Tank Car, Truck, & Ship Loaders

Loader, Loader Operator, Tankerman, Truck Loader

What they do:
Load and unload chemicals and bulk solids, such as coal, sand, and grain, into or from tank cars, trucks, or ships, using material moving equipment. May perform a variety of other tasks relating to shipment of products. May gauge or sample shipping tanks and test them for leaks.
On the job, you would:
  • Seal outlet valves on tank cars, barges, and trucks.
  • Verify tank car, barge, or truck load numbers to ensure car placement accuracy based on written or verbal instructions.
  • Start pumps and adjust valves or cables to regulate the flow of products to vessels, using knowledge of loading procedures.

Knowledge

Transportation

  • movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Skills

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Endurance

  • exercise for a long time without getting out of breath

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Integrity
  • Concern for Others

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

  • Distributed control system DCS
  • Warehouse management system WMS

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • SAP software Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
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