Tallymen were responsible for the cargo. They counted the boxes and sacks that were loaded or discharged and marked the amounts of cargo on a tally stick. Afterwards they could check the cargo documents with the aid of these sticks.

Longshoremen were responsible for loading and unloading goods from general cargo ships. They handled sacks, boxes, and barrels. This occupation no longer exists.

Warehouse keepers were responsible for examining and sorting goods like coffee, tea and spices in the historical warehouses (“Speicherstadt”). They arranged for professional warehousing and ensured that the goods retained their quality.

Container transport and the new requirements of modern logistics have re-defined the job requirements, so the warehouse keepers have been replaced by maritime cargo supervisors and specialists for port logistics. The last warehouse keepers left the “Speicherstadt” about five years ago. The warehouse keepers worked in teams of four. A leader gave the company its name and the others were underwriters.