Lumper Jobs: What Are They and Why Do They Pay Cash?

If you hang around the Ontario Food Terminal or the logistics parks in Brampton and Mississauga, you will hear the term "Lumper" constantly.

To the average person, it sounds like nonsense. To a student or newcomer needing money today, it is a goldmine.

A "Lumper" is a third-party worker hired to unload a truck or shipping container. Here is the scenario: A long-haul truck driver arrives in Toronto from California. He is tired. He is not paid to unload the truck; he is paid to drive. So, he (or his company) hires a "Lumper" to empty the trailer manually.

Because the driver wants to leave fast, lumper work is often paid flat rate or cash on the spot. It is physically brutal, but it is one of the few legal ways to make $25+/hour with zero experience.

Here is the ultimate guide to the hustle of lumping in Canada.

The Two Types of Lumper Pay

Unlike a regular 9-to-5, lumping has a unique pay structure. You need to know the difference before you show up.

1. The "Flat Rate" Hustle (The Money Maker)

This is where the real money is. You are paid per container or per 1,000 cases, not by the hour.

• The Rate: Typically $200 – $350 per container (53-foot trailer).
• The Math: If you and a partner can unload a container in 4 hours, you just made $50–$80 per hour.
• The Catch: If you are slow and it takes you 10 hours, you make less than minimum wage. Speed is everything.

2. Hourly Agency Pay (The Safe Route)

Large logistics companies (like VersaCold or Sysco) hire lumpers through staffing agencies.

• The Rate: $19.00 – $25.00 per hour.
• The Benefit: Guaranteed income, overtime pay, and safer working conditions.
• The Agencies: Look for Eclipse Advantage, Direct Lumper Service, or Group NB.

Where to Find Lumper Jobs (Local Hotspots)

You won't find the best lumper gigs on Indeed. You find them by going where the trucks go.

• Greater Toronto Area (GTA):
  • The Ontario Food Terminal (Etobicoke): The early morning hub (3:00 AM start). Produce trucks need to be unloaded fast before the market opens.
  • Airport Road (Brampton): The heart of Canada’s logistics. Thousands of warehouses here hire daily lumpers.
• Metro Vancouver:
  • Delta / Tilbury Industrial Park: Massive demand for container destuffing from the Port of Vancouver.
• Montreal:
  • Dorval / Lachine: The logistics corridor along Highway 20.

The Consensus Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Verdict: YES, if you are fit.

• Buy This Job If: You want a free workout and fast cash. It is perfect for students who only want to work 2–3 days a week but make full-time money.
• Avoid This Job If: You have a bad back. You will be lifting 50lbs boxes repetitively for 8 hours. "Lumper Back" is a real injury.

Comparison Table: Lumper vs. General Labour

Practical Questions Answered

"Is this 'under the table'?"

It used to be, but rarely now.

In the past, drivers would hand you $200 cash. Today, because of CRA crackdowns, most legitimate lumper services pay via e-transfer or cheque at the end of the day.

• Warning: If a driver offers you cash, technically you can take it, but you are legally required to report it. If a company pays you cash and refuses to give a receipt, they are breaking the law.

"Do I need my own equipment?"

YES. You absolutely need Grade 1 (Green Patch) Steel-Toe Boots. No warehouse will let you on the dock without them. You should also bring your own gloves (grip gloves) because the ones they provide are usually cheap and rip easily.

"Can I just walk up to a warehouse?"

No. Security will kick you out. You need to register with a "Lumper Service" (a specialized temp agency). They are the ones who have the contracts with the warehouses. Google "Lumper Service [Your City]" to find them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a lumper actually do?

A lumper manually unloads cargo from a truck or shipping container and stacks it onto wooden pallets ("skids"). Once the pallet is full, they wrap it in plastic and move it with a pump truck. It is also called "destuffing," "swamping," or "hand-bombing."

How much do lumpers make in Canada?

On average, lumpers earn between $20 and $30 per hour. However, experienced "flat rate" teams who work fast can earn upwards of $40 per hour. It is one of the highest-paying unskilled jobs available.

Why do truck drivers hire lumpers?

Truck drivers are governed by strict "Hours of Service" rules. If they spend 6 hours unloading their own truck, that counts against their driving time. It is cheaper and smarter for them to pay a lumper $200 to do it so they can rest or get back on the road to make more money.

Is lumping a cash job?

It is often referred to as a "cash job" because the turnaround for payment is fast (daily or weekly), unlike corporate jobs. However, legitimate agencies will put you on payroll and deduct taxes. True "cash in hand" deals are becoming rarer and are mostly found in smaller, independent trucking scenarios.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

• Direct Lumper Service (Services & Rates): http://www.lumperservice.ca/
• ZipRecruiter (Lumper Salaries Ontario): https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Lumper-Salary--in-Ontario
• Workers' Action Centre (Cash Job Rights): https://workersactioncentre.org/

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.