Whether a vehicle flies at high altitude, rolls on 18 wheels, or hauls cargo across oceans, a transportation inspector makes sure it meets all laws and regulations. They keep vehicles, cargo, and passengers on the move as well as safe. Vehicle inspectors examine cars, trucks, and accessories to report on the condition of their parts, typically for a car dealership or a government agency. They ensure there are no illegal devices on cars or trucks, such as those meant to get around auto emissions laws. They also conduct test drives to see that everything sounds, and feels, like it’s running smoothly, and to determine whether there’s been prior damage. Physical strength may be needed to lift heavy equipment for some inspections. Typically, vehicle inspectors need a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Aviation inspectors review all procedures, equipment, and systems on an aircraft to ensure it meets federal safety regulations. They examine flight logs and maintenance records to verify all required checks have been performed, and investigate accidents and complaints to determine causes. Most positions require a certificate from an aviation maintenance technician school approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, along with on-the-job experience. Freight and cargo inspectors ensure ships’ freight is secured and complies with regulations. They measure ships’ holds and tank contents, calculate hold capacities, and check conditions of shipping and storage areas. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree.
What they do:
Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
On the job, you would:
Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
management
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Basic Skills
reading work related information
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Adaptability/Flexibility
Initiative
Analytical Thinking
You might use software like this on the job:
Electronic mail software
Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Document management software
Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.