Job Search & Hiring
How To Become a Dockworker
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | Jan 1, 2024
Are you thinking of becoming a Dockworker or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Dockworker, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Dockworker job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Dockworker
A dockworker loads and unloads cargo while preparing docks for incoming shipments. This individual is responsible for mooring and unmooring ships when they arrive and depart while maintaining accurate records for misplaced or damaged freight. In this article, we discuss the steps required to become a dockworker.
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Get your education.
- Hand-eye coordination.
- Listening skills.
- Physical strength.
- Forklift experience.
- Trucking.
- Loading and unloading.
- Forklift operator experience.
- Pallet jack experience.
- Docking experience.
- Pallet jack driver experience.
- Dockworker experience.
- Shipping and receiving experience.
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Take certification exams.
- Commercial Driver License (CDL), CDL A, CDL B.
- OSHA safety certificate.
- Driver's license.
- Double and triple endorsements.
- Hazmat endorsement.
- Forklift certification.
- Non-CDL Class C license.
- Tanker endorsement.If you have a specific company you'd like to work for, check the company's requirements for dockworker positions. These requirements will give you a clearer idea about what to expect when working at this specific job.
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Pass a background and drug test.
Due to the intense physical demands and potential safety hazards, many employers will perform a drug screen and background check before hiring an employee for a job. Be prepared for these screenings before your interview to avoid any unexpected issues during the hiring process. -
Interview for a position.
- What licenses do you have to operate machinery such as forklifts?
- What jobs in freight handling have you held before this position and what were your responsibilities in them?
- How have you dealt with rapidly changing environments within the freight handling industry?If you prepare answers to these questions, demonstrate that you have the required certifications, and provide detailed highlights about your work experience, you could secure a job as a dockworker.
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