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Ship Unloader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Curtiss-Wright

Warehouse - Pick, Pack, Ship

Middleburg, OH · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Warehouse Associate - Pick, Pack, Ship **SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE** Location : Middleburg Heights ... Preparing, loading and unloading shipments including documentation and inspection. * Responsible ...

Wrist Ship Supply

Be Seen First

Warehouse Assistant

Camden, NJ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

The Warehouse Assistant is responsible for receiving, inputting, sorting, loading and unloading ... Process, package and ship orders accurately * Organize stocks and maintain inventory * Examine ...

Michaels Stores, Inc.

Part Time Unloader

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

... and Ship From Store (SFS) * Participate in the truck unload, stocking, and planogram (POGs ... unloading trucks; Frame shop contains glass cutter and heat press; work hours include nights ...

Michaels Stores

Morning Stocker/Unloader

Fairlawn, OH · On-site

$11 - $13/hr

... and Ship From Store (SFS) * Participate in the truck unload, stocking, and planogram (POGs ... unloading trucks; Frame shop contains glass cutter and heat press; work hours include nights ...

Michaels Stores

4am truck unloader

Freehold, NJ

$16.25 - $19.10/hr

... and Ship From Store (SFS) * Participate in the truck unload, stocking, and planogram (POGs ... unloading trucks; Frame shop contains glass cutter and heat press; work hours include nights ...

Michaels Stores, Inc.

4am truck unloader

Freehold, NJ · On-site

$16.25 - $19.10/hr

... and Ship From Store (SFS) * Participate in the truck unload, stocking, and planogram (POGs ... unloading trucks; Frame shop contains glass cutter and heat press; work hours include nights ...

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Ship Unloader information

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$10

$15

$19

How much do ship unloader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship unloader in the United States is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are ship unloaders?

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.

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Ship Unloader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Unloader job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Temporary, 17% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,139 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
MID-SHIP Logistics Operations Coordinator - Port Washington, NY

MID-SHIP Logistics Operations Coordinator - Port Washington, NY

Watco

Port Washington, NY

$21 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Watco rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

239th of 339 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 or the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The Operations Coordinator at MID-SHIP Logistics, a Watco Company, is responsible for the tracking and reporting of all inbound and outbound movements of our barge fleet operations. The role is critical to orchestrate and oversee all cargo handling solutions for daily fleet operations inclusive of load and unloading schedules, research on barge position information, and meet customer needs on their supply chain challenges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage inland barge movements of industrial dry bulk, liquid bulk chemicals, steel, and breakbulk cargoes
• Position barges according to the shippers’ respective needs and provide the ships’ estimated time of arrival
• Track barges along the river system and communicate their positions to shippers, client terminal locations, and internal teams 
• Coordinate tow schedules
• Tracking load and unloading activities inclusive of midstream-in and midstream out 
• Release barges back to barge lines upon completion

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The attributes listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required: 
• Transportation experience preferred 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, TMS Systems, Google Maps and Google Earth
• Ability to work with others and be a positive influence on co-workers
• Apply knowledge of organization, communication, conflict resolution, and time management skills
• Effective customer service skills and the ability to service both internal and external customers 
• Ability to be a self-start with multi-tasking capabilities 
• Convey goals and objectives clearly and in compelling manner; listen effectively and clarify information 
• Demonstrates superior inter-personal skills and negotiating skills
• Travel may be necessary

Education
High School or GED equivalent

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Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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