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Tank Car, Truck, & Ship Loaders

Also called: Loader, Loader Operator, Tankerman, Truck Loader

Where in the military? In the military: see titles from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy.

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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
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office software Hot Technology
Operating system software
  • Linux 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

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$49,390
$33,090
$79,860
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about tank car, truck, and ship loaders.