Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

Career Summary

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers manually handle the movement of goods in various settings, playing a vital role in logistics and supply chains. While physically demanding, this job offers opportunities for those who prefer hands-on work and contributes directly to the flow of commerce.

AI Impact Score

Salary Data

Minimum

$25,000

Median

$34,000

Maximum

$45,000

Job Responsibilities

• Move 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.
• Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs. (AI can assist)
• Sort cargo before loading and unloading. (AI can assist)
• Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported.
• Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected. (AI can assist)

Requirements

Education

No formal educational credential

Experience

On-the-job training is common.

In-Demand Skills

• Physical Stamina High

  Ability to perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods.

• Coordination High

  Ability to coordinate movements with others to move items safely and efficiently.

• Safety Procedures High

  Understanding and adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents.

• Inventory Management Software Medium

  Ability to use software to track inventory and manage stock levels.

• Problem-Solving Medium

  Ability to identify and resolve issues related to material handling.

Job Market Demand

AI Integration

AI Co-Pilot Tasks

• AI-powered route optimization within warehouses to minimize travel time.
• AI-driven safety alerts to prevent accidents during manual handling.
• Using voice-activated AI for hands-free inventory lookups.
• AI-enhanced vision systems to automatically identify and sort packages.
• AI-powered predictive maintenance for material handling equipment.

Automation Opportunities

• Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) taking over routine transport tasks.
• Robotic arms automating the picking and packing of goods.
• Automated sorting systems reducing the need for manual sorting.
• Drones used for inventory monitoring in large warehouses.

New Frontiers

• AI-driven training programs to upskill workers in operating and maintaining automated systems.
• AI-assisted remote monitoring and control of automated equipment.
• Data analysis roles focused on optimizing warehouse efficiency using AI-generated insights.
• Integration of AI with wearable technology to provide real-time safety guidance and ergonomic support.

Recommended Tools

• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) Inventory Management

  Software for managing inventory, tracking orders, and optimizing warehouse operations.

• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Automation

  AI software for automating repetitive tasks within the supply chain.

• AI-powered Predictive Analytics Analytics

  Software that uses machine learning to forecast demand and optimize inventory levels.

• Forklifts Equipment

  Industrial trucks used to lift and move materials.

• Conveyor Belts Equipment

  Mechanized systems used to transport materials within a facility.

Risks & Considerations

• Automation Displacement

  Routine manual tasks are increasingly being automated by robots and AI, potentially reducing demand for manual labor.

• Ergonomic Injuries

  Repetitive movements and heavy lifting can lead to musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries.

• Job Insecurity

  Economic downturns and fluctuations in demand can lead to job losses in the logistics and supply chain industries.

Career Outlook

While automation poses some risks, the demand for laborers remains strong due to the expanding volume of goods being transported and the need for human oversight in many tasks.