stevedore
Key facts
Are you looking for a physically demanding and vital role in global trade? As a stevedore, you'll be at the heart of moving goods, ensuring efficient loading and unloading operations at ports and terminals.
Stevedores play a crucial role in the supply chain, handling freight of all shapes and sizes. Your work involves moving goods – from boxes and bulky items to large pallets – between storage areas and transport vehicles, following both verbal and written instructions and adhering to state regulations. This role demands physical strength, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- • Sorting and organizing freight for efficient loading and unloading.
- • Loading and unloading freight from ships, trucks, and trains.
- • Moving goods to and from storage areas using manual labor and potentially equipment.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Labourers in mining, construction, manufacturing and transport — 25 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands.
Longest-running shortage: Netherlands, 4 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could stevedore fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Self-Control?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Future Outlook for stevedore
The outlook for stevedore reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could stevedore change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could stevedore change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- ensure that shipment contents correspond with shipping documentation
- relay messages through radio and telephone systems
- perform services in a flexible manner
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- analyse relation between supply chain improvement and profit
- analyse supply chain strategies
- assess stability of vessels
Tasks most exposed to automation
- use ICT systems
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Supply Chain & Transportation
A typical day as a stevedore
09 09:00 · Morning assess stability of vessels
10 10:30 · Mid-morning assess trim of vessels
12 12:00 · Midday accommodate cargo in freight transport vehicle
14 14:00 · Afternoon analyse relation between supply chain improvement and profit
15 15:30 · Late afternoon apply techniques for stacking goods into containers
17 17:00 · Wrap-up climb on railcars
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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laws on the transportation of dangerous goods
The legal regulations that apply in the transportation of potentially dangerous goods, and the procedures involved in classifying such materials.
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ramp safety requirements
Thoroughly understand ramp safety requirements and procedures.
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safety regulations for warehouses
The body of warehouse safety procedures and regulations to prevent incidents and hazards.
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vehicle cargo capacity
The capacity and the limits of the commissioned vehicle in terms of weight, type of cargo it can handle, and other cargo loading specifications.
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warehouse operations
The basic principles and practices of warehouse operations such as goods storage and the organisation of warehouse facilities.
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functions of vessel deck equipment
The required performance level of deck and safety equipment and vessel lifting facilities.
- international regulations for cargo handling
- loading charts for transportation of goods
- national regulations on handling cargo
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operate forklift
Operate a forklift, a vehicle with a pronged device in front for lifting and carrying heavy loads.
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organise weight of loads according to lifting equipment capacity
Organise the weight of loads to prevent overloading and imbalances in lifting equipment.
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operate material handling equipment
Perform general physical activities in warehouse such as loading, unloading and sorting goods; operate handling equipment.
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handle intermodal equipment
Handle intermodal equipment e.g. cranes, sideloaders, forklifts and hostler trucks.
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shunt inbound loads
Shunt inbound freight loads to and from railcars for inbound and outbound trains. If requested, ensure train stability after freight has been loaded onto the railcars.
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shunt outbound loads
Shunt outbound freight loads to and from inbound and outbound trains.
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apply techniques for stacking goods into containers
Apply techniques required to stack materials into containers. Use techniques to maximise the space in containers.
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accommodate cargo in freight transport vehicle
Properly position, cushion, restrain and balance cargo.
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stack goods
Stack goods and manufactured products into containers. This may include anticipating the need for and utilising additional protective materials in stacking the products.
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lift heavy weights
Lift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.
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analyse relation between supply chain improvement and profit
Interpret how the supply chain improvements will impact company profits. Intensify the improvement in those processes that will streamline the supply chain most effectively while generating most profit.
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analyse supply chain strategies
Examine an organisation's planning details of production, their expected output units, quality, quantity, cost, time available and labour requirements. Provide suggestions in order to improve products, service quality and reduce costs.
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work on uneven surfaces
Perform work on uneven surfaces; climb ladders and execute tasks on top of railcars.
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assess trim of vessels
Assess the trim stability of vessels, referring to the stability of a vessel while it is in a static condition.
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operate voice picking systems
Operate voice pick systems applying various picking methods; work using verbal instructions and prompts via headphones and a microphone.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
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Where does stevedore fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of physical fitness is required to be a stevedore?
- The role of a stevedore is physically demanding, requiring strength, stamina, and the ability to lift and move heavy objects repeatedly. A good level of overall fitness is essential.
- Do stevedores typically work outdoors in all weather conditions?
- Yes, stevedore work often takes place outdoors, meaning you’ll be exposed to various weather conditions. Proper protective gear is typically provided and used.
- What are the common career paths or opportunities for advancement for a stevedore?
- With experience, stevedores can progress to roles such as team leader, foreman, or equipment operator. Further training and certifications can open doors to supervisory positions within port operations.
- Stevedore — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 11 of the 15 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece and 7 more. 4 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Stevedore — what does it pay in the United States?
- $38,940 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $24,560 to $46,280. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.