Dock workers, or port workers, perform critical tasks to keep ships moving in and out of a harbor or port. They ensure the safe loading and unloading of vessels and are responsible for keeping the port running efficiently. If you have ever been curious about what goes on behind the scenes at your local port, there is no better way to find out than by becoming a longshoreman. In this article, we will be exploring five reasons why longshoreman jobs in San Pedro are docktastic!
What’s a Longshoreman?
First, let’s start by answering the question on everyone’s mind. What is a longshoreman? A longshoreman is a worker who is involved in loading and unloading ships in a port. This can include tasks such as operating cranes and other heavy machinery, driving trucks and forklifts, and working with cargo of all types.
5 Reasons Why Longshoreman Jobs in San Pedro Are Docktastic
Here are five reasons why you should consider a longshoreman job in San Pedro.
1. A Dynamic and Exciting Work Environment
Working on the docks can be a high-energy experience like no other. It’s a great way to break up the monotony of a typical 9 to 5 job. With ships coming in and out of port constantly, each day is different, and you never know what to expect. There is never a dull moment on the docks!
2. Competitive Pay and Benefits
Longshoreman jobs in San Pedro are well-paying positions that come with a comprehensive benefits package. According to the Pacific Maritime Association, the average longshoreman earns around $135,000 per year, making it one of the highest-paying jobs in the maritime industry. Furthermore, longshoreman benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement benefits.
3. Room for Advancement
Longshoreman jobs have a clear path for advancement. You can start as a casual worker, working part-time or on-call, and gradually work your way up to a full-time, unionized position. From there, you can advance to more highly skilled positions, such as crane operator or equipment mechanic.
4. Job Security
The maritime industry is vital to the economy of San Pedro, and there will always be a need for longshoreman workers. This means that longshoreman jobs offer excellent job security, even during economic downturns. Many workers have been with the same employer for decades, and it’s not uncommon for longshoreman workers to spend their entire career in the industry.
5. Experience a Unique Community
Working as a longshoreman in San Pedro means that you become part of a unique and tight-knit community. Everyone in the industry knows each other, and there is a strong sense of camaraderie that comes with working together to get the job done. On top of that, longshoreman workers get to interact with people from all over the world, making it a truly multicultural experience.
Longshoreman Job Requirements
Now that we’ve outlined why a longshoreman job in San Pedro would be docktastic, let’s look at what it takes to become a longshoreman in the first place.
Physical Fitness
First and foremost, longshoreman jobs require a high level of physical fitness. The work is very physically demanding, and workers must be capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects for extended periods.
Safety Training
Another requirement for longshoreman jobs is safety training. All dock workers must complete extensive safety training before starting work. This training covers everything from proper lifting techniques to working with hazardous materials.
Union Membership
All longshoreman workers in San Pedro are members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). To become a longshoreman, you must first become a member of the ILWU.
Background Check
Finally, all longshoreman workers must pass a background check. This includes a criminal background check and a drug test.
Conclusion
Longshoreman jobs in San Pedro are docktastic for several reasons. They offer a dynamic and exciting work environment, competitive pay and benefits, room for advancement, job security, and a unique community. Becoming a longshoreman requires physical fitness, safety training, union membership, and passing a background check. If you’re interested in joining the maritime industry and becoming a longshoreman, San Pedro might just be the place for you!
Table: Average Annual Salary of Longshoremen in Various US Ports
| Port | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles/Long Beach | $135,000 |
| Seattle/Tacoma | $120,000 |
| New York/New Jersey | $105,000 |
| Houston/Galveston | $90,000 |
2 Lists
Pros of Being a Longshoreman
- Competitive pay
- Excellent benefits package
- Job security
- Room for advancement
- Unique work environment
Cons of Being a Longshoreman
- Physically demanding work
- Hazardous work environment
- Irregular hours
- Requires union membership
References
- International Longshore and Warehouse Union. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ilwu.org/.
- Pacific Maritime Association. (2021). ILWU-PMA Labor Agreement. Retrieved from https://www.pmanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2014-2019_ILWU_PMA_Contract.pdf.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Longshore workers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/longshore-workers.htm.