1

Ship Unloader Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Shipping/Receiving Personnel- ULC

Ubly, MI ยท On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

... and ship products per customer specifications. 5. Responsible for loading/unloading product off of trucks that move in and out of the plant daily. 6. Move or store products in the appropriate ...

Dock Attendant

Holland, MI ยท On-site

$36K - $48K/yr

Summary The purpose of this position is to ship and receive. Inspect shipments and trailers and ... This position is responsible for loading and unloading trucks, weighing incoming eggs ...

Paint Line Loader

Holland, MI ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

These positions are in the Assembly, Rework, and Loading & Unloading Paint Line Department. As you ... kits' to ship directly to the customers. These are not traditional assembly jobs, but more of a ...

... and ship orders, and manage the inventory of products. - Perform inventory controls and keep ... and unloading trucks and deliveries. - Assist in the training of new warehouse employees and ...

Showing results 21-40

Ship Unloader information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$13

$16

How much do ship unloader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship unloader in Michigan is $13.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do cargo ship unloaders make?

Cargo ship unloaders typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and union membership. Many positions require operating heavy equipment like cranes and forklifts, and some roles offer overtime pay for extended shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by ship unloaders, and how are they usually addressed on the job?

Ship Unloaders often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy or hazardous cargo, and maintaining safety protocols on busy docks. To address these, employers provide thorough safety training, proper protective equipment, and enforce strict adherence to operational procedures. Teamwork and clear communication with crane operators and logistics staff are also essential to ensure efficient and safe unloading. Regular maintenance of equipment and ongoing safety briefings help mitigate risks and maintain smooth operations.

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

To thrive as a Ship Unloader, you need physical stamina, attention to safety procedures, and basic knowledge of cargo handling, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, and conveyor systems, as well as relevant safety certifications, is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in coordinating with crew and addressing unexpected challenges. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and timely unloading operations in a demanding port environment.

What is a ship unloader?

Ship unloaders are specialized machines or equipment used at ports and terminals to efficiently remove bulk materials, such as coal, grain, ore, or other cargo, from ships. They are critical for speeding up the unloading process and minimizing labor costs. Ship unloaders can be of various types, including grab-type and continuous-type unloaders, each suited to different kinds of cargo. Operators of these machines must be skilled in safely handling heavy equipment and following safety protocols to prevent accidents. Ship unloaders play a key role in the supply chain by ensuring cargo is transferred swiftly from ship to shore.

What is the difference between Ship Unloader vs Crane Operator?

AspectShip UnloaderCrane Operator
Primary RoleManually or mechanically unloads cargo from shipsOperates cranes to lift and move materials
Work EnvironmentPort terminals, docks, shipsConstruction sites, ports, industrial facilities
CredentialsBasic safety training, sometimes certifications for equipmentCrane operation certification, safety training
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, port operationsConstruction, shipping, industrial sectors

While both roles are essential in port and shipping industries, a Ship Unloader focuses on physically or mechanically removing cargo from ships, often working directly at docks. A Crane Operator, on the other hand, operates cranes to lift and move heavy materials, which may include cargo but also extends to other lifting tasks. Both roles require safety training and are vital for efficient port operations, but they differ in specific responsibilities and equipment used.

What are popular job titles related to Ship Unloader jobs in Michigan? For Ship Unloader jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Ship Unloader jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Ship Unloader job openings:

Assistant Conveyroman

Grand River Navigation Company

Traverse City, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description

Come Sail with us on the Great Lakes!ย 


If you are looking to become part of our team that strongly values safety, efficient operations, a family-oriented environment, come sail with us! Grand River Navigation has one of the best leave and rotation systems on the Great Lakes. With unprecedented teamwork and some of the most talented colleagues in the industry, we can guarantee you will enjoy a career with us! ย ย 


Grand River Navigation Company is the U.S. operating subsidiary of Mainstay Maritime. We are one of the largest marine transportation service providers operating on the Great Lakes today with a combined fleet of 15 bulk freight vessels that provide service to over 50 customers across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. ย ย 


Competitive total rewards package including income, paid travel to/from the vessel, healthcare benefits, retirement savings plans and work/life balance with best-in-class rotation. ย We have many education opportunities and upgrade bonuses to support career growth at a pace that is right for each individual.ย ย 


"We can go where the big ships go and also where they can't!"
ย 

Our Company has openings for the position of Assistant Conveyorman aboard our US flagged self-unloading vessels.
ย 

Responsibilities

  • Assist in the operation and maintenance of onboard cargo conveyor systems.
  • Monitor conveyor equipment during loading, unloading, and cargo transfer operations.
  • Perform routine inspections, lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs.
  • Identify and report equipment issues, malfunctions, and safety concerns.
  • Maintain clean and safe conveyor and cargo handling areas.
  • Follow all company safety policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Assist with vessel mooring, unmooring, and deck operations as assigned.
  • Support emergency response and vessel safety procedures.
  • Complete maintenance records and operational logs as required.
  • Work collaboratively with deck and engineering personnel to ensure efficient cargo operations.
  • Participate in seasonal maintenance, lay-up, and fit-out activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by vessel supervisory personnel.

Benefitsย 

  • As an employee, you are part of the Mainstay Maritime family where teamwork and safety are core valuesย 
  • Highly competitive wages and benefits including medical, dental, vision, company paid long-term and short-term disability and life insurance, 401K with company matchย 
  • Excellent companywide safety recordย 
  • Company paid training and education opportunitiesย 


Requirements


  • TWIC Card - Transportation Worker Identification Credential
  • Unexpired US Passport or Enhanced Driver's License and allowed entry into Canada
  • Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)ย 
  • Legally authorized to work in the US, without restriction
  • Excellent communication and ability to multi-task
  • Experience working as a team and desire to working together as a team player
  • Experience and desires to align to our Values
  • MMC with Wiper Endorsement issued by USCG preferred
  • Mechanical experience is a must, welding experience preferred
  • Maritime training or recent vessel experience preferred

Grand River Navigation is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. ย We also comply with Family Medical Leave Act and Employee Rights Employee Polygraph Protection Act ย