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How exposed to AI is a Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?

Of the 21 tasks O*NET lists for laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand, 0 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 19 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
LaborerLoaderMaterial HandlerMerchandise Pick Up AssociateMerchandise Receiving AssociateReceiverReceiving AssociateShipping and Receiving Materials HandlerWarehouse Worker
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
21
tasks rated for this occupation
0%
hold a degree, from a survey of 27
2729k
people do this job in the US
43 of 52
least protected in transport

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Only with software built on top

2
  • Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information
  • Record numbers of units handled or moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets

Cannot be sped up

19
  • 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
  • Sort cargo before loading and unloading
  • Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs
  • Stack cargo in locations, such as transit sheds or in holds of ships as directed, using pallets or cargo boards
  • Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported
  • Direct spouts and position receptacles, such as bins, carts, or containers, so they can be loaded
  • Attach slings, hooks, or other devices to lift cargo and guide loads
  • Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected
  • Adjust controls to guide, position, or move equipment, such as cranes, booms, or cameras
  • Guide loads being lifted to prevent swinging
  • Wash out cargo containers or storage areas
  • Pack containers and re-pack damaged containers
  • Carry needed tools or supplies from storage or trucks and return them after use
  • Shovel material, such as gravel, ice, or spilled concrete, into containers or bins or onto conveyors
  • Connect electrical equipment to power sources so that it can be tested before use
  • Carry out general yard duties, such as performing shunting on railway lines
  • Rig or dismantle props or equipment, such as frames, scaffolding, platforms, or backdrops, using hand tools
  • Adjust or replace equipment parts, such as rollers, belts, plugs, or caps, using hand tools
  • Bundle and band material such as fodder or tobacco leaves, using banding machines
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.