Career Development Grid

If you are interested in working in the transportation industry, a career as a Laborer and Freight, Stock, and Material Mover, Hand may be a good fit for you.
Education and Training: Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is typically on-the-job, although some employers may offer formal training programs.
Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities: Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand are responsible for moving materials, merchandise, and freight around warehouses, factories, and other job sites. They may operate machinery such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks, and are responsible for loading and unloading trucks and containers.
Earning Potential: The earning potential for this career is typically low in the short term, with an average hourly wage of $13. However, with experience and advancement, wages can increase to an average of $18 per hour.
Opportunities for Career Advancement: Advancement opportunities for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand may include becoming a supervisor or manager in the transportation industry.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them: Some of the biggest challenges facing people in this career include physical demands and the need to work in all weather conditions. To overcome these challenges, it is important to maintain good physical health and to dress appropriately for the job site.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network: The best way to gain experience in this field is to start as a laborer and work your way up. Building a network can be done by attending industry events and joining professional organizations.
Job Prospects: Job prospects for this career are expected to remain steady in the coming years, with a slight increase in demand due to the continued growth of the transportation industry.
Important Skills and Qualities: Some important skills and qualities for success in this career include physical strength and stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team.
Sectors and Industries in Demand: This career is in demand in the transportation and logistics industries.
Common Misconceptions: One common misconception is that this career is low-skilled and has limited opportunities for advancement. However, with experience and training, there are many opportunities for advancement within the transportation industry.

Most laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand, do not require formal education or training beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer to hire candidates with some experience in manual labor or operating machinery.
On-the-job training is usually provided, which may include learning how to operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment used to move materials. Workers may also need to learn how to read shipping and receiving orders, and how to properly handle and store materials.
Some specialized positions, such as those in hazardous materials handling or in a warehouse management role, may require additional certifications or training. For example, workers who handle hazardous materials may need to complete a hazardous materials handling course and obtain a certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a laborer or material mover include:
1. Moving materials and goods from one location to another, either by hand or using equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or dollies.
2. Loading and unloading trucks, ships, or other transportation vehicles.
3. Sorting and organizing materials and goods in warehouses or storage facilities.
4. Operating machinery to move heavy materials or equipment.
5. Keeping track of inventory and ensuring that materials are stored in the correct locations.
6. Cleaning and maintaining equipment and work areas.
7. Following safety procedures and wearing protective gear when necessary.
8. Communicating effectively with coworkers and supervisors to ensure that work is completed efficiently and accurately.
Overall, laborers and material movers play an important role in the transportation and logistics industry, ensuring that goods are moved safely and efficiently from one place to another. They often work in warehouses, distribution centers, or manufacturing plants, and may work in a variety of industries such as retail, construction, or agriculture.

The earning potential for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand can vary depending on the industry and location. In the short term, the average hourly wage for this career is around $13-$15 per hour. However, with experience and seniority, the hourly wage can increase to around $20-$25 per hour in the long term.
In addition, some industries may offer higher wages than others. For example, those working in the transportation and warehousing industry may earn higher wages compared to those working in retail or manufacturing.
It’s important to note that this career may not have a high earning potential compared to other careers that require specialized skills or education. However, it can provide opportunities for advancement and job security with experience and training.

The opportunities for career advancement in the field of Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand may include:
1. Supervisory roles: With experience and expertise in the field, one can advance to a supervisory role, overseeing a team of laborers and movers.
2. Operations management: One can advance to a role in operations management, where they oversee the day-to-day operations of a warehouse or distribution center.
3. Logistics management: With further education and training, one can advance to a role in logistics management, where they oversee the entire supply chain and logistics operations of a company.
4. Equipment operation: With additional training and certification, one can advance to a role operating specialized equipment such as forklifts, cranes or other heavy machinery.
5. Sales and customer service: With experience in the field, one can transition to a role in sales or customer service, using their knowledge of logistics and transportation to help customers and clients.
Overall, the opportunities for career advancement in this field depend on an individual’s skills, experience, and education. With dedication and hard work, there are many opportunities for growth and advancement in this field.

The biggest challenges facing people in the career of Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand include:
1. Physical Demands: This job requires a lot of physical labor, which can be challenging for some people. The job often involves lifting and carrying heavy objects, standing for long periods of time, and working in various weather conditions.
2. Safety Hazards: This job can be dangerous if proper safety measures are not taken. Workers may be exposed to hazardous materials, heavy machinery, and other safety hazards. It is important to follow safety protocols and wear protective gear to prevent accidents.
3. Monotonous Work: This job can be repetitive and monotonous, which can lead to boredom and lack of motivation. It is important to find ways to stay engaged and motivated, such as setting goals and finding ways to improve productivity.
To overcome these challenges, workers can take the following steps:
1. Maintain Physical Fitness: Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help workers stay physically fit and better able to handle the demands of the job.
2. Follow Safety Protocols: Workers should always follow safety protocols and wear protective gear to prevent accidents and injuries.
3. Find Ways to Stay Engaged: Workers can find ways to stay engaged and motivated by setting goals, finding ways to improve productivity, and seeking out new challenges and opportunities for growth. Additionally, taking breaks and finding ways to relax and recharge can help prevent burnout.

The best ways to gain experience and build a network in the field of laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand are:
1. Look for internships or apprenticeships: Many companies offer internships or apprenticeships to students who are interested in this field. This will give you hands-on experience and help you build a network of contacts.
2. Volunteer: You can also volunteer at local organizations or non-profits that deal with logistics or warehousing. This will give you valuable experience and help you build a network of contacts.
3. Attend job fairs: Attend job fairs and other networking events to meet people who work in this field. This will help you learn more about the industry and make valuable connections.
4. Join professional organizations: Joining a professional organization related to logistics or warehousing can help you connect with other professionals in the field and stay up-to-date on industry trends and news.
5. Take relevant courses: Taking courses in logistics, warehousing, or supply chain management can help you gain valuable knowledge and skills that will be useful in this field. This will also help you stand out to potential employers.

The job prospects for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand are expected to remain steady in the near future. These jobs are essential in industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, and transportation, which are all expected to continue to grow. However, with the increasing use of automation and technology in these industries, there may be a decrease in the demand for manual laborers in the long term.
Additionally, these jobs are often physically demanding and do not require a high level of education or specialized skills, which can lead to high turnover rates and competition for available positions. It is important for individuals considering this career to be prepared for physically demanding work and to have a strong work ethic to remain competitive in the job market.

The most important skills and qualities for someone to succeed in the career of laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand include:
1. Physical Stamina: This job requires a lot of physical labor, so having the stamina to lift heavy objects, stand for long periods of time, and perform repetitive tasks is crucial.
2. Attention to Detail: Paying close attention to details is important when moving freight, stock, and materials. This helps to ensure that the right items are moved to the right location and that nothing is damaged or lost.
3. Coordination: Hand-eye coordination and the ability to use hand tools and equipment are important skills for this job.
4. Time Management: Being able to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks is important in order to meet deadlines and ensure that shipments are delivered on time.
5. Teamwork: This job often requires working as part of a team, so having good communication skills and the ability to work well with others is important.
6. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing situations and work in a fast-paced environment is important in this career.
7. Safety Awareness: This job involves working with heavy equipment and potentially hazardous materials, so having a strong awareness of safety protocols and procedures is crucial.

The Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand career can be found in various sectors or industries, including:
1. Warehousing and Storage: These laborers are often employed in warehouses, where they are responsible for moving and storing goods and materials.
2. Manufacturing: Laborers and material movers are also in demand in the manufacturing industry, where they move raw materials, finished products, and equipment.
3. Transportation and Logistics: This career is also essential in the transportation and logistics industry, where these workers are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, as well as moving goods between different locations.
4. Retail: Many retail stores also require laborers and material movers to unload shipments and move products around the store.
5. Construction: In the construction industry, these workers are often responsible for moving materials and equipment around the job site.
Overall, the Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand career can be found in a variety of sectors and industries that require the movement and storage of goods and materials.

Misconception: One common misconception about this career is that it is a low-skill, low-paying job that does not require any education or training.
Reality: While it is true that this job does not require a formal education, it does require physical strength, stamina, and the ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team. Additionally, the job can involve operating heavy machinery such as forklifts or pallet jacks, which requires certification and training. The pay for this job can vary depending on the industry and location, but can be competitive with other entry-level jobs.
Misconception: Another misconception is that this job is only for men.
Reality: Women can also work in this field and have successful careers as laborers and freight, stock, and material movers. The job does require physical strength, but women can meet those requirements just as well as men. In fact, many companies are actively looking to diversify their workforce and encourage women to apply for these positions.
Misconception: Some people may also assume that this job is not safe and can lead to injuries.
Reality: While there are inherent risks associated with this job, such as working with heavy machinery or lifting heavy objects, safety is a top priority for employers in this field. Employers are required to follow strict safety protocols and provide training and protective equipment to ensure the safety of their workers. Additionally, there are regulations in place to protect workers, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.