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Port Terminal Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Watco

Port Supervisor - Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site

That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals ... port and terminal operations, including vessel movements, cargo handling, and import/export ...

Watco

Port Supervisor - Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site

That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals ... port and terminal operations, including vessel movements, cargo handling, and import/export ...

QSL

Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38.05/hr

Company Description Founded over 45 years ago, QSL is a key supply chain player in port terminal operations, stevedoring, marine services, logistics and transportation throughout North America. With ...

QSL

Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38.05/hr

Company Description Founded over 45 years ago, QSL is a key supply chain player in port terminal operations, stevedoring, marine services, logistics and transportation throughout North America. With ...

QSL

Longshoreman (On Call)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30.55/hr

Company Description Founded over 45 years ago, QSL is a key supply chain player in port terminal operations, stevedoring, marine services, logistics and transportation throughout North America. With ...

Pacella Trucking Express

Be Seen First

Nightime Intermodal Trucking Dispatcher

Chicago, IL · On-site

Experience with systems such as Truckmate, Samsara, Railinc, customer portals, port/terminal portals, * Familiarity with U.S. DOT and FMCSA requirements. * Bilingual communication skills are a plus.

QSL

Longshoreman (On Call)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30.55/hr

Company Description Founded over 45 years ago, QSL is a key supply chain player in port terminal operations, stevedoring, marine services, logistics and transportation throughout North America. With ...

QSL America

Longshoreman (On Call)

Chicago, IL

Company Description Founded over 45 years ago, QSL is a key supply chain player in port terminal operations, stevedoring, marine services, logistics and transportation throughout North America. With ...

Posted today

QSL

Maintenance Clerk

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

Company Description Founded over 45 years ago, QSL is a key supply chain player in port terminal operations, stevedoring, marine services, logistics and transportation throughout North America. With ...

QSL

Maintenance Clerk

Chicago, IL

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

Company Description Founded over 45 years ago, QSL is a key supply chain player in port terminal operations, stevedoring, marine services, logistics and transportation throughout North America. With ...

QSL

Maintenance Clerk

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

Company Description Founded over 45 years ago, QSL is a key supply chain player in port terminal operations, stevedoring, marine services, logistics and transportation throughout North America. With ...

Nutrien

Senior Manager, Terminals

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$140K - $220K/yr

... terminal operations, inclusive of working with labor unions, necessary for an operationally efficient and safe facility * Provide oversight, consistent with inland facilities, for port facility once ...

Midwest Salt & Grit One

Plant & Port Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Plant & Port Manager This position reports to the company's COO. As a hands‑on leader and manager, you'll oversee the entire operations of the international terminal, ocean and river port, rail ...

AMNEX SOLUTIONS CORP

Drayage Account Manager

Lisle, IL · On-site

$900 - $1.5K/wk

Strong understanding of port/rail operations, steamship line systems, and terminal processes . * Proven ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously. * Excellent communication ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPort Terminal JobsPort Terminal Jobs in Chicago, IL

Port Terminal information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.1K

$74.1K

$114.3K

How much do port terminal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for port terminal in Chicago, IL is $74,078.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,700.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a port terminal?

Port terminal jobs refer to various roles involved in the operations and management of maritime terminals where cargo, containers, and passengers are transferred between ships and land transportation. These roles can include equipment operators, dockworkers, supervisors, customs agents, and logistics coordinators. Employees in port terminals ensure the efficient loading and unloading of goods, maintain safety standards, and facilitate smooth logistical processes. Working in a port terminal often requires specialized training and adherence to strict safety regulations due to the heavy equipment and large volumes of cargo handled daily.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a port terminal operator?

To thrive as a Port Terminal Operator, you need knowledge of cargo handling, safety regulations, and logistics operations, usually supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with terminal operating systems (TOS), forklift operation, and inventory management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and coordinated port operations in a fast-paced, high-risk environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a port terminal, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals at port terminals frequently encounter challenges such as coordinating logistics between various stakeholders, managing tight schedules, and adhering to safety regulations in a fast-paced environment. Vessels may arrive unexpectedly or cargo volumes can suddenly change, requiring adaptability and effective communication with shipping agents, customs officials, and transportation crews. To prepare, job seekers should develop strong organizational skills, be comfortable with technology used for tracking shipments, and stay updated on safety and compliance standards. Being proactive and willing to work in shifts or irregular hours is also important due to the 24/7 nature of port operations.

What is the difference between Port Terminal vs Port Operations Coordinator?

AspectPort TerminalPort Operations Coordinator
Primary RoleManages the overall operations of a port terminal, including cargo handling, logistics, and safety.Coordinates daily port activities, ensuring smooth operations and communication between teams.
Required CredentialsTypically requires logistics, maritime, or port management certifications; relevant experience.Often requires similar certifications and experience in port or logistics operations.
Work EnvironmentPort facilities, cargo yards, and terminal areas.Office-based with on-site visits to port facilities.
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, port authorities, logistics firms.Port authorities, shipping lines, logistics companies.

While both roles are integral to port operations, a Port Terminal oversees the entire terminal's management, whereas a Port Operations Coordinator focuses on coordinating daily activities to ensure efficient port functioning.

What are popular job titles related to Port Terminal jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Port Terminal jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Port Terminal jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Port Terminal jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Port Terminal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Terminal job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,078 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Port Supervisor - Chicago, IL

Watco

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Watco rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

306th of 366 rated logistics

Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The Port Supervisor leads and supports teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant port and terminal operations, including vessel movements, cargo handling, and import/export activities. They act as a liaison between internal teams and external customers while maintaining operational documentation and supporting scheduling, resource allocation, and reporting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, schedule, and support their teams to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate port and terminal operations
• Support the coordination of vessel and barge movements, cargo handling, and terminal activities, including import/export operations and special customer requests
• Act as a liaison between internal teams, customers, and regulatory agencies to maintain clear communication and operational flow
• Support and ensure compliance with company policies, safety protocols, FTZ regulations, and customs requirements
• Support operational documentation not limited to vessel schedules, cargo records, and correspondence, and track all relevant communications
• Engage in operations calls that support the daily vessel schedule
• Assist with operational needs, not limited to planning, labor allocation, and resource coordination to optimize vessel and terminal performance
• Support reporting and additional operational tasks, including environmental, financial, or procedural documentation as needed
• Performs other duties assigned by leadership

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be able to pass and/or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position and location. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in port, terminal, or related operations
• Knowledgeable in port and terminal operations
• Strong ability to serve as a liaison between internal teams and external customers
•  Valid Driver’s License
•  Valid TWIC card or the ability to obtain and maintain one, required

Education
High School or GED equivalent
Associate’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field preferred

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