From Dawn to Dusk: The Daily Grind of a Cargo Loading and Unloading Operator

The lights come on before sunrise. In the half-dark of a yard, a cross-dock, a warehouse ramp, or an airport apron, a team of cargo loading and unloading operators runs through checks and hand signals. The day will be measured in pallets moved, trucks turned, and aircraft or railcars dispatched on time. It will also be measured in quiet wins: a prevented injury because someone paused to re-stack a leaning pallet, a customs hold avoided because a label was corrected, a meltdown averted because a supervisor made the call to re-route a late shipment. This is how the global economy actually moves.

If you are curious about what a cargo loading and unloading operator really does, what the workday feels like, how the team manages risk, and whether the pay and career prospects make sense for you, this guide walks through a true day in the life. It also packs in practical, real-world advice from the floor - the checklists, hacks, and decisions that keep cargo moving safely from dawn to dusk.

What the Role Really Covers: Environments, Scope, and Impact

Cargo loading and unloading operators are the muscle and method behind logistics. You will find them where shipments change modes or custody:

At airport cargo terminals and the ramp, building and breaking down ULDs for flights, and loading freighters with high-value, time-critical freight.
On seaport quays and inland depots, lashing and unlashing containers, positioning breakbulk and project cargo, and preparing rail intermodal moves.
In cross-docks and distribution centers, unloading inbound trailers, staging SKUs, scanning items into the WMS, and loading outbound routes to retail or last-mile hubs.
At manufacturing plants, especially automotive and electronics clusters around Timisoara and Cluj-Napoca, where just-in-time shipments must hit production windows.

The scope is wider than many people realize:

Physical handling: Operating forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyor systems, and scissor lifts; applying slings, dunnage, straps, and load bars.
Documentation and compliance: Checking airway bills, CMRs, packing lists, and dangerous goods declarations; verifying weights and labels; flagging nonconformities.
Safety and quality: Conducting pre-use inspections, applying PPE, using correct lifting techniques, and maintaining 5S standards around docks and yards.
Communication: Coordinating with drivers, flight crews, warehouse planners, customs brokers, and supervisors to match the plan with the ground truth.

The impact is immediate and measurable: a late unload can cause a driver to miss legal driving hours; a misbuilt ULD can ground an aircraft; a poorly secured pallet can injure a colleague or damage goods. The operator is the last line of defense and often the first to spot and fix issues.

The Shift Starts Before Sunrise: Briefings, Permits, and PPE

Most cargo facilities run shifts that start early and finish late. A typical morning shift might kick off at 05:30 with a toolbox talk. Here is what happens in the first 20 to 30 minutes:

Roll call and allocation: The supervisor assigns teams to doors, bays, flights, or lines. New hires are paired with experienced buddies.
Safety briefing: A quick rundown of incidents, near-misses, and weather. For example, fog at Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport may reduce ramp speed, or winter ice in Cluj-Napoca demands extra grit on loading docks.
Work permits and access checks: In controlled zones (airport airside, bonded warehouses), everyone checks badges and zones of access. Forklift keys are signed out.
PPE confirmation: Hard hats, safety shoes, hi-vis vests, gloves, and hearing protection. For cold chain pharma work in Iasi, thermal gloves and insulated jackets are added. For hazardous material tasks, chemical-resistant gloves and goggles are issued as needed.

Pro tip: Keep a spare pair of gloves and earplugs in your bag. The fastest way to fall behind is to stop working to hunt for PPE.

Daily Safety Rituals: Small Checklists That Prevent Big Incidents

Experienced operators run micro-checks without being told. Make these your habits:

Forklift pre-use inspection: Tires, forks, mast chains, hydraulics, horn, lights, seat belt, and battery or LPG level. Sign the checklist before use.
Dock leveler and restraint: Confirm dock plates lock securely and truck restraints are engaged before entering a trailer.
Slings and straps: Check for cuts, fraying, and broken stitching. Tag out damaged gear immediately.
Pallet integrity: Look for broken boards, protruding nails, and unstable stacking. Re-palletize if it leans or rocks.
Load weight awareness: Verify declared weights against scale readings or smart pallet labels. If it looks too heavy for a hand pallet truck, it probably is.

Create a 60-second personal ritual before each load:

Stop - look at the path of travel, the ground condition, and the load center of gravity.
Say - confirm the plan with your spotter or teammate.
Do - move deliberately and keep hands and feet clear of pinch points.

Tools of the Trade: Equipment You Will Actually Use

Knowing your tools makes the work safer and faster. A non-exhaustive list:

Powered equipment: Counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, electric pallet jacks, tow tractors for ULD dollies, conveyors, and scissor lifts.
Attachments and aids: Fork extensions, drum clamps, roll clamps (for paper), bale clamps (for textiles), slip sheets with push-pull attachments, and weighing forks.
Air cargo gear: ULD types such as PMC, AKE, and PAG; cargo nets, straps, and corner protectors; build-up stands and scales.
Securing systems: Load bars, ratchet straps, chains and binders for heavy machinery, edge protectors, and anti-slip mats.
Visibility and comms: Headlamps for dim trailers, two-way radios, barcode/RFID scanners paired to a WMS or TMS.

Treat every tool as a controlled asset. If an attachment is missing a data plate, do not use it. If a net has a bent ring, tag it out.

Cargo Types and How They Change the Job

Different cargo types alter risk and workflow. You will meet these categories daily:

General dry cargo: Consumer goods on standard Euro pallets. Biggest risks are crush injuries from unstable loads and product damage from harsh braking or tight turns.
Refrigerated and pharma: Temperature-controlled goods, common in Iasi and Bucharest. You must minimize door-open time, use thermal blankets, and document temperature handovers.
E-commerce parcels: High volume, low weight, barcoded items. Speed and scanning accuracy are critical in cross-docks serving Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara.
Automotive and industrial: Heavy components, crates, and stillages. Understand center of gravity, use appropriate clamps, and follow plant takt-time windows.
Hazmat (ADR on road, IMDG at port, IATA DGR for air): Requires specialized training. You must verify labeling, segregation, and documentation. Never guess segregations - consult the chart or supervisor.
Oversized and project cargo: Machinery, pipes, or wind turbine blades moving through Romanian corridors to and from Timisoara or Cluj suppliers. Planning with riggers, load plans, and route surveys is mandatory.

Each type changes how you stage freight, which equipment you choose, and how closely you coordinate with planners, drivers, and inspectors.

A Morning on the Ramp or Dock: Step-by-Step Unloading Workflow

Let us map a typical unload of a 13.6 m curtain-sider or box trailer arriving at a cross-dock in Bucharest. The same logic applies to an air freight truck at the cargo terminal or a container at an inland depot.

Spot the trailer and secure it: Confirm wheel chocks and dock lock engaged. If the trailer is on air suspension, lower it to dock height.
Break the seal and document: Verify the seal number against the manifest in the WMS. Photograph the seal, break it, and record any discrepancy.
Door safety: Open doors carefully, bracing against sudden load shifts. Check for leaning stacks or loose items.
Count and reconcile: Use a scanner to confirm pallet ID counts. Report any missing or overages immediately.
Plan the unload: Decide pallet sequence by SKU or zone. Agree with your teammate how to rotate pallets into the staging area without blocking emergency egress.
Move with purpose: Use a pallet truck or forklift to extract the first row. Keep forks low while traveling, lift only when needed, and never wrap thumbs around the steering wheel to avoid crush injuries if the wheel snaps back.
Stage and inspect: Place pallets in designated zones. Check for damage - crushed corners, film tears, broken boards. Rewrap or rework as needed.
Sort exceptions: Create an exceptions area for damaged, over, short, or wrong-labeled pallets. Photograph, tag, and escalate.
Clean and reset: Sweep the trailer, remove dunnage, and prepare it for loading if it is a live unload-reload scenario.
Handover: Update the WMS, sign the driver out for unload completion, and provide documentation to the gate or planner.

This rhythm - secure, verify, unload, stage, reconcile, escalate, and reset - is the backbone of on-time docks.

Midday Pressure Cooker: Loading to Plan Without Cutting Corners

Loading is where plans can unravel if you rush. A few non-negotiables keep loads safe and legal:

Weight distribution: Keep axle weights within legal limits and trailer floor load ratings. Heavies low and forward; do not tail-load or put all weight on one side.
Stack stability: Use even layers, interlock boxes, fill voids with air bags or dunnage, and cap tall stacks with corner boards and stretch wrap.
Tie-down and securement: Apply enough straps and load bars for road vibration. Protect edges to prevent strap damage. In air cargo, follow the ULD build chart precisely and cross-check net tension.
Documentation alignment: The load you build must match the manifest. Scan out every pallet and ensure CMR or airway bill matches reality.
Seal integrity: Apply a new seal, record the number, and photograph. Train your muscle memory to check seal numbers - it prevents claims.

If a change is requested - for example, a last-minute high-priority pallet to Cluj-Napoca - pause, recalc distribution, and rework with a plan. A 5-minute rework is better than a 2-hour roadside inspection or damage claim.

When Plans Change: Weather, Holds, and Re-routing

Operators are the first to see problems that schedules do not anticipate:

Weather: Fog in Bucharest can ground aircraft or slow taxi. Summer storms around Timisoara can halt ramp activity. Ice on a dock in Cluj-Napoca needs grit and a slower pace.
Customs holds: A bonded pallet may be tagged on arrival. Keep it segregated and recorded. Do not load bonded items into domestic routes.
Driver hours: If a truck is delayed, a driver may run out of legal driving time. Prioritize unload to allow them to take a break on time.
Equipment breakdowns: If a reach truck faults out, switch to manual processes and reassign people. Report the fault with a clear description to maintenance.

The watchword is controlled flexibility. Communicate early, update the WMS or ramp plan, and log what changed and why.

Teamwork and Communication: Radios, Spotters, and Shared Responsibility

Strong crews do three things consistently:

Use common callouts: Short, clear phrases on the radio like Stop, Rolling in, or Behind you to reduce ambiguity.
Assign spotters: Any time visibility is poor - back of a trailer, tight yard turn, pushing a heavy ULD - a spotter stands clear and guides.
Close the loop: Repeat instructions back. If a supervisor says Door 7, PM outbound, the operator replies Copy, Door 7, PM outbound.

Multilingual teams are common in large Romanian hubs, especially in Bucharest and Timisoara. Keep phrase lists posted near docks for safety terms in Romanian and English. Simple, shared language reduces incidents.

Metrics That Matter: Throughput, Quality, and Safety

Most operators are measured by a mix of performance, quality, and safety KPIs. Know them and learn how to influence them ethically.

Throughput: Pallets per hour, trucks turned per shift, ULDs built per flight. Improve by pre-staging materials and minimizing empty travel.
Accuracy: Scan accuracy, mispicks, and exceptions resolved on first pass. Improve by scanning every move and resisting shortcuts.
Damage rate: Number of damaged units per thousand handled. Improve with better stacking, edge protection, and correct handling speeds.
Safety: Near-miss reporting, incident rate, and compliance with pre-use checks. Improve by building safety into your routine and speaking up.

Share data at the end-of-shift huddle. Celebrate zero-damage streaks and quick recoveries from disruptions, not just speed records.

The Human Side: Breaks, Fatigue, and Ergonomics

Cargo handling is physical. Staying in the game means managing your body as a tool you care for.

Micro-breaks: Take 60 to 90 seconds every 45 minutes to stretch forearms, shoulders, and lower back. It reduces strain and boosts focus.
Neutral spine: When pulling pallet jacks, keep elbows close to your body and walk, do not twist. For pushing, use your legs, not your back.
Hydration and fuel: Keep a water bottle in your work area. Aim for steady, small sips. Eat slow-release carbs before a heavy shift.
Heat and cold: In summer, Timisoara warehouses can run hot. Rotate tasks and use cooling towels. In winter in Iasi, layer clothing and warm up hands to maintain grip strength.
PPE fit: Replace worn insoles in safety shoes and size gloves correctly for dexterity and protection.

Tell your lead if you are fatigued. Near-misses spike at the end of long shifts. Smart teams rotate to keep performance and safety high.

Pay, Shifts, and Benefits in Romania: Real Numbers and City-by-City Notes

Exact pay depends on employer, contract type, and shift pattern. The following ranges are typical as of 2024, using an approximate exchange rate of 1 EUR = 5 RON. Figures refer to gross monthly pay unless noted. Your offer may vary.

Entry-level operator: 3,800 - 5,000 RON gross per month (around 760 - 1,000 EUR). Often includes training time and probation adjustments.
Experienced operator with licenses (forklift, reach truck, ULD build): 5,500 - 7,500 RON gross (around 1,100 - 1,500 EUR).
Team leader or shift lead: 7,500 - 9,500 RON gross (around 1,500 - 1,900 EUR), depending on headcount and complexity.

City notes:

Bucharest: Typically at the upper end of ranges due to cost of living and the intensity of airport and e-commerce volumes. Expect more night shift differentials.
Cluj-Napoca: Strong e-commerce and tech-driven 3PLs offer competitive packages, often in the mid to upper ranges for skilled operators.
Timisoara: Automotive suppliers and cross-border corridors push demand for experienced handlers. Overtime opportunities can be strong during peak seasons.
Iasi: Pharma distribution and FMCG hubs value temperature-control competence. Pay is competitive within the region, with premiums for cold chain and accuracy KPIs.

Common add-ons and benefits:

Shift allowances: 10 - 25 percent premium for nights or rotating shifts is typical.
Overtime: Often paid at an enhanced rate. Confirm policy, caps, and approval rules before you rely on overtime income.
Meal vouchers: Widely offered in Romania.
Transport: Shuttle buses or fuel allowances for sites outside city centers.
Training: Paid certifications for forklift or dangerous goods handling can be part of the package.

Always read the contract for details on probation, sick pay, and holiday. Ask employers to clarify gross vs net and how allowances are taxed.

Career Pathways: Where the Job Can Take You

Cargo loading and unloading is a gateway to many logistics careers. Common progressions include:

Specialist operator: Mastering high-skill tasks like ULD build for air cargo, heavy clamp operations for paper rolls, or hazardous cargo segregation.
Team leader or supervisor: Managing 8 - 25 people across doors or shifts, handling scheduling, KPIs, and coaching.
Planner or dispatcher: Moving into control rooms, assigning doors, planning waves, and balancing carrier cutoffs.
Quality, safety, or training roles: Auditing processes, running toolbox talks, onboarding new hires, and driving 5S.
Cross-functional moves: Into inventory control, customs brokerage support, or transportation coordination.

Add one new certification or skill every 6 to 12 months. The operators who advance fastest keep learning and seek opportunities to lead problem-solving on the floor.

Training and Certifications That Boost Employability

Hiring managers notice candidates who invest in professionalization. Consider:

Forklift and reach truck licenses: In Romania, ensure certification is valid and, where relevant, recognized by ISCIR requirements for handling industrial equipment.
Air cargo and ramp safety: IATA cargo introductory courses, ULD build-up and restraint training, and ramp safety modules are attractive for Bucharest airport roles.
Dangerous goods awareness: ADR awareness for road, IMDG awareness for port, and IATA DGR awareness for air. Even awareness-level training signals caution and compliance.
First aid and fire marshal: Small, low-cost courses that increase your value on any shift.
Lean and 5S: Short courses on continuous improvement give you language and tools to improve KPIs.
Cold chain handling: Pharma GDP fundamentals for roles in Iasi and Bucharest.

Keep certificates in a digital folder. Share copies during interviews and bring printed versions on day one.

Tech on the Ground: Scanners, Systems, and Smart Equipment

The modern dock is digital:

Scanners paired to a WMS: You will scan inbound, moves, and outbound. Learn to fix common pairing issues and scan at a consistent angle and distance.
Yard and dock management: Door assignments, queue boards, and live ETA feeds. Watch for door changes and confirm on the radio.
Weight verification: Forklift scales or floor scales validate safe loads. For air cargo, ULD scales feed directly into the load plan.
Telematics: Forklifts may log speed, impacts, and pre-use checks. Treat impacts seriously; they are often reviewed by safety teams.
ePOD: Drivers capture electronic proof of delivery. Ensure your scans and paperwork match to prevent disputes.

If a device fails, log the exact symptom: battery drains in 30 minutes, scanner drops Wi-Fi near Door 14, or WMS error On confirm move. Clear reports get faster fixes.

A Late-Shift Snapshot: Handover and Continuous Improvement

As dusk turns to night, many teams flip from unloading to building next-day departures. The end-of-shift routine matters as much as the start:

Clean-as-you-go sweep: Pick up wrap, broken pallets, and discard straps. A tidy dock is a safer dock.
Inventory spot-check: Count critical outbound pallets staged near doors. Catching a mislocated pallet at 21:00 beats a 05:00 scramble.
Handover notes: Document what is loaded, what is pending, and any holds or damage claims. Use simple, repeatable formats.
Quick retro: What went right, what almost went wrong, and what to try tomorrow. A 10-minute huddle builds a culture of learning.

Small improvements compound. One team in Timisoara shaved 90 seconds off each unload by pre-positioning load bars and standardizing strap storage. Over a shift, that saved an hour. Over a month, it was a full workweek.

Real Scenarios From Romanian Hubs

Bucharest airport, high-value electronics: A late-night freighter needs two AKEs rebuilt due to a last-minute DG mismatch. The team isolates the DG pallet, reprints labels from the DGR checklist, and rebuilds the ULDs with correct segregation. Departure holds 20 minutes, but the aircraft pushes with a compliant load and no fines.
Cluj-Napoca cross-dock, e-commerce peak: Parcels pour in faster than expected. The team splits by barcode range, assigns two scanners per lane, and clears 3,000 parcels in 90 minutes. Misroutes drop by 40 percent because every parcel is scanned at each hop.
Timisoara automotive supplier: A truck with heavy stillages arrives mis-declared. The operator flags the weight, moves the stillages using a heavy-duty clamp truck, and reworks the loading plan to keep axle weights compliant. Production keeps running.
Iasi pharma distribution: A cold chain pallet arrives with a data logger indicating a 15-minute temperature excursion. The operator escalates, segregates the pallet, and documents chain-of-custody. The client authorizes quarantine. Accuracy protects patient safety.

What Employers Look For and How to Get Hired Fast

Typical employers in Romania include international 3PLs and carriers such as DHL, UPS, DB Schenker, Kuehne+Nagel, DSV, Maersk, CEVA Logistics, and FM Logistic; large local logistics and parcel companies; airport ground handling providers; and port or rail terminal operators connected to national corridors.

Hiring managers consistently seek:

Safety-first mindset: Examples of stopping a job to fix a hazard and reporting near-misses.
Document accuracy: Zero-tolerance for sloppy label checks or mismatched counts.
Equipment proficiency: Valid forklift or reach truck licenses and confidence on the controls.
Pace with care: Evidence you can maintain throughput without damage.
Team communication: References that say you take radio discipline and handovers seriously.

How to present your experience:

Quantify output: Pallets per hour, trucks turned per shift, ULDs built per week.
Show versatility: Types of cargo, equipment competencies, and systems used (WMS name, scanner brand).
Add mini-case studies: 3 to 4 lines describing a problem you solved and the measurable result.
List valid certifications prominently: Forklift license with dates, ADR awareness, IATA modules.

Interview preparation checklist:

Bring printed certifications and ID.
Wear safety shoes if a floor walk is planned.
Prepare two stories: one about handling a safety issue, and one about meeting a tough deadline without cutting corners.
Know the employer: sites in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, or Iasi; typical cargo; shift patterns.
Ask smart questions about training, shift allowances, and KPIs.

Packing a Winning Work Bag

Seasoned operators keep a small, legal, and practical kit:

Spare gloves, earplugs, and a hi-vis vest.
Headlamp and a permanent marker.
Reusable water bottle and quick snacks.
Phone charger and a small power bank.
Knee pads for trailer work and a back support belt if recommended by your safety team.
Notebook with common radio callouts and emergency procedures.

Keep it light and always respect site security rules about personal items.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping pre-use checks on forklifts. A missed chain crack can be catastrophic.
Riding or walking under raised forks or loads.
Not rewrapping an unstable pallet because you are in a hurry.
Failing to read the weight plate on a ULD or trailer floor rating.
Ignoring a small leak or chemical smell near hazmat.
Loading bonded freight into a domestic truck by mistake.
Guessing on segregation rules for dangerous goods.

Every one of these errors has caused injuries, fines, or lost customers. Build habits that make them impossible.

Actionable Playbook: How to Thrive in Your First 90 Days

Week 1 - Foundations:

Learn the site map and door numbering. Walk the path of travel for your assigned zone.
Memorize radio callouts and hand signals. Practice with your buddy.
Shadow a senior operator on unloading and staging. Focus on safe body mechanics.

Weeks 2 to 4 - Skills and speed:

Earn forklift or reach truck authorization on-site if eligible.
Master scanning and WMS tasks: inbound check-in, moves, cycle counts, and outbound confirmation.
Practice load securement on live loads with supervision. Document each technique you learn.

Months 2 to 3 - Ownership and improvement:

Take charge of a door for a full shift with a buddy as backup.
Lead a 5-minute toolbox talk on a relevant safety topic.
Propose one improvement - label shelves, strap storage, or staging layout - and measure its effect.

Set simple goals: zero damage on your loads, 98 to 100 percent scan accuracy, and positive feedback from two drivers per week. Small wins stack into trust and more responsibility.

The Rewards: More Than a Paycheck

The job demands grit, attention, and teamwork, but it pays off in ways many office jobs cannot match:

Visible impact: You see the result of your work immediately - a truck leaves on time, a flight pushes with a full, safe load.
Team camaraderie: Crews that move cargo together bond fast. Shared wins feel real.
Skill growth: You gain hard skills with equipment and soft skills in communication and planning.
Mobility: Logistics skills transfer across employers and countries. Operators from Bucharest or Timisoara can step into roles in other European hubs with modest retraining.

If you like being part of something that matters every hour of the day, this role delivers.

Ready to Step In? How ELEC Can Help

If you want to break into cargo handling or move up to a better operator role, ELEC can connect you with reputable employers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, and beyond. We understand shift patterns, safety culture, and what managers actually need. Reach out for tailored opportunities, CV advice that highlights the right KPIs, and interview prep focused on your strengths.

Your next shift could be the one that sets your logistics career in motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a typical day look like for a cargo loading and unloading operator?

Most days start with a toolbox talk and pre-use equipment checks. You will spend the bulk of your shift unloading inbound trucks or ULDs, staging and scanning freight into zones, and then loading outbound trailers or aircraft units to plan. Throughout the day you will communicate with drivers, planners, and your supervisor, fix small issues before they become big ones, and document what you move. The pace is steady, with peak rushes near carrier cutoffs.

Do I need prior experience to get hired?

Not always. Many employers hire entry-level candidates who show reliability, a safety-first mindset, and the ability to learn. Having a valid forklift license, basic dangerous goods awareness, or any warehouse experience will help you secure interviews faster. During probation, you will learn site-specific processes and earn additional authorizations.

How much can I earn as an operator in Romania?

Pay varies by city, shift pattern, and employer. As a broad guide in 2024: entry-level roles range around 3,800 - 5,000 RON gross per month (about 760 - 1,000 EUR), experienced operators 5,500 - 7,500 RON gross (about 1,100 - 1,500 EUR), and team leaders 7,500 - 9,500 RON gross (about 1,500 - 1,900 EUR). Night and weekend shifts often include a premium, and overtime may be available with approval.

What certifications should I prioritize first?

Start with a recognized forklift or reach truck license and basic dangerous goods awareness training. If you target airport roles, add IATA cargo and ramp safety plus ULD build-up. Cold chain GDP awareness is valuable for pharma hubs like Iasi. Keep all certificates current and organized for quick verification.

Is the work dangerous?

It carries risk, like any job with heavy equipment and moving vehicles. The risk is manageable with strong safety culture, correct PPE, and disciplined habits. Daily pre-use checks, spotters, clear radio communication, and refusing to take unsafe shortcuts are the keys to going home safe.

What are the typical shifts?

Logistics is a 24-7 industry. Common patterns include rotating early and late shifts, fixed nights, or 4-on/4-off rotations. Airport and e-commerce sites in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca often run heavier night operations due to flight schedules and parcel volumes.

Who are the typical employers?

International 3PLs and carriers such as DHL, UPS, DB Schenker, Kuehne+Nagel, DSV, Maersk, CEVA Logistics, and FM Logistic; airport ground handling companies; port and rail terminal operators; and large local logistics and parcel firms. ELEC works with a cross-section of these employers across Romania.

A cargo loading and unloading operator keeps goods moving safely, every hour of the day. If you are ready to take the next step, contact ELEC to discover roles that fit your skills, preferred shifts, and city.