Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported.88
Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected.87
Sort cargo before loading and unloading.82
Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information.79
Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.78
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.76
Record numbers of units handled or moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets.76
Attach slings, hooks, or other devices to lift cargo and guide loads.74
Carry needed tools or supplies from storage or trucks and return them after use.65
Pack containers and re-pack damaged containers.57
Assemble product containers or crates, using hand tools and precut lumber.56
Adjust controls to guide, position, or move equipment, such as cranes, booms, or cameras.53

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Connect electrical equipment to power sources so that it can be tested before use.47
Inspect products for damage or leaks.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Active Listening47
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring44
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension44
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking44
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Operation and Control41
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring41
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Time Management41
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Critical Thinking38
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making35
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Social Perceptiveness35
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Instructing31
Teaching others how to do something.

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Writing31
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Learning Strategies28
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Active Learning25
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving25
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion25
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Quality Control Analysis25
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Service Orientation25
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance22
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Repairing22
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Selection19
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Management of Financial Resources6
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Technology Design6
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operations Analysis3
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Programming0
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Administration and Management61
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service60
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Public Safety and Security55
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Transportation54
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Production and Processing53
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics51
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language49
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administrative44
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Personnel and Human Resources44
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Education and Training43
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Economics and Accounting30
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Computers and Electronics26
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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Physics22
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Mechanical19
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Psychology18
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sales and Marketing18
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Law and Government17
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Engineering and Technology15
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Chemistry14
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Food Production13
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Building and Construction11
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Geography10
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Foreign Language9
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Design8
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Telecommunications8
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Biology6
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Communications and Media6
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Therapy and Counseling5
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Medicine and Dentistry4
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology4
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Sociology and Anthropology4
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
History and Archeology1
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Static Strength72
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength63
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Multilimb Coordination60
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Extent Flexibility53
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Manual Dexterity53
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Near Vision53
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension53
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Stamina53
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision50
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Dynamic Strength50
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

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Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Oral Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity50
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Information Ordering47
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Rate Control47
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time47
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Speech Recognition47
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension47
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Depth Perception44
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Inductive Reasoning44
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Speech Clarity44
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Visualization44
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Gross Body Coordination41
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Written Expression41
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Visual Color Discrimination38
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Response Orientation35
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Explosive Strength31
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Perceptual Speed31
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Flexibility of Closure28
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing28
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Dynamic Flexibility25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Fluency of Ideas25
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Night Vision25
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality25
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Peripheral Vision25
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization25
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation25
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Glare Sensitivity22
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Wrist-Finger Speed16
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials79
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Getting Information77
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Handling and Moving Objects74
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities73
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events71
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work71
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates70
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Coaching and Developing Others67
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Training and Teaching Others67
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards60
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Developing and Building Teams59
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information56
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

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Assisting and Caring for Others54
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment52
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others49
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings47
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Processing Information47
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others46
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing Objectives and Strategies45
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems45
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others45
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge45
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates43
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People42
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Scheduling Work and Activities41
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Selling or Influencing Others41
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Thinking Creatively41
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Documenting/Recording Information37
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Controlling Machines and Processes35
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Analyzing Data or Information34
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships31
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public28
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources27
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization24
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others24
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Working with Computers21
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Staffing Organizational Units19
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing Administrative Activities16
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment16
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment11
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment8
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability70
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail42
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cautiousness32
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance29
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Integrity28
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cooperation26
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Stress Tolerance25
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control21
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Achievement Orientation14
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Optimism14
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Adaptability6
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative5
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Sincerity5
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Self-Confidence4
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Humility3
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic84
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional66
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising17
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social8
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative2
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day84%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually74%
- More than half the time12%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day80%
- Never11%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day58%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important58%
- Very important23%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day76%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never13%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours62%
- 40 hours32%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important51%
- Very important25%
- Important11%
- Fairly important13%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day47%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important53%
- Very important26%
- Fairly important11%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually23%

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Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom52%
- Limited freedom31%
- Very little freedom12%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day58%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Never12%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually45%
- More than half the time21%
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time21%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day51%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never13%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never16%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others57%
- Occasional contact with others32%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day44%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Never14%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom36%
- Some freedom14%
- Limited freedom42%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day46%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious45%
- Serious25%
- Not serious at all11%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility48%
- Limited responsibility35%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results28%
- Important results39%
- Moderate results12%
- No results15%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day61%
- Never28%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important30%
- Important52%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day46%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Never11%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important31%
- Important34%
- Fairly important24%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually14%
- More than half the time26%
- About half the time45%
- Never11%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never29%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive22%
- Moderately competitive38%
- Slightly competitive26%
- Not at all competitive11%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important24%
- Important27%
- Fairly important23%
- Not important at all23%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually18%
- About half the time32%
- Less than half the time27%
- Never17%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day11%
- Never42%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually17%
- Less than half the time69%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never45%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility16%
- Moderate responsibility31%
- Limited responsibility23%
- No responsibility27%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never28%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Never40%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never18%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)11%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)12%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)37%
- I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)37%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day22%
- Never63%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Every day19%
- Never69%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated22%
- Slightly automated29%
- Not at all automated44%
Telephone Conversations
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never55%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time37%
- Never47%
E-Mail
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never66%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never62%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day11%
- Never70%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time35%
- Never53%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time38%
- Never55%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)18%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)80%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never86%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never98%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Less than high school diploma
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Internet browser software
Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
Word processing software
Google Docs, Microsoft Word
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software, Oracle Database
Inventory management software
Inventory management systems, Inventory tracking software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Video conferencing software
FaceTime
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Desktop publishing software
Microsoft Publisher
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Handheld computer device software
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Warehouse management system WMS
Industrial control software
Machine control software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Secure cargo.
Monitor cargo area conditions.
Sort materials or objects for processing or transport.
Mark materials or objects for identification.
Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.
Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
Record operational or production data.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Package materials or products.
Assemble wood products.
Connect cables or electrical lines.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Dock Worker

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology