Pronunciation: [lˈʌmpəz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "lumpers" can be tricky due to the silent "p" in the middle. The correct pronunciation is /ˈlʌmpərz/, with the stress on the first syllable. The word refers to workers who load and unload cargo from trucks and ships. The term originated in the early 20th century and became popular in the United States during the Great Depression. Despite the silent "p," the word's spelling is easy to remember once you learn it.
Lumpers, in the context of labor or employment, refers to individuals who are hired to handle or load and unload large quantities of goods, typically within the shipping or distribution industry. These workers are often employed by third-party logistics companies or warehouses and are responsible for physically moving the goods from one location to another, ensuring smooth and efficient inventory flow.
The term "lumpers" is predominantly used in North America, especially in the United States and Canada. Lumpers play a crucial role in the logistics process, as their expertise in sorting, organizing, and handling various types of goods helps maintain the integrity of shipments. They may be tasked with unloading goods from trucks or containers, categorizing and labeling them, and reloading them onto designated transportation vehicles.
The work of lumpers often involves manual labor, requiring physical strength, endurance, and the ability to work well under time constraints. They may use equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or conveyors to assist in their tasks. Additionally, lumpers need to follow safety protocols to prevent accidents or damages to the goods, themselves, or other workers.
While some companies directly employ their own lumpers, others outsource these services to specialized labor providers. Lumpers are typically compensated on an hourly basis, although this can vary depending on the region and company. Overall, lumpers play a crucial role in supporting the timely and efficient movement of goods within the logistics industry.
Labourers employed by merchant-ships to load and unload.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "lumpers" has a varied etymology depending on the context in which it is used. Here are a few possible origins:
1. In the context of labor and trade: In the 18th and 19th centuries, "lumpers" referred to dockworkers or manual laborers who were responsible for loading and unloading goods (such as grain or coal) in bulk. This usage likely comes from the English dialect word "lumpe" meaning "to cart, load, or carry a heavy load". The term later extended to other laborers who worked in similar trades.
2. In evolutionary biology: "Lumpers" is a term used to describe taxonomists or scientists who prefer to group and classify organisms into larger categories (lumping several species together under the same name) based on similarities in traits and characteristics.
