Loading foreman

What does a Loading Supervisor do? – Tasks and work environment

A Loading Supervisor is primarily responsible for leading and coordinating loading, unloading, and handling of goods at terminals, warehouses, and transport hubs. Tasks include planning work distribution, ensuring safety regulations are followed, and optimizing transport flows to minimize downtime and increase efficiency. The work often involves close collaboration with drivers, forklift operators, and transport planners. The work environment is usually physically active and can involve indoor and outdoor work, sometimes in shifts and with varying working hours depending on operational needs.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Loading Supervisor has shown steady positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, increasing to 39 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary continues to rise to 40 200 SEK, representing an increase of just over 8.4% over three years. This development reflects increased demand for logistics skills and leadership within the transport sector, where efficiency and safety have become increasingly important. The salary increase can also be linked to higher demands for formal education and specialized skills as the logistics industry digitalizes and requires greater coordination.

Loading Supervisor salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 242 SEK
• Women: 38 400 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
• Men: 40 900 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Available data show variations depending on workplace and sector, where public sector and higher education often provide higher salaries.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Loading Supervisor, a high school diploma in transportation, logistics, or equivalent is usually required, supplemented with industry experience. Many employers also value post-secondary courses in logistics, leadership, or work environment. Practical experience from warehouse and transport work is often seen as a prerequisite, and some workplaces require specific certificates for forklift or crane handling.

• Formal education: High school diploma in transportation, logistics, or engineering (3 years)
• Post-secondary courses: Leadership, logistics, work environment (1–2 years, optional)
• Certifications: Forklift license, crane training, work environment certification
• Practical experience: Warehouse work, transportation, or similar (2–4 years recommended)
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish, basic IT skills, leadership experience is meritorious

Common benefits and compensations

Loading Supervisors often have access to benefits such as overtime pay for shift work, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes bonuses linked to performance or efficiency. Pension schemes and extra vacation days are common, especially within larger companies or the public sector. Some employers also offer further training and opportunities for development within logistics and leadership.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Loading Supervisors is characterized by a relatively stable balance between supply and demand. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities are medium-sized and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession include increased digitalization, demands for more efficient logistics solutions, and managing complex work environment issues. Competition for the most attractive positions can be high, especially in metropolitan areas or workplaces with modern logistics systems. To remain competitive, both formal skills and practical experience are required, along with a willingness to continuously develop one's skills.

Tips for aspiring Loading Supervisors

To succeed as a Loading Supervisor, it is beneficial to combine leadership skills with organizational ability and flexibility. Taking initiatives to further educate oneself in logistics and work environment can improve chances of employment, especially when combined with practical experience from warehousing or transportation. Good communication skills are essential, as the role often involves coordinating between various professional groups and making quick decisions when conditions change. Accuracy and prioritization are important when managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Being solution-oriented and resilient under stress also helps in an environment where pace can be high and days varied. Finally, demonstrating engagement in safety and work environment is central to creating a safe and efficient workplace.

Key facts about Loading Supervisors

• Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with courses or certifications
• Work environment: Physically active, often shift work and varying hours
• Demand: Medium, approximately 412 available jobs within the profession
• Typical employment form: Full-time with possible overtime
• Special knowledge: Leadership, logistics systems, and work environment issues

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the role of Loading Supervisor, opportunities open for advancement within the logistics and transport sector. Common career paths include positions as transportation manager, logistics director, site manager, or responsible for larger terminals. According to the Employment Service's forecast for the profession of transportation manager and transport coordinator, the job market is in balance, with medium opportunities and unchanged demand over five years. Further education in leadership, logistics, or technology can provide additional career opportunities and contribute to increased salary development. Digitalization and automation of the industry are expected to increase demand for specialized skills in certain segments.

Frequently asked questions about Loading Supervisor

• What does a Loading Supervisor earn?
  - The average salary for a Loading Supervisor is 40 200 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a Loading Supervisor?
  - Usually, a high school diploma in transportation or logistics, supplemented with practical experience and sometimes specific certifications.
• Is there a salary difference between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 38 400 SEK per month, which corresponds to 94% of men's average salary.
• What does the job market look like for Loading Supervisors?
  - According to the Employment Service, job opportunities are medium-sized and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years.
• What qualities are important for a Loading Supervisor?
  - Leadership skills, communication abilities, accuracy, and stress tolerance are central qualities in the profession.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Loading Supervisor?
  - The highest salary is 42,400 SEK and the lowest 37,400 SEK, depending on sector, education, and gender.
• What career opportunities are available after a few years?
  - It is common to advance to roles such as transportation manager, logistics director, or site manager after some experience.