Longshore workers
Career Overview
Longshore workers transfer cargo from ships to trucks and trains as well as move cargo around on docks. They may do a variety of jobs, from operating cranes to driving machinery to loading materials.
Job Titles
Duties
Longshore workers:
- Drive industrial trucks, tractors and other mobile equipment to transfer cargo (such as containers, crated items, cars and pallet-mounted machinery) within range of cranes and hoists
- Use winches and other hoisting devices to load/unload cargo onto ships and to move cargo from one vessel to another
- Operate mechanical towers to load vessels with materials, such as coal and ore
- Run equipment to transfer bulk materials, such as grain, into the storage area (also called the hold) of vessels
- Connect hoses and operate equipment to transfer liquids into storage tanks on vessels
- Secure (lash and shore) cargo aboard ships
- Clean the storage areas of ships
- Maintain and repair cargo equipment
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
3,110% Employed Full Time
47%People in this occupation work on a dispatch system. They are hired through locals of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and are dispatched each day to work for marine terminal operators. Longshore workers work at different terminals on different days. Most terminals also have some regular employees.
Longshore workers are employed in all major ports in B.C. Since most terminals operate 24 hours, longshore workers tend to work shifts.
The work is physical and requires good focus. Longshore workers are outdoors in all types of weather. They work with heavy equipment, instruments, machinery and tools that can cause serious injury. They may be exposed to chemicals, harmful dust from bulk cargo, noise and vibration. In addition, they are subject to the dangers that come from working on docks around cranes and towers.
Career Pathways
Longshore workers usually begin as labourers. After a short time, they can apply to train in more advanced roles. Some may become machinery drivers or crane operators. Others may become “checkers” who record and monitor the cargo being loaded/unloaded from ships.
With experience, longshore workers can advance into supervisory roles, such as crew foreperson.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.
For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Education, Training and Skills
Longshore workers receive on-the-job training. Most employers also require workers to have some secondary school education.
Education programs in B.C.
The following program areas are related to this occupation:
- Academic/Basic Upgrading
Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Watching gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure that a machine is working properly.
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Talking to others to share information effectively.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
3,110Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 0 | 0.0% |
| Kootenay | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 2,555 | 82.0% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 350 | 11.2% |
| Northeast | 0 | 0.0% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 15 | 0.5% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 185 | 5.9% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
1,950Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | Not available | Not available |
| Kootenay | Not available | Not available |
| Mainland/Southwest | 1,300 | 1.8% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 470 | 4.2% |
| Northeast | Not available | Not available |
| Thompson-Okanagan | Not available | Not available |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 160 | 2.5% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
| Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | 1,930 |
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 10 |
| Repair, Personal and Non-Profit Services | 10 |
Insights from Industry
The dispatch system offers longshore workers flexibility. Many workers enjoy the freedom that comes from working for different employers and with different co-workers each day. Longshore workers also have a wide variety of roles they can choose from.
Workers with experience have good job prospects and strong opportunities for advancement. New workers have access to fewer jobs initially, but many opportunities for training.
More opportunities are expected due to the recent expansions in the Port of Vancouver and Port of Prince Rupert.
Resources
-
BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA)www.bcmea.com
-
International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU)www.ilwu.ca
Career Videos
Watch the video below to see what it's like to be a longshore worker.
Watch the video below to see what it's like to be a longshore worker.
