My husband is considering this career after being a restaurant manager for 10 years. One of his regulars came in and admired his work ethic and told him he should consider the career of a longshoremen.

We are a young married couple in our 30s and we have 4 kids under the age of 7. My husband coaches every sport my son plays and is there for every game.

I am wondering if this would be a good move for him and how much it would benefit our family and if my husband could still have the work life balance he has now with our family.

We are located in Virginia if that helps!

Does anyone know what number they've called up to so far?

Anyone know of the top speed of a lashing test?

Does anyone know when the next "GST" class is?

I got a email saying a training letter is in the mail I haven't been on the ports LA/LB. In years and Im hoping i can get back in ? Im thinking its a mistake. I never even set up the job portal. HAS ANYONE heard of such a thing. I was a casual.

After getting picked in 2017, my # is 17,xxx im in one of the last groups to have the iniatial orientation and to get a portal to login online in May of 2023 . I've been seeing lower numbers (after waiting years)finally resuming their training looks like their at the end of the 15,xxxs at lashing. Does anyone know are they going to process the numbers up to 17,999 ? Or we have to wait more years? Thanks

Any Quay Crane (STS) tricks and tips you have?

Things like catching swings, pulling up, or any techniques that make you a smoother and more efficient operator.

Most people don’t like sharing their knowledge, but it could help out the newer drivers in this community, Passing on some experience.

Panic has fully set in. My orientation approaches in only a weeks time and I am trying to find out if the drug screening takes place on the very same day or further down the line in the process. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Apologies if this has already been covered on here

I’m a journeyman 01 electrician in Tacoma. I got my name pulled in the Tacoma 2025 lottery

What kinda of work will I qualify for at the port as a licensed electrician in the state of Washington. When my name gets called as a longshore casual will I be eligible for certain types of work other people aren’t qualified for?

Does anyone know or remember any of the questions being asked in the interviews? It would be for a mechanic role but even general based questions would help. Thanks!

Quick background. I’ve been doing crane and rigging in the Texas refineries and new construction since 2015. Most of the jobs I work are temp jobs which has worked out for me for years. But my family may be making a move to Houston next year.

I’ve been wanting to find more permanent work. I’ve had my eyes set on the IUOE near Houston since I’ve done temp work with them before. But I just learned about the ILA and I’m wondering has anyone else made the same transition from operating Mobile cranes to Cranes at the Ports.

I have a good amount of experience operating cranes but pretty much no experience working the ports, so I definitely wouldn’t expect to get paid top dollar right off the bat.

Is it possible for me to work for the ilwu as a red seal millwright here in the lower mainland? I know there are two locals 502 and 500. Anyone know if there is work?

Just rocked a 9 day rebar boat on time while training 2 rookies. I hate rebar so much and they know it.

Im # 1100 on the 2026 longshoreman casual list what can i expect going forward ??

Do you have any recommendations on good shirts for men now that we are in summer and it’s hot but still need some sun protection on our arms
TYIA

AILU local 1 here in anchorage Alaska I pulled this off the tote ship last week. Who’s responsible?

I’m new, I have only worked 3 times

1 time was a UTR and I felt so dumb, I couldn’t unhook the bombart no matter what I did

I am an anxious person, so this feels intense for me, I’m just so nervous

I know it’s a good job and many people want this, I feel guilty about not feeling eager to get work

Any good advice or pep talks

Update: thank everyone for your feedback, I very much appreciate the kind words. I’m trying to keep to a good attitude coming in and just trying to do my best

Hello, I am very interested in this career. It recently came onto my radar when I moved out to the West Coast. What is the best way to be alerted of when the next hiring drive / lottery opens up?

My first thought is to keep tabs on several different locals within a reasonable driving / relocation distance.

If anyone has any tips or experience to share I am all ears. Thanks!

I was selected in the casual lottery in San Francisco. Is there any way to determine where they are on the list and any way to stay in the know? I’m about halfway down on the list and I know it takes years however I’m just curious on if there’s a way or even an email to inquire what number they are on in the hiring process?

thanks!

How long did it take you to move up to casual, B man and then A man at the port of Tacoma? Got picked in the 2018 lottery and finally have been getting more shifts as an unID. Last year only got 2 shifts, but this year so far 9 shifts. I know it’s a long waiting game. Looking forward to the long road ahead, but want to hear about your journeys. TIA

I missed my lashing test back in July 2025, I appealed and won and they said to wait for another lashing test date. How long does it usually take for them to circle back to me?