49-Freight handlers

Job Title: 

Freight handlers

Job Description: 

Move freight, stock, goods, products or other materials and perform other related general duties associated with freight handling.

Summary: 

Freight handlers carry out tasks such as packing, carrying, loading and unloading freight, stock, goods, products, items, furniture and household items, or other cargo, or loading and unloading ship, rail, vehicle and aircraft cargoes and other freight, or carrying and stacking goods and materials in various warehouses or storage facilities.

Tasks: 

Job activities and tasks include:

  • packing containers, office or household furniture, machines, appliances and related goods to be transported from one place to another including re-packing where damage occurs
  • carrying goods to be loaded on or unloaded from vans, trucks, wagons, ships, or aircraft including loading and unloading such, using winches or other hoisting devices
  • loading and unloading such items as grain, coal, sand, baggage, and other freight items by placing them on conveyor-belts, pipes, and other conveyances
  • connecting hoses between main shore installation pipes and tanks of barges, tankers and other ships to load and unload petroleum, liquefied gases and other liquids
  • carrying and stacking goods in warehouses and similar establishments
  • sorting cargo prior to loading and unloading
  • attaching identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information
  • interpreting work orders or receiving oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs
  • recording or inputting numbers of units handled or moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets in proprietary and/or supply chain management information systems
  • moving 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
  • sorting cargo before loading and unloading
  • assembling product containers or crates, using hand tools and pre-cut lumber/ composite/polythene/packing material
  • connecting hoses and operating equipment to move liquid materials into and out of storage tanks on vessels
  • using needed tools or supplies from storage or trucks and returning them after use
  • working safely and according to requirements when handling and/or transporting hazardous or toxic materials and products
Knowledge: 

Knowledge of laws, regulations, standards and codes of the UAE and specific Emirates related to the logistics and transport sector, particularly freight handling and more general subjects including OHSE and cultural understanding and awareness

  • Knowledge of tools, equipment, and materials commonly used in freight handling
  • Knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques of freight handling within the logistics and transport field
  • Knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in minimising force to handle, lift, push, pull, or carry objects
  • Knowledge of emergency response requirements in the loading, unloading, transportation of hazardous and toxic materials
  • Deploying designated response procedures in emergency situations
  • Using mathematics to solve problem
  • Using defined to solve problems
  • Solving and identifying problems and reviewing related information to produce options and implement solutions in accordance with requirements
  • Using proprietary and specific industry sector software applications and management information systems
  • Actively looking for ways to help people
  • Monitoring/assessing performance of oneself to make improvements or take corrective action
  • Flexibility to work effectively in a variety of situations and adapt to new ways of doing things
  • Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
  • Communicating effectively as appropriate for the needs of the audience including understanding sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
  • Information Communications Technology - Knowledge and use of relevant industry sector IT applications and programs
  • Time Management - Managing one?s own time and the time of others
  • Team work or individual - job may required to work alone or in conjunction with other support or related personnel
    • Work Context: 

    May work indoor, outdoor or a combination in conducting the activities. May involve working irregular hours including shift work to meet client requirements as well as working at a number of different locations, in sometimes differing weather conditions. The work maybe quiet demanding, physical and strenuous, and in some cases hot, noisy and dusty.

    Education: 

    Secondary School Certificate, Certificate in freight handling operations or related field of work, higher qualification or equivalent.

    Required Work Experience: 

    1 - 2 year and above

    Probable Employers: 

    Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, Dnata

    Occupational Size: 
    More than 30,000
    Expected Earnings: 

    Above the industry average

    Projected Growth: 
    Very good
    Alternate Titles: 

    Examples of job titles:
    Baggage handler - Freight handler - Warehouse porter
    Examples of some related occupations:
    Line tender - Loader - Material handler - Merchandise pickup / receiving associate - Operator, crane - Operator, truck/lifting - Receiving associate - Receiver - Shipping and receiving materials handler - Stock Replenisher

    UAE Industry Groups: 
    Industrial
    International Careers(ISCO): 
    Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
    Source Of Info: 
    Occupations and Careers Handbook for UAE Nationals(Copyright NQA ). Referenced from New York University, Abu Dhabhi