What Does an Amazon Ship Dock Do?
Learn more about what it takes to succeed as a ship dock, the skills you'll need to become one, and what you can expect on the job.
The Amazon fulfillment center is a massive operation that requires a lot of coordination. The dockworkers are responsible for moving the thousands of boxes that come into the facility every day and get sorted by workers in other departments.
The job of a dockworker is physically demanding, but it’s also very important to the success of Amazon as a company. Without these hardworking individuals, there would be no way to keep up with the demand for products from one of the largest retailers in the world.
Amazon Ship Dock Job Duties
Amazon ship dock workers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Maintaining a schedule to ensure that all shipments are unloaded from incoming ships within 24 hours of their arrival
- Coordinating with customs officials to ensure that all documentation is in order before unloading begins
- Assisting with the loading of cargo onto outgoing ships
- Communicating with other departments within the company to ensure that shipments are picked up on time
- Reporting any damage to goods or loss of inventory during transit
- Working with other dock hands to ensure that all containers are offloaded in a safe manner
- Coordinating with shipping companies to ensure that cargo is delivered on time
- Coordinating with other departments to ensure that paperwork is processed correctly
- Inspecting packages for damage or signs of tampering during shipment
Amazon Ship Dock Salary & Outlook
Amazon ships are typically docked at port for only a few days before returning to sea. The length of time they spend in port depends on the distance of their voyage, the size of the ship, and the amount of cargo they’re carrying. Some Amazon ships may also be docked for longer periods of time if they need repairs or maintenance work.
Amazon dockworkers’ salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the company they work for, and the location of their job. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime pay.
- Median Annual Salary: $39,500 ($18.99/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)
The employment of ship captains is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.
Captains will be needed to navigate larger ships that carry more cargo and travel longer distances. In addition, the need to automate some tasks currently done by captains will limit the number of jobs available for them. However, the need to have a captain on board will limit the extent to which automation can reduce employment demand.
Amazon Ship Dock Job Requirements
To work at an Amazon ship dock, you would need to have the following qualifications:
Education: Amazon hires candidates with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some candidates may have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in logistics, transportation or another related field. These degrees can help you advance your career in the future.
Training & Experience: Amazon ships their products from their own docks, so the company trains new hires in the specific processes and procedures they use. New hires receive on-the-job training from experienced dockworkers who show them how to use the equipment and complete the tasks required for their role.
Certifications & Licenses: Amazon ships their products in branded cardboard boxes with the Amazon logo on the side. These boxes are often reused by Amazon to ship returned items or items that need to be stored. They are also sold in bulk to other businesses.
How to Become an Amazon Ship Dock -> There are no educational or experience requirements to become an Amazon ship dock. However, employers may prefer candidates with a forklift certification.
Amazon Ship Dock Skills
Amazon Ship Dock workers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Forklift operation: A ship’s dock is a busy place, and you may need to operate a forklift to move cargo. You can learn how to operate a forklift in a short amount of time. You can also learn how to operate a pallet jack, which is a smaller version of a forklift.
Loading and unloading: Loading and unloading is a crucial part of working at a ship dock. You may be responsible for moving large shipments of goods from the ship to a truck or vice versa. This requires physical strength and stamina, so it’s important to be in good health and have a strong work ethic. You may also be responsible for moving smaller shipments of goods from a truck to a storage unit or vice versa.
Communication: Communication is an essential skill for a ship dock worker, as it allows them to interact with their coworkers and customers. Ship dock workers use communication to relay information to their coworkers, such as when a ship is arriving or when a shipment needs to be unloaded. They also use communication to interact with customers, answering questions and providing information about the products they sell.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is a necessary skill for a ship dock worker to have because it ensures that they complete their tasks correctly. Having attention to detail can help you notice if you missed a step in a process or if you need to make a change to a process. This can help you complete your tasks efficiently and correctly.
Warehouse operations: Warehouse operations are the processes that take place in a warehouse, including the storage, sorting and shipping of products. Having knowledge of warehouse operations can help you understand how to operate a ship dock because many ship docks are warehouses. You can learn about warehouse operations by taking classes in logistics or supply chain management.
Amazon Ship Dock Work Environment
The typical work environment for a dockworker at Amazon is a warehouse. The work is physical and demanding, and it can be difficult to keep up with the fast-paced production goals. Dockworkers must be able to lift heavy boxes and work quickly to keep up with the demands of the job. The work can be dangerous, as well, as dockworkers are often required to work with heavy machinery. The work is also repetitive and can be monotonous.
Amazon Ship Dock Trends
Here are three trends influencing how Amazon ship dock workers work. Amazon ship dock workers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Need for More Automation
As the world becomes more automated, businesses are looking for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This is especially true in the shipping industry, where automation can help to streamline operations and reduce the need for human labor.
Amazon Ship Dock professionals will need to be familiar with automation technologies in order to stay competitive. They will also need to be able to manage and oversee these systems, ensuring that they are working properly and meeting the needs of the company.
The Growth of 3PLs
The growth of 3PLs (third-party logistics providers) is a trend that is having a major impact on the shipping industry. As businesses look for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency, they are increasingly turning to 3PLs to handle tasks such as warehousing and distribution.
This trend is likely to continue in the future, which means that Amazon ship dock professionals will need to be familiar with 3PLs and how to work with them. They will also need to be able to identify opportunities to collaborate with 3PLs in order to provide even better service to their customers.
Increased Importance of Supply Chain Management
The importance of supply chain management is increasing in today’s economy. This is due to the fact that companies are realizing the value of having a strong supply chain team who can ensure that products are delivered on time and without any issues.
As the importance of supply chain management increases, so too will the demand for professionals who can manage this process. Amazon ship dock professionals can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in this area. This will allow them to be in high demand and help companies achieve success.
How to Become an Amazon Ship Dock
A career as a dock worker can be a great way to start your working life. It’s a physically demanding job that requires hard work and dedication, but it can also lead to more senior positions in the shipping industry.
To become a dock worker, you need to have a strong physical fitness level and be able to lift heavy loads. You should also be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
You can get started by applying for jobs at local docks or shipping companies. As you gain experience, you may be able to move up the ladder and take on more challenging roles.
