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Ship Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shipping Loader

El Campo, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Description The Shipping Loader is responsible for ensuring trailers are loaded correctly in a timely manner. Making sure all items, which includes cabinets, accessories, and tops are properly ...

Operator - Material Handling

Chicago, IL

$18 - $23.75/hr

Operate/maintain heavy equipment including prilling unit, frontend loaders, ship loader, conveyors, hoppers, and other mobile equipment Material Handled: Sulphur These are just a few of the benefits ...

Operator - Material Handling

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Operate/maintain heavy equipment including prilling unit, frontend loaders, ship loader, conveyors, hoppers, and other mobile equipment Material Handled: Sulphur These are just a few of the benefits ...

Ship Fitter

Houma, LA · On-site

$24/hr

Ship Fitters Job Location: Houma, La. Hutco Branch: Houma, La. Pay Rate: $24.00 per hour ... Manipulate and transport loads up to 50 pounds over distances of up to 200 feet approximately 1 to ...

Shipping Associate will load and ship all finished products to comply with all laws, policies and standards governing food safety. Shipping Associates are obligated to report any and all food safety ...

Ship Fitters Job Location: Houma, La. Hutco Branch: Houma, La. Pay Rate: $24.00 per hour ... Manipulate and transport loads up to 50 pounds over distances of up to 200 feet approximately 1 to ...

Loader

Portland, TN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

We are seeking a reliable Shipping/Loader to handle, prepare, and ship fabricated structural steel. This role ensures materials are safely loaded, documented, and have ready to deliver on schedule.

Aluminum Ship Fitter

Houma, LA · On-site

$25 - $29.75/hr

Aluminum Ship Fitters Job Location: Lockport, La. Hutco Branch: Houma, La. DESCRIPTION: Currently ... Manipulate and transport loads up to 50 pounds over distances of up to 200 feet approximately 1 to ...

Aluminum Ship Fitters Job Location: Lockport, La. Hutco Branch: Houma, La. DESCRIPTION: Currently ... Manipulate and transport loads up to 50 pounds over distances of up to 200 feet approximately 1 to ...

Loader

Henryville, IN · On-site

$24.27/hr

3rd Shift Loader $24.27 per hour Shipping Associate will load and ship all finished products to comply with all laws, policies and standards governing food safety. Shipping Associates are obligated ...

Forklift Operator IV

Brownsville, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $15.75/hr

Forklift (55K+ lbs), Excavator, Bulldozer, Reach Stacker, and/or Ship Loader. * Handle heavy lift cargo exceeding 55K machine capacity. * Operate Level IV machinery onboard vessels, barges, docks and ...

3rd Shift Loader $24.27 per hour Shipping Associate will load and ship all finished products to comply with all laws, policies and standards governing food safety. Shipping Associates are obligated ...

Forklift Operator IV

Brownsville, TX

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Forklift (55K+ lbs), Excavator, Bulldozer, Reach Stacker, and/or Ship Loader. * Handle heavy lift cargo exceeding 55K machine capacity. * Operate Level IV machinery onboard vessels, barges, docks and ...

Forklift Operator IV

Brownsville, TX

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Forklift (55K+ lbs), Excavator, Bulldozer, Reach Stacker, and/or Ship Loader. * Handle heavy lift cargo exceeding 55K machine capacity. * Operate Level IV machinery onboard vessels, barges, docks and ...

Marine Ship Fitter

Paducah, KY · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

DESCRIPTION: Currently seeking Ship Fitters and Welders to work in Paducah, Kentucky. To be ... Manipulate and transport loads up to 50 pounds over distances of up to 200 feet approximately 1 to ...

DESCRIPTION: Currently seeking Ship Fitters and Welders to work in Paducah, Kentucky. To be ... Manipulate and transport loads up to 50 pounds over distances of up to 200 feet approximately 1 to ...

Ship Clerk, MQJ5

Plainfield, IN

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Ship Clerks are responsible for daily management of department duties including planning loads around standard departure times, load flow control and ensuring proper trailer utilization. Ship Clerks ...

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Ship Loader information

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$12

$15

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How much do ship loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship loader in the United States is $15.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ship Loader vs Crane Operator?

AspectShip LoaderCrane Operator
Primary RoleLoads cargo onto ships at docks or portsOperates cranes to lift and move heavy materials
Work EnvironmentPorts, docks, maritime terminalsConstruction sites, ports, industrial facilities
CertificationsPort safety, equipment operationCrane operation licenses, safety certifications
Industry UsageMaritime shipping, logisticsConstruction, shipping, industrial sectors

While both roles involve heavy equipment operation in port environments, Ship Loaders focus on loading cargo onto ships, whereas Crane Operators handle various lifting tasks across industries. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What Is a Ship Loader?

As a ship loader, your responsibilities are to load and unload cargo from a transportation vessel. Your duties also include the inspection of the moving equipment to make sure it is good repair before each job. This work requires precision to manage the logistics correctly and efficiently, and you usually work as a part of a team to move materials in a coordinated manner. Detailed and accurate record keeping is also necessary. Ship loaders in the boating industry use a variety of machines, ranging from cranes to conveyors to forklifts, so safety is imperative.

What are ship loaders?

Ship loaders are specialized equipment or operators responsible for loading bulk materials such as coal, grain, ore, or other cargo onto ships for transport. The job involves operating machinery that transfers materials from storage facilities or conveyors directly into the holds of vessels. Ship loaders ensure that cargo is distributed evenly and safely, following strict protocols to prevent accidents and protect the environment. They may also perform inspections, routine maintenance, and documentation of loading activities. This role is essential in ports and shipping terminals around the world.

What are some common challenges faced by Ship Loaders and how can they be managed on the job?

Ship Loaders often work in dynamic environments where weather conditions, tight schedules, and coordination with multiple teams can present challenges. Adapting to changing weather and ensuring safety while operating heavy equipment are critical aspects of the role. Effective communication with supervisors, dock workers, and logistics teams helps prevent loading errors and ensures cargo is properly balanced. Additionally, Ship Loaders must stay vigilant to follow safety protocols, as they frequently handle hazardous materials or operate in potentially dangerous areas. Ongoing training and teamwork are essential for overcoming these challenges and maintaining efficient operations.

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

To thrive as a Ship Loader, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with experience in cargo handling being highly beneficial. Familiarity with loading equipment such as cranes, forklifts, conveyor belts, and adherence to safety protocols are essential, and OSHA certifications are often required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to follow instructions carefully help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and accurate loading operations, preventing accidents and cargo damage during ship loading processes.
What are popular job titles related to Ship Loader jobs? For Ship Loader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Ship Loader job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,666 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted just now


Job description

Description
The Shipping Loader is responsible for ensuring trailers are loaded correctly in a timely manner. Making sure all items, which includes cabinets, accessories, and tops are properly scanned before loading onto the trailer, and to make sure that proper cubing of the trailer takes place. Limiting all damages if at all possible. Making sure that all loads are loaded complete and also well blocked for securing during transit.
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Scan, push, load cabinets, and accessories on a conveyor line to be loaded into trailers. Scan label and load properly in the trailer.
  • Assist other loaders in pushing cabinets down the conveyor, scanning them as loaded, as they are loaded into the trailer.
  • Responsible for completing all additional duties/task given by Shipping Supervisor/ and or Team Lead
  • Responsible for pre-staging loading dock for assigned trailer, and also setting up scanners for loading of all items assigned to his/her assigned loads
  • Responsible for maintaining high standards and able to comply with company standards

Essential Functions and Duties:
  • Scan, push, load cabinets, and accessories on a conveyor line to be loaded into trailers. Scan label and load properly in the trailer.
  • Assist other loaders in pushing cabinets down the conveyor, scanning them as loaded, as they are loaded into the trailer.
  • Responsible for completing all additional duties/task given by Shipping Supervisor/ and or Team Lead
  • Responsible for pre-staging loading dock for assigned trailer, and also setting up scanners for loading of all items assigned to his/her assigned loads
  • Responsible for maintaining high standards and able to comply with company standards.

Education and Experience:
  • Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent. Will take work experience in lieu of Education

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:
  • Factory Distribution environment, possibly including heavy lifting, and areas where eye protection, hearing protection, and respirators are required.

AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Leedo Manufacturing CO., L.P. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, military and veteran status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, or any other legally-protected characteristic; and it will comply with all applicable state, federal, and municipal discrimination laws. No person will be denied employment solely because of a disability, provided that the person can perform the essential functions of the position for which the person has applied, either with or without reasonable accommodation.