Dock Worker Job Description

Question

Dock Worker Job Description

Job descriptions
Manufacturing, Transport, and Logistics

Job summary 1

We are currently looking for a Dock Worker to join our Family Culture. Our Dock Workers successfully load and unload freight throughout the shift using a forklift or manually in a safe, efficient manner. Will perform work associated with warehousing, material handling, and other related duties as assigned. Would have flexible scheduling availability to include the third shift, evenings, weekends, and some holidays. Dock Workers are critical members of our Family; they help to accurately deliver our customer’s freight and help keep our promises.

Duties & Responsibilities 1

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Load and unload freight on trailers using a motorized forklift, pallet jack, or manually in compliance with state and federal DOT guidelines. Use various loading techniques, such as loading tight or cross-loading.
Transport self and/or freight continuously throughout the service center in a forklift on non-forgiving surfaces.
Utilize Dock Yard Management System to consistently monitor freight shipment locations throughout the service center.
Read and interpret shipping labels. Familiarity with, and in some cases ability to complete the various forms utilized in freight movements such as shipping orders, city stripping manifests, freight bills, overage/damage movement reports, and exception forms.
Hand load, rewrap or stack freight as necessary.
- Secure freight inside trailers using appropriate tools and supplies (e.g. pallets, straps, rope).
- Frequent contact with service center personnel; fast-pace and deadline oriented.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Skills 1

High School Degree or equivalent preferred.
Must be able to read, write and speak English
Previous forklift experience a plus
- Able to complete company and governmental forms and comprehend written company policies and governmental regulations.
- Ability to properly operate handheld mini-computer when needed.
- Must be able to have a flexible work schedule to meet customer pickup and delivery schedules

Job summary 2

We are currently looking for a Dock Worker to join our Team. Our Dock Workers are an integral part of our freight operations, helping our company produce over 99% on-time service to our customers. In this role, you will load and unload freight onto and off of equipment, as well as assist in the recouping of damaged freight. If you are looking for a long-term career and want to join a best-in-class carrier where your talents are appreciated, then we would love for you to join our team!

Duties & Responsibilities 2

Prepare, sweep, inspect and cleans trailer(s) before loading freight
Use safe lifting techniques to properly load and unload freight
Select and use proper freight handling equipment to load and unload the freight. Such equipment may include forklifts with appropriate hardware, hand trucks, drum trucks, pallet jacks, rollers, and any other available equipment to move, load, arrange, rearrange, and unload freight
Plan cube utilization and proper weight distribution when loading freight
Counts and inspects the condition of freight, documenting any shortages or damage
Review freight bills for special instructions. Checks the manifest for existing exceptions and check the label and the destination code on manifests against freight bills
- Check for special instructions, and weight distributions on headloads, and check headloads against the freight bills when loading freight
- Verify the hazardous material product description, determines any discrepancies in the paperwork, and verify proper placarding when loading hazardous material
- Properly block and brace freight to prevent shifting during transport.

Requirements & Skills 2

A High School Diploma or GED
Ability to satisfactorily pass background check and alcohol and drug tests

Job summary 3

The successful Dock Worker will be expected to maintain daily communication with Quality Control, Department Manager, and other employees in the department to make sure that all products being manufactured will meet the requirements and specifications of the customer. This position will also involve learning about the many varieties of mattresses manufactured by this department.

Duties & Responsibilities 3

Learn all aspects of the dock including unloading and loading of trucks/trailers.
Learn the paperwork process and basic computer skills.
Learn the location of raw materials in warehouse areas.
Safe operation of forklift, forklift maintenance, and all associated paperwork.
Product labeling and quality inspection.
- Work in trucks/trailers in hot and cold conditions.
- Learn to operate, empty, and clean all balers.
- Function under the pressure of a manufacturing environment.

Requirements & Skills 3

Job summary 4

The Dock Worker ties vessels to moorings, loads, unloads, and moves materials on and off vessels and/or from dock to storage site by performing the following duties.

Duties & Responsibilities 4

Requirements & Skills 4

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Specific dock positions require forklift certification or the ability to become certified; and/or require a valid driver's license.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Ability to write simple correspondence.
- Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
- Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.
- Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

Job summary 5

Under minimal supervision, the Dock Worker is responsible for organizing and transporting freight on the dock, including loading and unloading trailers without damaging product. Effectively use load tables to maximize space and revenue. Dock Workers will need to effectively document all necessary information on freight paperwork to ensure freight arrives from origin to destination on time. Dock Workers must also be flexible regarding shifts.

Duties & Responsibilities 5

Load and unload inbound and/or outbound trucks
Sort and label freight while organizing by location
Responsible for all documentation to include damaged freight
Will be responsible for proper stacking of freight to reduce damages
Perform inventory count based on BOL's when loading and unloading freight in addition to loading and unloading shipments and returns
- Maintain cleanliness around dock area
- Understand and implements safe, efficient freight handling and required lifting procedures
- Other duties as assigned by management

Requirements & Skills 5

Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
Must be flexible and able to work required overtime as needed
Must maintain good attendance
Must be able to perform basic arithmetical calculations including addition, subtractions, division, and multiplication
- Must be able to interact well with others
- Must be capable of working under tight constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

Job summary 6

The Dock Worker unloads products from vessels safely and timely, utilizing the appropriate equipment and proper handling techniques.

Duties & Responsibilities 6

Maintain and operate all dock equipment efficiently.
Learn all product species, sub-types, and specs on sorting/handling all products received at the dock.
Ensure all products received, processed, or shipped meet Company quality expectations.
Notify the supervisor when there are inconsistencies.
Communicate with leads, supervisors, and other team members regarding supply material levels.
- Keep all work areas clean and organized at all times.
- Learn and apply all SSOP for all job requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Skills 6

Job summary 7

We are currently seeking a full-time Dock Worker for our location. This schedule for this position will be 4 10-hour shifts with the possibility of overtime.

Duties & Responsibilities 7

Properly load and unload freight from trailers using various lifting methods including forklifts and pallet jacks.
Prepare, and inspect, trailers before loading freight.
Verify that documentation matches freight and documents incoming and outgoing freight.

Requirements & Skills 7

18 years of age or older
Ability to push/pull/lift to 75 pounds frequently, greater than 100 pounds occasionally

Job summary 8

We are currently looking for a full-time Dock Worker to load and unload trailers at our terminal location.

Duties & Responsibilities 8

Load and unload freight from trailers using forklifts, pallet jacks, etc.
Prepare, inspect, and clean trailers before loading freight
Review freight bills for special instructions and inspect the freight for damage

Requirements & Skills 8

18 years of age or older
Ability to push/pull/lift to 75 pounds frequently, greater than 100 pounds occasionally
- Ability to work in various weather conditions
- Work various shifts and days of the week
- Minimum of 6 months experience operating a forklift

Job summary 9

The Dock Worker shall work closely with the lead, and other Team Members to achieve defined departmental goals of productivity, efficiency, quality, delivery, 6s, and safety. Team members in this position will be expected to develop and display knowledge, skills, and willingness to learn and perform a variety of manufacturing tasks, flex to work needs, produce sustained quality and timely results, maintain ongoing positive and collaborative behaviors, and reliably work all scheduled hours.

Duties & Responsibilities 9

Requirements & Skills 9

High school diploma or equivalent
1-2 weeks training time required for most tasks.
Demonstrates a sense of urgency.
Good verbal communication skills.
- Ability to read and understand job aids and other instructional material printed in English preferred.
- Ability to lift/move product weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
- Ability to work within a team environment required.

Job summary 10

We are looking for a Dock Worker.

Duties & Responsibilities 10

Properly load and unload freight using a forklift, pallet jack, hand truck, or by hand
Strap, brace, and pad freight to prevent damage or shifting
Responsible for accurately recording the condition of freight as it arrives at the terminal
- Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspection of dock equipment
- Regular attendance is required.
- This is not an all-inclusive list of job requirements and/or duties and may not contain all mental and physical capabilities necessary to perform the job at all times due to circumstances. Operational, safety, and other needs may require the employee to perform any other duties as assigned. Employees are expected and must be able to perform all such duties and tasks.

Requirements & Skills 10

Frequently asked questions

What does a dock worker do?

A dock worker is an individual who works in a dockyard or port, performing a variety of tasks related to the loading and unloading of cargo from ships or trucks. The main role of a dock worker is to ensure that cargo is handled safely, efficiently, and accurately.

Some of the specific tasks that a dock worker may perform include:

Loading and unloading cargo: This involves physically moving cargo onto and off of ships or trucks, using equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and cranes.

Sorting and labeling cargo: This involves ensuring that cargo is sorted and labeled correctly, according to its destination or type.

Securing cargo: This involves ensuring that cargo is properly secured and stowed, to prevent damage or loss during transport.

Operating equipment: This includes operating equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and cranes, as well as performing basic maintenance and safety checks on equipment.

Completing paperwork: This includes completing paperwork related to the shipment of cargo, such as bills of lading and shipping manifests.

Communicating with others: This includes communicating with other dock workers, truck drivers, and ship crew members, to ensure that cargo is handled safely and efficiently.

Overall, the role of a dock worker is to ensure that cargo is handled safely and efficiently, from the point of arrival at the dockyard or port to the point of departure on a ship or truck.

What are the skills of a dock worker?

The skills required to be a dock worker can vary depending on the specific job responsibilities, but generally include:

Physical fitness: Dock workers must be physically fit and able to perform manual labor, including lifting heavy objects, working in confined spaces, and operating heavy machinery.

Attention to detail: Dock workers must be detail-oriented and able to accurately sort and label cargo, as well as complete paperwork and maintain records.

Communication skills: Dock workers must be able to communicate effectively with other dock workers, truck drivers, and ship crew members to ensure that cargo is handled safely and efficiently.

Technical skills: Dock workers must have a basic understanding of the equipment used in the dockyard or port, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and cranes.

Time management: Dock workers must be able to manage their time effectively to ensure that cargo is loaded and unloaded efficiently, without causing delays or disruptions.

Problem-solving: Dock workers must be able to identify and solve problems quickly and effectively, including identifying the best way to load or unload cargo, resolving issues with equipment, and addressing unexpected challenges that may arise.

Safety awareness: Dock workers must be aware of and adhere to all safety regulations and procedures, to ensure the safety of themselves and others working in the dockyard or port.

Overall, dock workers must be able to work well in a team, be able to perform manual labor, be detail-oriented, and have good communication, technical, time management, problem-solving, and safety skills.

Olivia Powell
Recruiting expert

Last updated Sep 30

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Dock Worker Job Description

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Frequently asked questions

What does a dock worker do?

What are the skills of a dock worker?

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