Stever worker, truck driver

What does a stevedore, forklift driver do? – Tasks and work environment

A stevedore, forklift driver’s main task is to load, unload, and move goods within ports, warehouses, and terminals. The work often involves handling large and heavy loads using forklifts, cranes, and other machinery. Good coordination and precision are required, as safety is of utmost importance in environments where heavy vehicles and machines operate alongside workers. The work environment can vary from indoor warehouses to outdoor port areas, demanding both physical strength and the ability to work under changing weather conditions.

Salary development over time

The salary for a stevedore, forklift driver has shown a stable and positive development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,700 SEK, increasing to 33 500 SEK in 2023 and reaching 36 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 10% over three years. Contributing factors include increased demand for logistics services, especially within e-commerce and international freight, as well as a focus on work environment and safety. The salary increase can also be linked to collective agreement raises and a continued shortage of experienced forklift drivers in certain regions.

Stevedore, forklift driver salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 36 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,700 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, unspecified education)
• Highest salary: 36,400 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 216 SEK
• Men’s average salary: 36 100 SEK
• Women’s average salary: 35 600 SEK (99% of men’s salary)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary, with higher wages in metropolitan areas and ports with high cargo volume.

Education and qualifications

To become a stevedore, forklift driver, a high school education is usually required, preferably with a focus on transport, warehousing, or industry. Additionally, holding a forklift license and often completing internal training and on-the-job practice are necessary. Employers prefer candidates with good knowledge of safety routines and experience working in environments with heavy machinery.

• High school education: Focus on transport, warehousing, or industry (3 years)
• Forklift license: Mandatory, with different certifications depending on forklift type
• Internship: Common during education or as a trainee at the workplace
• Certifications: Occupational health and safety training are advantageous
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, responsibility, and teamwork skills

Common benefits and compensations

Stevedores, forklift drivers are often offered benefits such as evening and weekend shift allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and protective equipment. Other common compensations include overtime pay, insurance, and opportunities for skills development through internal and external training.

Competition and challenges

The job market for stevedores, forklift drivers is characterized by some competition, especially in larger cities and ports where demand for experienced forklift drivers is high. Seasonal variations and economic fluctuations can also impact job availability. Challenges in the profession include heavy lifting, monotonous tasks, and the risk of work-related injuries. Technological changes and automation may also influence job tasks in the future, requiring adaptability and continuous skills development. An additional challenge is working under time pressure and in shifts, which can affect both work environment and private life.

Tips for those wanting to become stevedores, forklift drivers

To succeed as a stevedore, forklift driver, it is important to have a high sense of responsibility and good stress resilience, as safety always comes first and the pace is often high. Being precise and methodical facilitates handling heavy and valuable loads, while flexibility makes it easier to manage shift work and changing tasks. Good teamwork skills are essential, as work often involves close collaboration with colleagues and other roles within the logistics chain. For those willing to continuously further educate themselves and stay updated on new machinery and safety routines, there are good opportunities for personal development. Showing initiative and being solution-oriented is highly valued, especially when unexpected situations arise. Finally, good physical condition is an advantage, as the work can be physically demanding and sometimes performed under challenging weather conditions.

Key facts about stevedores, forklift drivers

• Education level: High school education with forklift license required
• Work environment: Varies between ports, warehouses, and outdoor environments
• Typical work pattern: Shift work, often at inconvenient hours
• Demand: 412 job openings in the profession (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Small differences in salary between men and women

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a stevedore, forklift driver, opportunities open for further development within logistics, warehouse management, or specialization in advanced machinery and vehicles. Some advance to supervisory roles or train as instructors in forklift operation and safety. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no specific forecast for this occupation due to limited data, but there are 412 job openings in the profession, indicating continued demand for skilled workers. The industry’s development is influenced by factors such as automation, increasing cargo volumes, and the need for efficient logistics solutions, suggesting that competent forklift drivers will remain important in the future.

Common questions about stevedores, forklift drivers

• What does a stevedore, forklift driver earn?
  - A stevedore, forklift driver has an average salary of 36 000 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employer.
• How does the salary development look over time?
  - The salary has increased from 32,700 SEK in 2022 to 36 000 SEK in 2024, which corresponds to an increase of about 10% over three years.
• What education is required to become a stevedore, forklift driver?
  - High school education and a forklift license are usually required, along with internships or internal training.
• Are there differences in salary between men and women?
  - Women earn 99% of what men do in this profession; the average salary for men is 36 100 SEK and for women 35 600 SEK.
• What is the job market like for stevedores, forklift drivers?
  - There are 412 job openings in the profession according to current statistics (May 2024).
• What career opportunities are available?
  - Opportunities include advancing to supervisor, instructor, or specializing in advanced machinery and logistics roles.
• What are the occupational hazards?
  - Heavy lifting, noise, shift work, and outdoor environments are common occupational risks.