How to Become a Dock Worker?

Obtaining a job as a dockworker does not require having formal education requirements. Most require a high school diploma or GED, with less than 20% of workers possessing an associate or bachelor's degree. The majority of positions will provide on-the-job training for the specific skills they want you to do. Working as a dock worker is a very physically demanding job. You must have the stamina to work long hours, manage heavy machinery, and be strong enough to lift cargo when loading and unloading shipments.

Employers and unions generally offer apprenticeships to individuals who have the mental and physical capabilities to complete the job but not enough work experience. While an associate or bachelor's degree isn't usually needed to get a job as a dock worker, employers look for the following experience and skills when hiring:

• 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.

Dockworkers commonly seek many certifications. The more certifications you maintain, the better your odds of landing a job or having a higher earning potential. These certifications include the following:

• 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.

When preparing for an interview to work as a dockworker, the hiring managers or recruiters will be looking at how well you understand the importance of adhering to specific schedules and freight transfer requirements. You'll need to communicate the willingness and enthusiasm required to follow written and oral instructions and demonstrate effective time-management abilities. Some questions you can practice answering include:

• 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.