Position Overview
Airplane cargo loaders are hired primarily to ensure that passengers’ luggage and other cargo is correctly loaded and unloaded to and from the aircraft.
These individuals need to possess some background in handling cargo so that they can do justice to this work.
If you have had prior experience in this line of work, you will be considered a great contender to hire at this position.
Usually, a high school diploma or a GED equivalent is sufficient to work in the capacity of a cargo loader.
However, different airlines may have their specifications to hire a person in this role.
As an airplane cargo loader, you will need to be exceptionally strong in the physical sense, as you will be carrying and hauling heavy suitcases and crates between temporary destinations.
Moreover, it is vital for people working as cargo loaders to be efficient in what they do, and ensure that accuracy is made a priority.
Since this is a physically taxing job, you will need to possess an inherent will to survive in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of freight handling and exceptional insight into stacking and lifting techniques are required explicitly from people aspiring to work as cargo loaders.
A deep understanding of airport legislation and safety procedures and protocols is also necessary if this is the work that you want to do.
Some of the primary work duties that you will be expected to perform in this role include:
Airplane Cargo Loader Duties and Responsibilities
• Take work orders from supervisors and determine which aircraft have been assigned.
• Conduct a survey of assigned cargo, including passengers’ luggage to determine the time that will be required to conduct loading or unloading work.
• Lift and carry all cargo items from dollies to the airplane cargo area and ensure that all items are properly stacked and secured.
• Unload airplane cargo areas and place retrieved items onto conveyor belts or transport dollies.
• Operate equipment such as cargo and belt loaders, lift trucks, ramp tractors, and loading systems.
• Ensure that cargo is distributed/stacked in a manner that maximizes space.
• Calculate weights for different airplane cargo departments using predefined charts and metrics.
• Accompany the aircraft as part of the crew to ensure that cargo is kept safe during flights.
• Determine both the quantity and orientation of assigned cargo items and compute the aircraft’s center of gravity.
• Create and submit daily reports of cargo handling, loading, and unloading activities.
• Inform supervisors of any issues or problems with cargo activities, or any suspicious findings in an immediate manner.