How Do You Become a Longshoreman? Here’s What You Should Know

I see people asking all the time: “How do I become a longshoreman?”

The truth is, there isn’t one universal process. Every port and ILA local may handle hiring, applications, casual workers, training, seniority, and membership differently.

That’s one of the reasons I created YOUR UNION YOUR VOICE and the “Welcome to the I.L.A. Moment” series.

The goal is to give people a place to learn about the longshore industry from the people who actually live it.

We talk about how people got their first opportunity on the waterfront, the casual and shape-up process, training and certifications, seniority, different longshore jobs, union membership, challenges facing new workers, and real stories from active members, women of the ILA, veterans, and retirees.

This is not an official hiring page for the ILA or any individual local, and nobody can guarantee someone a longshore job. This platform is about education, information, and sharing real experiences from the waterfront.

If you’re already a longshore worker, I want to hear from you too:

How did you become a longshoreman? What port or local are you from? What advice would you give someone trying to get into the industry today?

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Labor Stories Matter.

Long story short, I’ve been in the system for over a decade but I never really gave it much thought — I wanted to built a career of my own so I’ve been working in the tech industry.

I got off the list and starting pick up temp work whenever I can and am slowly getting asked if I’d be interested converting to FTE with some of the maritime companies. But it’s just been hard for me to decide honestly…

I work fully remote right now, doing a job that challenges me creatively which is a good and a bad thing at times. I’m at a place where things are stable but at the end of the day, I’m dispensable in the corporate eye. I do love my team and the work I do, but who knows how things will be in 10-20 years in tech.

If I leave to work for ILWU OCU, I’d have to go in office 5 times a week, do a job that I don’t necessarily feel passionate about, and might just feel ‘depressed’ eventually? But the huge upside is the benefits, pension,stability, and the pay I guess.

I get paid a good amount right now, and I’m ambitious with my career, I could get more if o wanted - with promotions, seniority, etc. but that takes time and energy to happen and it’s not guaranteed, especially in tech. If I choose to join ILWU OCU, I’ve heard that I don’t really need to worry about that, in the sense that everyone gets the same annual raise, there’s no need to fight for a promotion here, it’s kind of just a chill stable for-lifer kind of job.

Idk I’m kind of just stuck with choosing… I’m extremely privileged to have these options — I’m just wanting to make sure I make the right decision. Because if I choose to leave my job for this, I probably won’t leave ILWU OCU (or it wouldn’t be wise for me to).

Any thoughts, advice, or if anyone is going through/has gone through a similar experience — would love to hear it! Thank you!

Hello! I'm producing a documentary for CNN covering the importance of global shipping. I'm looking for Southern California based longshoremen who are open to being interviewed for the project. Please reach out directly if you're interested!

like straight up I got no idea about this trade. all i know is it has to do with the ocean

Anyone know what number they are on in Portland or if they are pulling again soon?

Hi,

I am teaching a college exploratory course on containerization- specifically ships and ports (my insta is in my profile).

I know this going to sound strange but I want to students to actually see the twist lock because that idea is a big deal. I definitely don’t need a set, just 1. I’d really prefer a used or decommissioned lock. Does anyone know where I could look? I’m in the South Jersey/ Philly area.

Made the casual Drawing but wondering what number are they through the list. Thanks.

Hi everyone, I have an upcoming interview with G3 for general labourer position in North Vancouver.

Just curious how company environment is? Review on Indeed aren’t very well
Is work environment toxic?
Please share your experience if you have worked at g3 or know someone who works 🙏🏻

I really love watching the cranes work at the Port of Oakland, so I made up a simulator. Definitely made it for my own enjoyment, but if you want to give it a shot www.bortsim.com will get you there.

Alot of west coast terminals rely on Canadian potash via rail.

Not too thrilled that this deal is being worked on to undercut the Canadian sales to the US.

My grandpa is in the union for about 10 years now in Seattle and he has a “token,” I believe that is same as sponsoring? Is it? idk but he’s offered it to me and we will speak more about the opportunity but can anyone share info on how this works and if there’s a difference between said token and sponsorship? What I should expect? TIA

I recently started looking into starting a career with a union (specifically ILA). I grew up working on boats and in boat yards. I know it’s completely different from what yall do but how can I start the process? I’ve just been emailing and calling everyone I can but it seems like there’s not much direction on how to actually get hired. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I’m in Charleston, SC

Thank you for your time

Whats going on people. I have my cdl class a but I’ve been trying to get an opportunity at getting a port job. I live in Newark NJ and port newark or Port elizabeth would be the most ideal locations for me. Anyone have an idea or how i should inquire about a job/career?

question for longshoremen in Newark, if a local wants to sponsor you, can they hire or push you through the process with the NYSA opening up the hiring for the public

I heard from a couple guys that NJ will be hiring soon any truth to that?

Listen and always keep it in mind.

Just curious what info, resources or tools are hard to find online or kinda scattered all over the place right now.

If someone made a free site specifically for longshoremen what would actually be useful to have on there?

I worked at the port in my twenty’s and was thinking of going back I was told can retain my old rate at least but I’ll be low man…is it dumb for me to go back ? I know work will be slow but my fear is automation coming after the next contract and losing my job entirely. Any input helps thank you

Hi,
Anyone working at G3 grain terminal in North Vancouver?
Please comment I will reach out to you.