What does a longshoreman do?

I’m considering jobs that don’t require a degree, and I've come across the term 'longshoreman.' Could someone explain what their daily duties are and what working in this field might be like? Is it a physically demanding job?

A longshoreman is a dockworker who loads and unloads cargo from ships at ports. Tasks can include operating cranes to lift large containers onto and off of ships, driving forklifts to move goods around the dock, and manually lifting and carrying smaller goods. So yes, it can be a physically demanding job, requiring strength, stamina, and manual dexterity.

Work conditions can also be demanding. Longshoremen often work outdoors, so they need to be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions. The work can be particularly challenging during extreme heat or cold, or rainy weather. The work also often requires protective gear, such as helmets, high visibility vests, safety shoes, and sometimes hearing protection.

Working hours can vary greatly. With international shipping being a 24/7 industry, shifts can occur at all times of the day and night, including weekends and holidays. Despite the challenges, the job can come with benefits like relatively high pay (due in large part to the physically demanding nature of the job), union representation in many places, and a sense of camaraderie among workers.

It's also important to note that longshoremen jobs are not without risk, as there can be potential dangers associated with handling heavy loads, working with industrial machinery, and working in close proximity to large ships. Safety training and adherence to safety procedures are critical parts of the job. I would recommend job shadowing or speaking with someone in the role to get a better understanding of the specific requirements and demands of the job.