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Dock Worker

Dock work is the “last meter” of freight movement: loading, unloading, scanning, and building stable pallets so shipments move on time. The job is physical, safety-driven, and measured by accuracy and throughput. CV is required for review.

CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.
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Sector: Logistics & Warehousing Typical routes: Employer-sponsored (EB-3)* or seasonal (H-2B)* Work type: Temporary or permanent Last updated: January 1, 2026
Operational reality: Employers value safe speed—moving freight quickly without damage, mis-scans, or unsafe handling.

What dock workers do (real dock flow)

Most dock roles combine physical handling with scanning accuracy and safe trailer procedures:

  • Unload inbound trailers: break down freight, sort by route/zone, and stage safely.
  • Build outbound pallets: stack stable, wrap/strap where required, and label correctly.
  • Scan freight with handheld devices; prevent misroutes and “missing piece” errors.
  • Move pallets with pallet jacks or electric pallet jacks (authorized by site policy).
  • Support dock safety routines: keep lanes clear, manage dock plates, and prevent slip/trip hazards.
Strong performance is measurable: low damage, clean scans, stable pallets, and on-time departures.

A short “dock shift” story

On a busy evening, trailers arrive close together. The dock team unloads, scans, and stages freight by route while outbound doors are being built at the same time. The best dock workers keep a rhythm: scan first, place correctly, stack stable, wrap/secure, then move on—without blocking lanes or rushing into unsafe lifts.

Loading / unloading Scanning accuracy Pallet building Damage prevention

Gross pay (brutto) — realistic benchmarks

Pay varies by state/city, employer type (terminal, distribution center, cross-dock), and shift (night/weekend differentials may apply). Below are realistic national benchmarks and examples (gross).

Benchmark (USA) Gross pay range What drives the number
Hourly benchmarks (material moving / freight handling) $14.18–$21.61/hr
Median reference: ~$18.10/hr 		Local wages vary by labor market, shift premium, and freight complexity (LTL/cross-dock).
Annual reference (if full-time year-round) $37,680/year (median reference) Seasonal roles depend on contract length; weekly hours determine total earnings.
Large carrier examples (reported averages) $20–$23/hr (approx.) Company-reported estimates can be higher than local averages in some markets.
Overtime (where non-exempt) 1.5× regular rate after 40 hrs/week Confirm classification, timekeeping policy, and peak-season schedules.
If the job is seasonal under H-2B (where applicable), the offered wage in the job order must meet specific compliance rules; always verify the exact offered wage for the location and shift.

Confirm before you accept

  • Gross hourly wage for the exact location and shift (day/night).
  • Weekly hours (average and peak weeks) and overtime policy.
  • Equipment authorization: pallet jack / EPT / forklift (site training rules).
  • PPE: safety shoes, high-visibility rules, gloves (employer policy).
  • Physical expectations: typical lift limits and pace targets (employer-specific).

Detailed requirements (practical and employer-facing)

  1. English CV with accurate contact details (mandatory for review).
  2. Physical capacity: repeated lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling pallets, long standing and walking.
  3. Safety discipline: follow dock plate rules, keep lanes clear, and use correct lifting techniques.
  4. Accuracy under pace: scan correctly, match labels, and stage freight by route/zone without shortcuts.
  5. Shift readiness: evenings/nights/weekends are common; peak periods require consistent attendance.
  6. Equipment awareness: pallet jacks/EPT use (authorized only), basic dock tools, wrap/strap routines.
  7. Damage prevention: stable stacking, careful handling of fragile freight, no “throwing” freight.
  8. Role-dependent checks: background screening and site onboarding steps (employer policy).
What employers value most: safe speed + scan accuracy + reliable attendance.

Candidate portrait (short profile)

The best dock workers are steady, safety-minded, and accurate—fast without becoming careless. They keep freight organized and protect shipment integrity.

  • Temperament: calm under time pressure; follows procedures.
  • Work style: scan-first habits; stable stacking; clean staging lanes.
  • Strength: stamina and consistency across long shifts.
  • Reliability: shows up and finishes peak-week schedules.

Next steps

  1. Create/upload your CV and keep contact details up to date.
  2. After CV review, we confirm role fit and available projects.
  3. If shortlisted, you proceed to employer interview and documentation steps.
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Work conditions in the USA (current, practical)

Environment & pace

  • Dock environments are noisy and fast-moving; forklifts and pallet traffic are common nearby.
  • Work can be hot/cold depending on facility type (cross-dock doors open, seasonal temperature swings).
  • Peak windows (late afternoon/evening) often require maximum throughput and strict staging order.

Pay, hours, and compliance

  • Many dock roles are hourly; overtime may apply depending on classification and schedule.
  • Shift differentials (night/weekend) may exist, employer-dependent.
  • Seasonal job orders (where applicable) must state an offered wage and follow wage compliance rules.
This page is informational and not legal advice. Final conditions depend on the employer, location, and official job order/offer documents.
Visa & authorization disclaimer: Any U.S. work authorization path (e.g., H-2B, EB-3) depends on the hiring employer, eligibility, and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.

FAQ (role-specific, anti-template)

What is the difference between dock worker and warehouse associate?

Dock workers focus on trailer freight flow: loading/unloading, scanning, staging, and outbound pallet building. Warehouse associates may do broader picking, packing, and inventory tasks inside the facility.

Do I need forklift certification?

Not always. Many dock roles start with manual handling and pallet jack/EPT work. Forklift operation is usually authorized after site training and depends on the employer.

How much do dock workers make per hour (gross)?

Pay varies by state and shift. National benchmarks for freight/material moving roles commonly range from the mid-teens to low-20s per hour gross, with higher pay possible in some terminals and night shifts.

What is the biggest performance factor?

Accuracy under pace: correct scans, correct staging, stable pallets, and zero unsafe behavior. Speed without accuracy creates claims, misroutes, and rework.

What should I include in my CV?

Any freight/warehouse experience, shift work readiness, scanner or labeling experience, pallet building, safety habits, and physical-work roles that demonstrate stamina and reliability.

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CV requirement: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.