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DOCK AND WAREHOUSING
 People
in dock and warehouse operations play a key role in the movement of
goods since they represent the physical link that ensures that the
freight is accurately and efficiently loaded and unloaded on and off
trucks. The required skills can be used in a “cross-dock” facility
or equally as well in a full warehousing environment. In
“cross-docking”, goods are transferred between local pick-up and
delivery trucks and line haul vehicles to enhance productivity and
efficiency. Warehousing continues to play an increasingly important
role in inventory management and customer service.
People in dock and warehouse operations must be able to accurately
follow instructions and like to exert themselves physically while at
work. On-the-job experience often means that a start loading and
unloading freight can progressively lead to positions of more
responsibility.
Click on one of the job categories below for more information on
each role.
Training and Education:
On-the-job training is typical for dock and warehouse operations.
Often, freight handlers will have to
be trained in the safe handling of dangerous goods, in accordance
with federal and provincial laws. In addition, training in the
operation of fork-lift vehicles is often a requirement.
In the more progressive positions such as warehouse manager,
education in inventory management and control is often an asset. As
with most positions in the trucking industry, solid communication
skills are essential.
Dock Worker
The position of dock worker is often viewed as an entry level
position to other jobs in the trucking industry including more
progressive positions in dock and warehouse operations, as well
as driving jobs. These men and women are responsible for
ensuring that freight is loaded onto trucks and trailers in
accordance with company as well as federal and provincial
regulations. They load and unload trailers, and move freight,
using material handling equipment such as forklifts, dollies or
carts, or manually handle freight with or without assistance.
Dock workers gain an in-depth knowledge of freight handling
procedures and are exposed to a number of other aspects of the
industry. This multi-faceted position includes efficiently
sorting, handling, and loading freight into trailers in
accordance with verbal and written requirements, without
impeding the safety of the vehicle or increasing the chances of
the freight being damaged while in transit.
Because loading docks and warehouses can be busy throughout the
day and night, the people who work there must have the ability
to work various shifts and days of the week. Dock workers
generally work 8-hour shifts, though longer shifts are also
common in trucking. In many cases dock operations work around
the clock, and working evening or "graveyard" shifts may be
required.
Shunt Driver
Many operations - both at trucking as well as customers'
facilities - require the skills of a shunt driver. These drivers
make sure that docks always have trailers to load goods on, or
unload goods from. Shunt drivers typically locate the required
trailers in the yard, and then "shunts" them to the appropriate
dock. Once the dock personnel are finished with the trailer, the
shunt driver "shunts" the trailer back to an appropriate
location in the yard, ensuring that the corresponding paperwork
accompanies the trailer. Since the shunt driver may drive
exclusively on private property, he/she may not even need a
commercial driver's license, though company policy may dictate
that the driver must hold the appropriate class of licence. For
some drivers, this is the ideal place to gain the necessary
equipment handling experience that is necessary in being a fully
qualified and competent commercial driver.
Forklift Operator
Fork lift drivers are an essential component to the
dock/warehouse environment as a great deal of freight that moves
in trucks is shipped on pallets. Responsibilities include
loading and unloading trailers, as well as the relocation of
freight to various areas of the warehouse. Fork lift drivers
work in co-operation with dock workers and the dock supervisor
to effectively and efficiently move freight.
Fork lift operators generally work 8-hour shifts, though longer
shifts are also common in the trucking industry. In
organizations that work around the clock, fork lift drivers work
evening or "graveyard" shifts to ensure that freight is loaded
on trucks so they can meet early morning delivery times. Other
responsibilities may include the inspection of equipment and
minor repairs.
Dock Supervisor
This position requires similar skills and knowledge as those of
a dock worker, but also assumes more responsibility for the safe
and efficient operations of the dock. Responsibilities may
include the operational and quality control aspects of the dock
for a specified shift. This position supervises and coordinates
activities of workers engaged in loading and unloading trucks
and trailers, as well as moving and storing materials or
products. The supervisor may assigns job tasks to workers
according to loading and unloading schedules and observes
loading of trucks to ensure conformance to loading protocols to
prevent shifting or damage to materials or products during
transit. It is also the responsibility of the supervisor to
verify shipments against work orders or bills of lading.
The supervisors reports to the dock manager, and works in
co-operation with other supervisors to ensure effective shift
operation and transition. Supervisors may also train new
employees in their job duties and develop methods to improve
employee performance.
Supervisors are also responsible for providing a clean, safe
environment for all personnel while ensuring that all work is
performed according to company-approved procedures and health
and safety rules.
Warehouse Manager
This position requires similar skills and knowledge as those of
a dock worker, but also assumes more responsibility for the safe
and efficient operations of the dock. Responsibilities may
include the operational and quality control aspects of the dock
for a specified shift. This position supervises and coordinates
activities of workers engaged in loading and unloading trucks
and trailers, as well as moving and storing materials or
products. The supervisor may assigns job tasks to workers
according to loading and unloading schedules and observes
loading of trucks to ensure conformance to loading protocols to
prevent shifting or damage to materials or products during
transit. It is also the responsibility of the supervisor to
verify shipments against work orders or bills of lading.
The supervisors reports to the dock manager, and works in
co-operation with other supervisors to ensure effective shift
operation and transition. Supervisors may also train new
employees in their job duties and develop methods to improve
employee performance.
Supervisors are also responsible for providing a clean, safe
environment for all personnel while ensuring that all work is
performed according to company-approved procedures and health
and safety rules.
Billing Administrator
The billing function is a critical activity to the overall
success of the organization. Pricing for transportation services
can be a very complex process with many variables to take into
consideration such as weight and density of the load, type of
equipment required, special handling considerations, delivery
schedules and point of origin and destination. It is vitally
important that billing is carried out in a timely and accurate
manner to avoid payment delays and queries. Many successful
people in the road transportation industry have started their
careers as part-time billing administrators or clerks while in
high school, college or university. Attention to detail,
accuracy and computer skills is essential attributes for this
position.
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