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Dock worker/forklift operator vs terminal operator

The differences between dock worker/forklift operators and terminal operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a dock worker/forklift operator and a terminal operator. Additionally, a dock worker/forklift operator has an average salary of $42,876, which is higher than the $39,948 average annual salary of a terminal operator.

The top three skills for a dock worker/forklift operator include basic math, math and load trailers. The most important skills for a terminal operator are loaders, cranes, and rail cars.

Dock worker/forklift operator vs terminal operator overview

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorTerminal Operator
Yearly salary$42,876$39,948
Hourly rate$20.61$19.21
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs110,53643,328
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 34%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Dock worker/forklift operator vs terminal operator salary

Dock worker/forklift operators and terminal operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorTerminal Operator
Average salary$42,876$39,948
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $47,000Between $32,000 And $48,000
Highest paying CityDenver, COFargo, ND
Highest paying stateHawaiiHawaii
Best paying companyCareer Company in Silicon ValleyLand O'Lakes
Best paying industryTransportationConstruction

Differences between dock worker/forklift operator and terminal operator education

There are a few differences between a dock worker/forklift operator and a terminal operator in terms of educational background:

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorTerminal Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 34%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Dock worker/forklift operator vs terminal operator demographics

Here are the differences between dock worker/forklift operators' and terminal operators' demographics:

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorTerminal Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 94.5% Female, 5.5%Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 2.6% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between dock worker/forklift operator and terminal operator duties and responsibilities

Dock worker/forklift operator example responsibilities.

  • Move LTL freight from one trailer to other trailers.
  • Load and unload LTL and full truckload freight operating a forklift.
  • Load various HAZMAT and non-HAZMAT material/freight onto company trucks, utilizing forklift/pallet jack.
  • Scan and repair damaged pallets to make the necessary preparations need for a timely delivery.
  • Loaded/Unload freight, sort and distribute to its proper destinations utilizing forklift, clamp trucks, dollies or manually.
  • Unload and load truck trailers by using a variety of work tools such as dollies, forklifts, and pallet jack.
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Terminal operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage the efficient use of locomotives and fuel to ensure that freight car cycles are effectively manage while in the terminals.
  • Operate forklift, loaders, bulldozers, excavators, ship hydraulic cranes.
  • Pull LTL loads for shipment.
  • Experience in Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
  • Operate forklifts and loaders for loading aircraft.
  • Complete and signs declaration of inspection (Doi).
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Dock worker/forklift operator vs terminal operator skills

Common dock worker/forklift operator skills
  • Basic Math, 43%
  • Math, 11%
  • Load Trailers, 9%
  • Pallets, 6%
  • Work Ethic, 5%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 5%
Common terminal operator skills
  • Loaders, 9%
  • Cranes, 9%
  • Rail Cars, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • TWIC, 5%
  • General Maintenance, 5%

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