Kimberly Billups has been part of the CP&O team since 2002, though she came to the industry from an unexpected place. Beginning her career as an international flight attendant for Trans World Airlines (TWA) and a substitute teacher for the Virginia Beach Public School System, Kimberly got her first taste of the industry in 1994.
“I was looking to earn some extra money during the Christmas holidays,” she recalled. “A close friend told me that the longshore organization was hiring additional labor, so I came onboard, was eventually hired on permanently, and that journey continues today.”
In 1995 she went to work for the Norfolk International Terminal before joining up with CP&O.
“Initially I began as a longshoreman working the cargo hold of ships,” Kimberly said. “Later, based on the orderly way I managed and sent freight from the hold, I was asked to join a ship gang.”
Currently, she serves as the hatch boss for ship gang #70. This role tasks her with supervising a ship-based gang of five workers while also overseeing a group of six dock-based gang workers. Appreciative of her long career within the industry, Kimberly is grateful that it has allowed her to provide for her daughter, who is currently enrolled in college.
Due to the strain the global supply chain is feeling, Kimberly admits that the job can be demanding, calling on a multitude of skillsets while maintaining a focus on safety.
“Because of the supply chain crisis and nationwide labor shortage, it can be challenging to fill a gang’s work order,” Kimberly shared. “Sometimes that means, even as the boss, you have to get hands-on and fill a vacant spot until the next worker arrives.”
But that’s alright by Kimberly, who still finds joy in her work. That’s due in part to the excellent team she has.
“The crew I have works well together,” she said. “They’re respectful, fun, knowledgeable and are always willing to take on new roles or switch positions with no complaints.”
Kimberly takes great pride in her work and sees each job as an opportunity to learn something new.
“I really enjoy seeing a ship sailing out, knowing another one is coming in right behind it.”