Brokers said the scarcity of unoccupied land close to New York City and the consequent rising price had also induced warehouse operators to look upward.

He said that new product-handling equipment allowed warehouse operators to use taller storage racks.

Concor operated three core businesses: cargo carrier; terminal operator, and warehouse operator.

Her father retired as a regional accounts manager in Minnetonka at Interlake Material Handling, a maker of steel storage racks for and provider of services to warehouse operators.

They want sewage system managers and city planners and warehouse operators.

"That's why we exiled him in the first place," said the bland-looking warehouse operator sitting next to her.

Kevin Kelly, president of one of the largest warehouse operators at the port, Port Cargo Service, said he was trying to fill at least 100 jobs.

His business took off in the late 70's, he said, when razor ribbon became popular among store owners and warehouse operators.

The warehouse operators had to hire teenagers and unemployed laborers for that.

"If I could happen to find some job around here and still keep my kids in the school, that would be great," said Sam Hernandez, a warehouse operator with 11 years experience.