
Dock workers, also known as longshoremen or stevedores, are waterfront manual labourers who load and unload cargo on and off ships. The word stevedore originated in Portugal or Spain, and entered the English language through its use by sailors. In Great Britain and Ireland, people who load and unload ships are usually called dockers, while in Australia they are called stevedores, dockworkers or wharfies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Dock Worker, Longshoreman, Stevedore, Docker, Wharfman, Lumper, Wharfie |
| Description | A waterfront manual laborer who loads and unloads ships |
| Tools | Forklift, pallet jack, tower crane, longshoreman's hook |
| Qualifications | No formal education requirements, most positions provide on-the-job training |
| Skills | Stamina to work long hours, strength to lift cargo and operate heavy machinery |
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What You'll Learn
- Dockworkers are also known as longshoremen, stevedores, dockers, wharfmen, lumpers or wharfies
- They load and unload cargo on and off ships
- They work with perishables, machinery, or chemicals
- It is a physically demanding job, requiring strength and stamina
- There are no formal education requirements to become a dock worker

Dockworkers are also known as longshoremen, stevedores, dockers, wharfmen, lumpers or wharfies
Dockworkers are waterfront manual labourers who load and unload ships. They are responsible for working safely and efficiently to load and unload cargo, inspecting and documenting the items for accounting purposes and reporting damages, and maintaining the dock facilities. Depending on the shipment, they may operate special machinery to move the freight, such as a tower crane or a forklift.
The word stevedore originated in Portugal or Spain and entered the English language through its use by sailors. It started as a phonetic spelling of estivador (Portuguese) or estibador (Spanish), meaning a man who loads ships and stows cargo.
In Great Britain and Ireland, people who load and unload ships are usually called dockers, while in Australia, they are called stevedores, dockworkers or wharfies. In the United States and Canada, the term longshoreman is more commonly used.
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They load and unload cargo on and off ships
Dockworkers, also known as longshoremen, stevedores, dockers, wharfmen, lumpers or wharfies, are waterfront manual labourers who load and unload cargo on and off ships. Cargo can include perishables (fruit and meat), machinery, or chemicals. Dockworkers are responsible for working safely and efficiently to load and unload cargo, inspecting and documenting the items for accounting purposes and reporting damages, and maintaining the dock facilities.
The word stevedore originated in Portugal or Spain and entered the English language through its use by sailors. It started as a phonetic spelling of estivador (Portuguese) or estibador (Spanish), meaning a man who loads ships and stows cargo. In Great Britain and Ireland, people who load and unload ships are usually called dockers, whereas in Australia, they are called stevedores, dockworkers or wharfies. In the United States and Canada, the term stevedore is also used, and the longshoreman's hook became emblematic of the profession, mainly on the west coast.
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They work with perishables, machinery, or chemicals
Dock workers, also known as longshoremen or stevedores, are responsible for loading and unloading cargo on and off ships. This cargo can include perishables (such as fruit and meat), machinery, or chemicals. Dock workers must work safely and efficiently to load and unload cargo, inspect and document items for accounting purposes, and report any damages. They may also be required to operate special machinery, such as tower cranes or forklifts, to move freight.
Working with perishables requires dock workers to be mindful of time constraints and proper storage conditions to ensure the quality and safety of the goods. Perishables often need to be transported and stored at specific temperatures and humidity levels to prevent spoilage. Dock workers play a crucial role in maintaining the cold chain, ensuring that perishables are kept at the right temperatures during loading, unloading, and transit. They also need to be vigilant about the proper handling of perishables to avoid damage or contamination.
When it comes to machinery, dock workers are responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used in cargo handling. This includes forklifts, pallet jacks, and tower cranes. They must be proficient in using this machinery to efficiently load, unload, and stack cargo of various sizes and weights. Regular maintenance and safety checks are also part of their duties to ensure the machinery is in good working condition and complies with safety standards.
Handling chemicals poses unique challenges and risks for dock workers. They must be well-versed in the properties and hazards of the chemicals they are dealing with, including flammable, corrosive, or toxic substances. Dock workers are responsible for adhering to safety protocols, wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensuring proper storage, handling, and transportation of chemicals to prevent accidents or environmental hazards.
Whether dealing with perishables, machinery, or chemicals, dock workers play a vital role in the smooth operation of ports and docks. Their expertise and physical stamina are crucial in ensuring the safe and efficient loading and unloading of cargo, making them an indispensable part of the global supply chain.
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It is a physically demanding job, requiring strength and stamina
A dock worker, also called a stevedore, longshoreman, docker, wharfman, lumper or wharfie, is a physically demanding job, requiring strength and stamina. Dock workers are waterfront manual labourers who load and unload cargo on and off ships. This cargo can include perishables (fruit and meat), machinery, or chemicals. Dock workers must be strong enough to lift cargo and operate heavy machinery, and have the stamina to work long hours. They are also responsible for working safely and efficiently, inspecting and documenting items for accounting purposes, and reporting damages.
Dock workers are a prominent part of the modern labour movement, and their required numbers have declined by over 90% since the 1960s due to the intermodal shipping container revolution.
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There are no formal education requirements to become a dock worker
Dock workers, also known as longshoremen or stevedores, are manual labourers who load and unload cargo on and off ships. There are no formal education requirements to become a dock worker. Most positions provide on-the-job training, but the job is physically demanding, so you must be strong enough to lift cargo and work heavy machinery. You will also need the stamina to work long hours.
Dock workers are responsible for working safely and efficiently to load and unload cargo, inspecting and documenting the items for accounting purposes, and reporting damages. They may also be required to operate special machinery to move freight, such as a tower crane or forklift.
The word stevedore originated in Portugal or Spain and entered the English language through its use by sailors. It started as a phonetic spelling of estivador (Portuguese) or estibador (Spanish), meaning a man who loads ships and stows cargo. In Great Britain and Ireland, people who load and unload ships are usually called dockers, while in Australia, they are called stevedores, dockworkers or wharfies.
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Frequently asked questions
A dock worker is also commonly known as a 'longshoreman' or 'stevedore'. These terms are often used interchangeably.
A dock worker loads and unloads cargo on and off ships. This may include perishables (fruit and meat), machinery or chemicals.
There are no formal education requirements to become a dock worker. Most positions provide on-the-job training, but you must be physically strong enough to lift cargo and work heavy machinery, and have the stamina to work long hours.











































