Dock worker: tasks and pay
See what employers are looking for. Discover which jobs fit you in the app.
As a dock worker you load, unload, stack, secure and check goods that arrive by ship, train or truck. Whether you work as a docker, stevedore or loader-unloader, you determine the right working method for each job, handle goods and containers and make sure every load is properly secured and covered. You keep the work records up to date, maintain your workstation and always work safely and with respect for the environment. It is physical outdoor work in transport and logistics, in the world of sea and inland shipping. In Flanders the ports are among the biggest employers for this profile, and terminals regularly look for strong, safety-minded workers.
Typical tasks
- Load and unload ships, trains and trucks
- Stack goods and secure the cargo
- Check the condition of the loads
- Determine the right working method for each job
- Keep the work records up to date
- Maintain your workstation
- Work safely and with respect for the environment
Required skills
- Physically strong and fit for heavy work in all weather conditions
- Safety-conscious during hoisting, lashing and stacking
- Willing to work in shifts and at weekends
- A forklift certificate is an asset for handling goods
- A real team player in a dock gang
What does a dock worker earn?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €19 to €28 gross per hour. Recognised dock workers often earn more thanks to shift and weekend premiums. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
How to apply via Werkvolk?
- Download the appInstall the free Werkvolk app for iOS or Android.
- Set your preferencesAdd your experience and where you want to work. Then explore jobs in the app.
- Chat with employersOn a match you talk directly to the employer, no middleman.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about applying via Werkvolk.
What does a dock worker do?
A dock worker loads, unloads, stacks, secures and checks goods that arrive by ship, train or truck. You determine the right working method, handle goods and containers and make sure the cargo is secured and covered. You also keep the work records up to date and always work safely and with respect for the environment.
How much does a dock worker earn in Belgium?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €19 to €28 gross per hour. Recognised dock workers often earn more thanks to shift and weekend premiums. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
What is the difference between a dock worker and a docker?
Both words describe the same job. Docker is the informal, everyday name, while dock worker is the official term used in the port regulations and the recognition system. Within the job there are many specialisations, such as lashers, signalmen, tally clerks and hold workers. In practice you grow into those roles through experience and training.
Is there demand for dock workers in Flanders?
Yes, the demand is concentrated around the ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Ghent, where enormous flows of goods pass every day. Terminals and cargo handlers regularly look for new dock workers, especially people who are physically strong and safety-minded. Global trade keeps the work coming, in every season.
Which diplomas or certificates do you need as a dock worker?
You do not need a specific diploma to become a dock worker. In most Belgian ports you do go through a recognition procedure with training and safety tests before you can start. Certificates for forklifts or other handling equipment are an asset and are often obtained during the training.
Could this be your match?
A vacancy only tells part of the story. Discover how your skills, work style and commute fit a job in the Werkvolk app.
Free for candidates