Boat job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $66,677 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
CDL A Boat Transport - Part Time

CDL A Boat Transport - Part Time

Palmetto Yacht Management

Charleston, SC • On-site

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

CDL-A Driver - Boat Transport

Get Paid Well. Travel. Move Incredible Boats.

WeMoveBoats.com

Tired of hauling the same freight to the same docks every week?

At Palmetto Yacht Management, our drivers transport high-end boats and yachts throughout the East Coast using late-model Ram 5500 trucks and custom marine trailers.

If you enjoy travel, independence, unique equipment, and a job that actually keeps things interesting - this may be exactly what you've been looking for.

Part-Time Position - Nights & Weekends

Why Drivers Like This Job

Competitive Pay
Regional Routes
Unique Equipment & Loads
No Two Days Are The Same
Supportive Dispatch & Operations Team
Flexible Scheduling Opportunities
Work Around Some Of The Most Impressive Boats In The Industry
Opportunity To Grow With A Rapidly Expanding Company

What You'll Be Doing

Transporting boats safely and professionally
Operating Ram 5500 trucks with custom marine trailers
Communicating with dispatch and customers
Following DOT and safety regulations
Representing the company professionally at marinas, dealerships, and boat yards

What We're Looking For

CDL-A experience
Professional attitude and strong communication
Ability to adapt to changing schedules
Safety-minded and dependable drivers
Comfortable with overnight travel

Veterans and experienced transport drivers are encouraged to apply.

Schedule

This is a regional travel-based position.

Trips can include nights and weekends depending on scheduling and customer demand.

Interested?

Send us your resume and experience details to learn more about joining the team.

Check out our social media to see what life at Palmetto Yacht Management looks like:

YouTube:
Palmetto Yacht Management YouTube

Instagram:
@palmettoyachtmanagement


Apply