How to get a job on a cargo ship

To get a job on a cargo ship, you need to meet the requirements to work on a ship and find a job that is a good fit for you and your skill set. Working on a cargo ship can be an exciting way to try out living in a different place, but it is not as easy as it may seem, and there are steps required to be able to do so.

How To Become A Cargo Handler: What It Is and Career Path

What is a cargo handler and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Cargo handlers are responsible for moving baggage and other cargo, and ensuring that the cargo is safe when they reach their destination. Usually designated in airlines and airports, cargo handlers need to know how to operate conveyor belts or forklifts, lift heavy packages, label or scan items, and maintain extensive records.

Without needing a college degree, one can apply for the position of a cargo handler as long as they possess the necessary skills for the job. Some of these skills include customer-service skills, which are used to meet the needs of clients and customers, listening skills to be able to follow instructions accurately and clearly, and physical strength and stamina.

There is a job growth rate of 4% here, and a cargo handler often earns an average salary of $29,068. One can eventually be a technician or a warehouse manager as they progress in their job.

ScoreCargo HandlerUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $32,044

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

6.4

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.17%

Asian 6.01%

Black or African American 13.87%

Hispanic or Latino 18.71%

Unknown 5.36%

White 54.88%

Gender

female 24.36%

male 75.64%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress Level

6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

4.7

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

4.4

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

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Key steps to become a cargo handler

Explore cargo handler education requirements

Most common cargo handler degrees

High School Diploma

45.4 %

Bachelor's

22.0 %

Associate

16.1 %

Start to develop specific cargo handler skills

Skills	Percentages
Pallets	26.40%
Safety Policies	15.82%
Quality Standards	12.37%
Unload Trailers	10.39%
FAA	9.37%

Complete relevant cargo handler training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New cargo handlers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a cargo handler based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real cargo handler resumes.

Research cargo handler duties and responsibilities

Manage temporary staff doing warehouse work and train and test them in order to receive forklift certification per OSHA.
Scan and sort packages in hazmat.
Scan the cargo in using rf scanners
Utilize RF scanner system to transfer packages onto conveyor system or trailers.

Prepare your cargo handler resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your cargo handler resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a cargo handler resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Cargo Handler Resume templates

Build a professional Cargo Handler resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Cargo Handler resume.

Apply for cargo handler jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a cargo handler job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do cargo handlers rate their job?

-/5

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1 Star

Cargo Handler reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019

Pros

Learning where the parts are for such as the refinery. Nuts and bolts are used for. Washers, flanges and pipes are connected to.

Cons

Not being able to learn where every part goes to. For instance parts that go to a furnace, train, or a converter.