Career summary

Details for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand


Description

Manually move freight, stock, or other materials or perform other unskilled general labor. Includes all unskilled manual laborers not elsewhere classified.

Tasks

  • Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information.
  • Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.
  • Record numbers of units handled or moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets.
  • Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, ships, or containers, by hand or using trucks, tractors, or other equipment.
  • Sort cargo before loading and unloading.
  • Pack containers and re-pack damaged containers.
  • Carry needed tools or supplies from storage or trucks and return them after use.
  • Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported.
  • Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected.
  • Attach slings, hooks, or other devices to lift cargo and guide loads.
  • Carry out general yard duties, such as performing shunting on railway lines.
  • Adjust controls to guide, position, or move equipment, such as cranes, booms, or cameras.
  • Guide loads being lifted to prevent swinging.
  • Adjust or replace equipment parts, such as rollers, belts, plugs, or caps, using hand tools.
  • Stack cargo in locations, such as transit sheds or in holds of ships as directed, using pallets or cargo boards.
  • Connect electrical equipment to power sources so that it can be tested before use.
  • Bundle and band material such as fodder or tobacco leaves, using banding machines.
  • Rig or dismantle props or equipment, such as frames, scaffolding, platforms, or backdrops, using hand tools.
  • Direct spouts and position receptacles, such as bins, carts, or containers, so they can be loaded.
  • Wash out cargo containers or storage areas.
  • Shovel material, such as gravel, ice, or spilled concrete, into containers or bins or onto conveyors.

Interests

  • Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Experience - Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Knowledge

None found.

Skills

None found.

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