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Plant Manager

Shelton, WA · On-site

$42.03 - $58.85/hr

POSITION SUMMARY This position is responsible for overseeing all processing departments and freight ... Will be required to wear life jackets whenever working on a boat or structure over water. Proper ...

Yamaha

Procurement Strategy Planner

Kennesaw, GA · On-site

$27.25 - $37/hr

Experience in Boat or Automotive industries preferred. * Intermediatetechnical abilities, including ... Basic knowledge of freight, transportation, and expediting experience * Must be able to travel25 ...

Dometic

Shipping Coordinator

Sparta, TN · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

... boat building industry, and we recently expanded our scope to lead the boating industry into an ... Create packing slips, bills of lading, figure freight charges, and select common carrier, UPS ...

Premier Marine

Associate Buyer

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

... cost, and freight terms. * Analyze safety stocks, manage material inventory, support demand ... the Employee Boat Club are also available. *The above statements are intended to describe the ...

Premier Marine

Associate Buyer

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

... cost, and freight terms. * Analyze safety stocks, manage material inventory, support demand ... the Employee Boat Club are also available. *The above statements are intended to describe the ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member, Petsense

Ontario, OR · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Participate in freight process * Execute to completion Plan-o-gram procedures (merchandising, sets ... boat). * Ability to successfully complete all required training. Disclaimer This represents an ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member, Petsense

Theodore, AL · On-site

$11.25 - $14.50/hr

Participate in freight process * Execute to completion Plan-o-gram procedures (merchandising, sets ... boat). * Ability to successfully complete all required training. Disclaimer This represents an ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member, Petsense

Theodore, AL · On-site

$11.25 - $14.50/hr

Participate in freight process * Execute to completion Plan-o-gram procedures (merchandising, sets ... boat). * Ability to successfully complete all required training. Disclaimer This represents an ...

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All JobsFreight Boat Jobs

Freight Boat information

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$25.5K

$66.7K

$117K

How much do freight boat jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 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 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $66,677 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
Great Lakes Master (Captain)

Great Lakes Master (Captain)

Grand River Navigation Company

Traverse City, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description:

Come Sail with us on the Great Lakes!

If you are looking to sail with us as part of our team, safety, efficient operations, a family-oriented environment, one of the best leave and rotation systems on the Great Lakes, unprecedented teamwork and some of the most talented colleagues in the industry are just some of the reasons you will enjoy a career with us!

Our total rewards package is everything you receive as an employee and includes your income, paid travel to/from the vessel, healthcare benefits, retirement savings plans and work/life balance with best in class rotation. Opportunities education and upgrade bonuses to support career growth at a pace that is right for each individual.

Grand River Navigation Company is the U.S. operating subsidiary of Rand Logistics Corporation. Together with our Canadian sister company, Lower Lakes Towing Ltd., we are one of the largest marine transportation service providers operating on the Great Lakes today with a combined fleet of 15 bulk freight vessel is service to over 50 customers across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

Responsibilities

  • The Master is in ultimate command and therefore responsible for their vessel.
  • The Master is responsible for the seaworthiness, safety, and security of the vessel, its equipment, cargo, and personnel.
  • The Master directly represents the Owners of the vessel in its operation
  • The Master is responsible for the Safe Navigation of the vessel
  • The Master is responsible for the compliance of all laws and regulations, including Co Policies
  • The Master is responsible to promote and encourage crew morale and their professional growth

Why Choose Grand River Navigation?

  • As an employee you are part of the Rand Logistics family where Teamwork and safety are a core value
  • Highly competitive wages and benefits
  • The best leave system in the industry
  • We pay for your travel to and from the vessel
  • Excellent Health and Retirement Benefits
  • Excellent safety record
Requirements:
  • Passport and allowed entry into the Canada
  • Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the USCG
  • Endorsement as Master of Self Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes and Inland Waters (Minimum)
  • First Class Pilot of Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes between Duluth, Gary, Buffalo and Port Weller to Cape Vincent
  • Certification as Ship Security Officer
  • Transportation Worker Identification (TWIC) issued by TSA
  • Excellent communication and team work skills as well as the ability to multi-task

Grand River Navigation is an Equal Opportunity Employer – All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also comply with Family Medical Leave Act and Employee Rights Employee Polygraph Protection Act. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf, chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf