Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
What is a Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders?
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders are specialized workers who are responsible for loading and unloading bulk liquids and gases from transport vehicles, including tank cars, trucks, and ships. These loader operators ensure that materials are transferred safely and efficiently while adhering to industry regulations and safety standards. They utilize a variety of equipment and machinery, including pumps, hoses, and loading arms, to facilitate the transfer process. The role often requires monitoring gauges, checking for leaks, and managing hazardous materials, making it crucial for loaders to understand the properties of the substances they handle. These professionals must follow strict protocols to prevent spills and accidents, contributing to the overall safety of the transport and handling of potentially dangerous goods. Their work is vital in industries such as petrochemicals, agriculture, and food processing, where large volumes of liquids and gases are frequently transported.
Tasks
- 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.
- Check conditions and weights of vessels to ensure cleanliness and compliance with loading procedures.
- Observe positions of cars passing loading spouts, and swing spouts into the correct positions at the appropriate times.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Office suite software
- Operating system software
Tools Used
- Pallet trucks
- Loading equipment
- Front end loaders
- Respirators
- Hoists
Knowledge
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Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Skills
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Abilities
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
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Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Rate Control
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Detailed Work Activities
- Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment.
- Verify information or specifications.
- Connect cables or electrical lines.
- Control pumps or pumping equipment.
- Inspect cargo areas for cleanliness or condition.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$38850.0 - $88810.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.