Q&A for How to Become a Longshoreman

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What do I need to wear?

Community Answer

As a general rule, you will need a hard hat, steel toe boots/shoes, and a reflective safety vest. Most companies that you may work for do not allow shorts, so long pants or jeans would be a safe choice in the work area.

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How long will it take for me to get a call on the lottery system?

Community Answer

It's a lottery, so it is random. There is no definite time. It could take a day, it could take months.

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Do you need a high school diploma to work on the docks, specifically in Long Beach, Ca?

Community Answer

No, you don't.

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Do they hire women?

Community Answer

Yes. There are physical demands of the job required. You must be able to perform heavy lifting, as well as climb ship gangways and ladders.

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Can women be employed as longshoremen?

Community Answer

Of course, as long as they are aware that it's a demanding job and that there is lots of physical labor involved.

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Question

How old do I have to be to work as a longshoreman?

Community Answer

For west coast longshoremen, it's 18. But, you can enter the lottery at a younger age. You just have to be 18 by the time your name is selected in the lottery.

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Question

How do I get a TWIC card?

Community Answer

Call TSA and sign up for an appointment. You will be required to bring in your birth certificate and another form of ID. You'll also get fingerprinted and pay $280 dollars to apply. After your background check is cleared, you'll receive the card in the mail.

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Question

Do I pay to get into the union?

Community Answer

Your amount of hours worked gets you into the union. But you pay union dues.

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Question

Can a person with a disability work on the docks?

Community Answer

If you are in a wheelchair, it's probably best to call the company to check if they have wheelchair access. Otherwise, yes they can.

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Question

Can a convicted felon become a longshoreman?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as he or she does not have any history of treason or making terrorist threats against the United States.

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Question

Is there weekend work for someone who wants to become a longshoreman? Is it possible to only work night shift hours?

Community Answer

Yes. There is work every weekend. Sometimes it's not as busy as a weekday due to overtime wages that will half to be paid to all the longshoreman working on a weekend. And, yes, you can only work night shift hours.

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How do I become a longshoreman in Long Beach?

Community Answer

Look in your local job listings daily. Follow the hiring instructions entirely. Submit your information as directed. You will be instructed on how to follow up with the hiring process.

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Question

Can I become a longshoreman if I was convicted of a crime several years ago and am now on parole?

Community Answer

Yes, but not if you're on federal parole. They will accept someone on parole or probation as long as it isn't federal.

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Question

Is there a maximum age limit to join the union?

Community Answer

Nope! The union does not discriminate, but keep in mind that it can often take ten years or more to get in.

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Question

Can women be employed as union longshoreman?

Community Answer

Yes, the union does not discriminate against women.

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Question

Do I need a driver's license to be a longshoreman?

Community Answer

Yes, you do.

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Question

How do I become a longshoreman in the union?

Community Answer

West coast longshore only take casual workers through a lottery as per our contract.

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Question

When a member passes away, where do the benefits go?

Community Answer

I would assume it would pass to their spouse or beneficiary. You may have to contact the Longshoreman's Union directly for more detailed information.

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Question

Can I become a longshoreman if I am on federal probation?

Community Answer

You wont even get a TWIC on federal probation. Once your probation period is over, you can try to appeal.

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Question

Do I need any experience or education?

Community Answer

No experience or education is needed.

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Question

Can the person applying for the job of a longshoreman be from another country?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you have proper work permits or visas.

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Question

How long will it take to move from casual to full longshoreman?

Community Answer

It depends on the location. It took me 12 years to become a fully registered class A member.

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Question

Is age 59 too old to join?

Community Answer

Yes. It’s very physically demanding work as a casual. You are not likely to advance to being registered before hitting retirement age.

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Question

What's the age requirement for becoming a longshoreman?

Community Answer

You have to be at least 18 years old.

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Question

Where do I go to apply?

James Hoang Quy Nguyen

Community Answer

Go to universalenroll.dhs.gov/. From there you can choose an option that suits you and find the nearest enrollment center.

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Question

How often do longshoremen get paid?

Community Answer

Every Friday. Unless you have direct deposit. Then it's every Wednesday night.

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Question

Can I be a longshoreman if my driver's license is suspended?

Community Answer

Yes; but, it will make getting to the dispatch hall for any given shift much harder, as there is no public transit available.

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