1

Port Terminal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Hauling containers to and from NY/NJ port terminals (e.g., Port Newark, Port Elizabeth, Maher, APM, GCT, PNCT) and to local/regional destinations occasionally. * Following dispatch instructions and ...

$16/hr

What You'll Do As a Port Terminal General Cleaner , you will keep facility spaces clean, safe, and organized. Daily tasks for this Janitor / Custodian role include: * Performing routine cleaning ...

$16/hr

What You'll Do As a Port Terminal General Cleaner , you will keep facility spaces clean, safe, and organized. Daily tasks for this Janitor / Custodian role include: * Performing routine cleaning ...

$16/hr

What You'll Do As a Port Terminal General Cleaner , you will keep facility spaces clean, safe, and organized. Daily tasks for this Janitor / Custodian role include: * Performing routine cleaning ...

$17/hr

What You'll Do As a General Cleaner at our port terminal location, you keep our facilities running safely and smoothly! Our custodians and janitors are essential team members who take pride in ...

$17/hr

What You'll Do As a General Cleaner at our port terminal location, you keep our facilities running safely and smoothly! Our custodians and janitors are essential team members who take pride in ...

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 ...

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 ...

$17/hr

What You'll Do As a General Cleaner at our port terminal location, you keep our facilities running safely and smoothly! Our custodians and janitors are essential team members who take pride in ...

What You'll Do As a General Cleaner at our port terminal location, you keep our facilities running safely and smoothly! Our custodians and janitors are essential team members who take pride in ...

Showing results 21-40

Port Terminal information

See salary details

$36K

$71.9K

$111K

How much do port terminal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for port terminal in the United States is $71,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $81,500.00 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.

More about Port Terminal jobs

What cities are hiring for Port Terminal jobs?

Cities with the most Port Terminal job openings:

What states have the most Port Terminal jobs?

States with the most job openings for Port Terminal jobs include:

Infographic showing various Port Terminal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,911 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Port Supervisor - Chicago, IL

Watco

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Watco rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 364 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

What Watco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom