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How do I Become a Dock Worker?
There are very few major skills one needs to acquire before trying to become a dock worker. Given the fact that you could be working with a great deal of property, some of which is very expensive, being trustworthy may be the most important aspect. Having basic math and communication skills is also helpful if you want to become a dock worker. Many in the occupation may not even have a high school diploma, but experience working with various industrial equipment may be an advantage.
To determine the character of an individual, the company doing the hiring may depend heavily on references. Many companies ask for both personal references and professional references in order to become a dock worker. Therefore, it may be necessary to have at least one job prior to becoming a dock worker. It may also help if you have someone who can speak to your character who is already employed by the company where you are seeking employment.
The main job of a dock worker is to load and unload containers, trailers and other types of storage units that may hold a variety of freight. Therefore, making sure you are in good health is critical if you want to become a dock worker. The work is very physically demanding, and often requires standing for long periods of time, and may also require bending, stooping, and heavy lifting.
Though a formal education may not be the most important aspect of working in the shipping industry as a dock worker, the ability to operate some forms of industrial equipment could be important. Therefore, if you have experience operating a forklift, or can attend a class that teaches the skill, you may have a better chance to become a dock worker. In some cases, you may also be able to learn to use a forklift while on the job. Those who do this may start out by using a hand pallet jack, or some other type of equipment.
Given the fact that you may be handling some heavy equipment, a drug test is often required in order to become a dock worker. Further, random drug tests may be given by some companies. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure you are drug-free when working as dock worker. If you refuse to take a drug test, you could be fired on the spot. The same is true if the drug test returns a positive result.
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![Dock workers may have to become familiar with intermodal shipping systems.]()
By: BinkskiDock workers may have to become familiar with intermodal shipping systems. -
![Graving, or dry dock, workers may be tasked with ships with hulls that have been damaged below the waterline.]()
By: Nightman1965Graving, or dry dock, workers may be tasked with ships with hulls that have been damaged below the waterline. -
![There are no particular educational or professional requirements for becoming a dock worker.]()
By: Daniel ErnstThere are no particular educational or professional requirements for becoming a dock worker. -
![Dock workers must be in good health and physical shape.]()
By: potowizardDock workers must be in good health and physical shape.
Discussion Comments
@ocelot60- I actually did work as a dock worker when I was in college, and I really enjoyed the job. It was rewarding because I got to work around the waterfront, which I loved. It also paid surprisingly well.
Anyone considering becoming a dock worker can maximize his or her earning power in several ways. First, it is important to live in an area where a lot of dock work is available. This increases wages because the workers are in demand and companies that use dock workers are frequently hiring.
Next, a dock worker has to be strong and in good physical shape. The faster he or she can work and the more weight he or she can lift, the better the pay.
Finally, having a flexible schedule is very important when it comes to doing dock work. Often, companies ship products that arrive on the docks at various times, and a good dock worker is ready and willing to be there when this type of work calls.
A position as a dock worker sounds like it could be very strenuous, so I assumed that someone must be in good physical shape to do this kind of work. For all of the muscular requirements, is the pay worth it to work on the docks?
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