A longshoreman, also known as a stevedore, is a maritime employee responsible for the loading and unloading of cargo from ships while they are docked at a port. The term "longshoreman" stems from the historical practice of hiring individuals from the shore to handle the movement of goods between the ship and the designated storage area. As time passed, the tasks of loading, unloading, and managing cargo operations collectively became known as longshoring operations. Longshoremen play a vital role in the efficient transportation of goods by ensuring the smooth transfer of cargo between vessels and the port. They work closely with terminal operators to facilitate loading and unloading operations, as well as perform various other tasks related to terminal activities.