Tank Car, Truck, & Ship Loaders

Also Called: Loader, Loader Operator, Tankerman, Truck Loader

What Tank Car, Truck, & Ship Loaders 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.

  • 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.
Industry Areas:

Transportation

Training Program Areas:

Heavy Equipment Operations • Inland River System • OCT-Only Transportation • Roustabout • Seaman

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Consequence of Error
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  • Exposed to Contaminants

Tools

  • Pallet trucks
  • Loading equipment
  • Front end loaders
  • Respirators
  • Hoists

Technology

Operating system software
Linux
Palm OS
Data base user interface and query software
CompuWeigh GMS
Data entry software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Time Management
  • Active Listening

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

Education

  • 81% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 12% Less than high school diploma
  • 4% Post-secondary certificate

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

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

Values

  • Support
  • Independence
  • Relationships

Abilities

  • Controlled Movement
  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Endurance
  • Attention

This is what Tank Car, Truck, & Ship Loaders across the country typically make.

$18.68 / hour
$38,850 /year

Entry Level

$28.18 / hour
$58,620 /year

Median Level

$42.70 / hour
$88,810 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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