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Heavy Industrial Shipping Specialist - 1st or 2nd Shift

Caterpillar · South Milwaukee, WI · $21.48–$26.86 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your experience securing loads with chains, straps, blocking or bracing.

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on cargo securement experience that keeps a heavy load from shifting in transit.

Tell me about a time you worked closely with a driver or carrier to solve a problem on a shipment.

What they are checking: Whether they communicate well with outside drivers who share responsibility for the load once it leaves.

This is a 2nd shift role. What has your experience been working evenings?

What they are checking: Whether the schedule fits their life well enough that they will show up consistently.

Tell me about a near miss you were part of or saw while loading or rigging.

What they are checking: Whether they report close calls and learn from them in work where mistakes can be fatal.

What would you do

You notice a load is blocked differently than the spec calls for, and the truck is supposed to leave in ten minutes. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they hold a shipment to fix securement instead of letting a schedule push an unsafe load out the gate.

A new coworker is cutting corners on blocking to keep up with you. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they will speak up to a peer on safety in a way that keeps the team working together.

About the work

This role is what Caterpillar calls a Loader Blocker. What do you think goes into loading and blocking very large equipment for shipment?

What they are checking: Whether they grasp that securing huge mining components is engineering, not just stacking things on a truck.

Have you worked with overhead cranes or rigging? How do you plan a lift on something heavy and awkward?

What they are checking: Whether they think about center of gravity, rated capacity and the people around a lift before moving anything.

How do you check that what's going on the truck matches the shipping paperwork?

What they are checking: Accuracy at the dock, since a missing part on a mining shipment can strand a customer far away.

How do you protect painted or machined surfaces when you're blocking and strapping a large part?

What they are checking: Whether they care about delivering the product undamaged, not just strapped down.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: Operations Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Shipping Specialist – Heavy Industrial Equipment Location: South Milwaukee, WI Shifts: 1st or 2nd Shift Bonus: $2,000 Sign-On Bonus Pay Progression: • Step 1: $23.72/hr • Step 2: $24.21/hr • Step 3: $24.71/hr • Shift Premium: +$1.00/hr for 2nd shift About Caterpillar South Milwaukee Caterpillar is hiring a what we call a Loader Blocker to support our manufacturing operations in South Milwaukee, WI. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. At our South Milwaukee facility, you’ll be part of a team that builds some of the largest and most powerful mining machines in the world. This facility specializes in the production of Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used in mining operations around the world. Key Responsibilities • Review job instructions and prepare materials for shipment. • Determine sequence of operations and identify required materials. • Pack parts, sub-assemblies, and complete machines into boxes, pallets, and containers. • Load components onto freight cars and trucks manually or using jib and overhead cranes, following loading instructions. • Secure loads using wire rope, bands, rods, plates, lumber, and other blocking materials with hand tools (saws, drills, hammers). • Apply preservatives and protective materials to ensure safe transport. • Adapt to changing priorities during operations to meet production demands. Required Qualifications • Minimum 1 years of experience cutting, forming, and building wood boxes for product shipment. • Experience loading and securing large components onto rail cars and trucks. Preferred Qualifications • Carpentry background is a plus. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Willingness to work overtime to support production needs. • Experience preserving and securing parts on crates and skids. Apply Today Join a company that values your skills, supports your growth, and rewards your hard work. Please ensure you frequently check the email account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process . Summary Pay Range: $21.48 - $26.86 Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. Benefits: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits. • Medical, dental, and vision benefits* • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* • 401(k) savings plans* • Health Savings Account (HSA)* • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* • Health Lifestyle Programs* • Employee Assistance Program* • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* • Career Development* • Incentive bonus* • Disability benefits • Life Insurance • Parental leave • Adoption benefits • Tuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees Posting Dates: October 5, 2026 - October 29, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

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