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Ship Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hutco Inc

Aluminum Ship Fitter

Houma, LA

$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 ...

Hutco Inc

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 ...

Amazon

Ship Clerk

Commerce City, CO · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/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 ...

Pangaea Baltimore LLC

Mechanic

Baltimore, MD

$27 - $35/hr

Operate ship unloader and Loader during ship discharge * Complete work in a safe and timely manner in compliance with company and regulatory requirements. * Safely operate various types of equipment ...

Amazon

Ship Clerk

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$16 - $18.75/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 ...

Amazon

Ship Clerk

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.75/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 ...

Hutco Inc

Structural Fitter / Ship Fitter

Houma, LA

Position: Structural Fitters / Ship Fitters Job Location: Bourg, La. Hutco Branch: Houma, La ... Manipulate and transport loads up to 50 pounds over distances of up to 200 feet approximately 1 to ...

Amazon

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 ...

Job_Listing_459

Maintenance Mechanic 1

Texas City, TX

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on various types of Terminal equipment, such as a Ship Loader, Gangway, Hoppers, etc. * Inspect, Troubleshoot, and Complete Work Order Repairs with very ...

Messer Americas

Loader

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Description - Verifies load numbers to ensure vehicle placement accuracy based on written or verbal ... ship loading and unloading equipment, conveyors, hoists, and other specialized material handling ...

Hutco Inc

Structural Fitter / Ship Fitter

Houma, LA · On-site

Position: Structural Fitters / Ship Fitters Job Location: Bourg, La. Hutco Branch: Houma, La ... Manipulate and transport loads up to 50 pounds over distances of up to 200 feet approximately 1 to ...

U.S. Electrical Services, Inc.

Loader

Landover, MD · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Organize and stage orders accurately based on delivery method (ship via) and ensure they are loaded in proper sequence. * Support CDC operations by picking, packing, staging, and checking outbound ...

US Electrical Services

Loader

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Organize and stage orders accurately based on delivery method (ship via) and ensure they are loaded in proper sequence. * Support CDC operations by picking, packing, staging, and checking outbound ...

Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd

Mechanic

Curtis Bay, MD · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

Operate ship unloader and Loader during ship discharge * Complete work in a safe and timely manner in compliance with company and regulatory requirements. * Safely operate various types of equipment ...

Amazon

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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All JobsShip Loader Jobs

Ship Loader information

See salary details

$12

$15

$17

How much do ship loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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.

How much does a loader get paid?

The average salary for a ship loader ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Skilled loaders with certifications and experience in operating loading equipment may earn higher wages, often with opportunities for overtime. Salaries can also vary based on the industry and whether the position is unionized or non-unionized.

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.

Can I work on a cargo ship with no experience?

Ship loader positions typically require some physical fitness and the ability to operate basic equipment, but prior experience is not always necessary. Employers often provide on-the-job training, especially for entry-level roles, and relevant certifications like safety training can be beneficial. Having a good work ethic and willingness to learn are important for starting in this field.

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 is a ship loader called?

A ship loader is a heavy equipment operator responsible for loading bulk materials, such as coal, grain, or minerals, onto ships at ports. The role often involves operating large conveyor systems and cranes, requiring safety training and sometimes certifications. The job environment is typically industrial and requires physical stamina and attention to safety protocols.

How much do cargo ship loaders make?

Cargo ship loaders typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Many positions require physical strength and the ability to operate loading equipment such as forklifts or conveyor systems. Salaries can increase with overtime, certifications, and union membership.
More about Ship Loader jobs
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Ship Loader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Loader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,666 per year, or $15.2 per hour.
Operator IV, Equipment - Stevedoring

Operator IV, Equipment - Stevedoring

Gulf Stream Marine

Brownsville, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Overview
This is a senior-level operational role responsible for operating high-capacity equipment and terminal yard trucks to support the safe and efficient movement of heavy lift and over-dimensional cargo. This role requires expert-level proficiency, extensive experience, and strict adherence to safety protocols in high-risk environments in the marine terminal, port operations and yard settings. This role operates large-capacity forklifts, including Hyster (H1050) and Taylor (XH1000) models, to safely lift, move, and stack extremely heavy loads (55,000 lbs or greater).
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience operating high-capacity equipment and/or driving mule jockeys or tractor-trailers.
  • Valid state driver's license (DL) with acceptable driving record.
  • TWIC card required in hand.
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English; accurate processing of alpha/numeric data.
  • Strong initiative, independent judgment, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
  • Proven ability to function effectively in fast-paced environments with limited supervision.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:
  • Subject to physical and/or DOT screening and other applicable tests.
  • Frequent exposure to outdoor conditions including extreme heat, rain, wind, cold, and high humidity during day and night shifts.
  • Frequent sitting (while driving), grasping, and exercising eye-hand and eye-hand-foot coordination.
  • Frequent reaching, repetitive foot/wrist motion, and finger dexterity.
  • Occasional standing, walking, climbing, bending, squatting, twisting, and overhead reaching.
  • Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 55 pounds.
  • Specific vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
  • Exposure to high altitudes, noise, dust, fumes, and moving mechanical parts.

Responsibilities
  • Operate PITs with capacities of 55,000 lbs or greater.
  • Safely operate the following equipment: 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 yard.
  • Stack steel coils at the Place of Rest (POR), ensuring proper nesting and chocking.
  • Reverse and turn under load; request spotters when visibility is obstructed.
  • Handle over-dimensional loads in tandem with other machines.
  • Maintain awareness of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, overhead hazards, and crane swing radius.
  • Follow unattended machinery protocols, especially onboard vessels.
  • Comply with all safety procedures and operational standards.

Apply