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Ship Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

In this position, the team member will operate all terminal equipment to safely and efficiently load/unload cargo from ships and distribute the cargo to the appropriate building as per the operating ...

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 ...

Loader

Piedmont, SC

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Sun group of companies distributes produce locally, internationally and services the cruise ships ... The Export Loader is responsible to accurately and safely strap and board all pallets with customer ...

Ship Clerk, MSP7

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$17 - $20/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 ...

Ship Clerk, MQJ5

Plainfield, IN · On-site

$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 ...

Forklift Operator IV

Brownsville, TX

$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 ...

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 ...

Operate heavy equipment on vessel - loaders, crane and ship loader operation * Complete man overboard training, shifting vessels requirements * Barge loading and system setup for limestone (Port of ...

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Ship Loader information

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$12

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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.
Ship Clerk

Ship Clerk

Amazon

Commerce City, CO • On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,823 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Application deadline: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis
Ship Clerks play a crucial role in the Middle Mile network and are responsible for delivering our mission is to be Earth's most customer-centric company. 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 can assign job duties, provide work direction and communicate with internal and external partners.
Ship Clerks will drive and execute standard work in areas impacting Safety, Quality, Productivity, Utilization, and On-time Performance. They will help support daily management of department duties including Load planning, Load Flow Control, Load Quality, TDR, Communicating to Upstream and Downstream Partners, Allocating Labor, Leading Meetings, and Assigning job Duties. Ship Clerks will escalate any barriers to their Operations Leaders and work with them to mitigate issues impacting safety and performance.
Key job responsibilities
• Correspond with multiple shipping companies and their contacts
• Use multiple shipping company's software to ship and track packages
• Coordinate trailers to corresponding dock doors and cross docks using SSP
• Troubleshoot shipping problems and errors to resolution
• Ensure trailer utilization is maximized to control transportation costs
• Ensure on-time dock performance
• Assist in updating Staging POD 5s and resource allocation
• Oversee Load Flow Control for the building
• Maintain load level performance tracking for load planning, on-time dock performance, utilization, and misloads
• Coordinate with Transportation teams on Driver issues, Trailer Pool needs, Yard Move Delays, Late Inbound volume, and Load Swaps to protect customer experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of shipping requirements, rules and obligations by carrier, destination and package type
• Ensure that all safety measures and precautions are in place and being used regarding the docks and trailers
• Assisting the floor as an associate resource, training associates and verifying SOP compliance
• Ensure successful area performance, through tracking, reporting and feedback of associate performance
• Participate in Operational Excellence initiatives in some capacity
• Filling in as needed with production duties
• Fully understanding workflow and daily production goals
• Reviewing and updating SOP as required
• Assisting in keeping work area clean and organized
• Identifying and addressing safety hazards within the work area
• Participating in safety initiatives
• Referring all job injuries or safety violations immediately to Area Manager
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 1+ years of Microsoft Office products and applications experience
- High school or equivalent
- Work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays
- Can lift up to 49 pounds, stand/walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, and be able to frequently push, pull, squat, bend, and reach
- Work 40 hours/week, and overtime as required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior training, teaching or presentation experience
- Willingness to work different shifts
- Shift hours for this position may be different from the standard production shifts
- Willingness to work in different areas as required by training needs
- Excellent attendance
- Candidates must be very organized and able to handle multiple and changing projects/priorities
- Willingness to participate in and support the Operational Excellence initiatives
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The starting pay for this position is listed below including the base pay rate plus the highest available shift differential which applies depending on the shift you select. As a total compensation company, you are eligible for additional earnings including overtime pay and performance bonuses. Final pay will be based on factors including shift selection and location. Starting Day 1 of employment, Amazon offers EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, 401(k) matching. Learn more about our benefits at https://hiring.amazon.com/why-amazon/benefits.
USA, CO, Commerce City - 25.00 - 26.00 USD hourly

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US