Transportation Inspectors
What is a Transportation Inspector?
Transportation Inspectors are professionals who ensure the safety, compliance, and efficiency of various transportation systems, including railroads, highways, and public transit. Their primary role involves inspecting vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure to confirm adherence to safety standards and regulations set by federal, state, and local authorities. They evaluate the mechanical and physical condition of transportation modes, identify potential hazards, and recommend necessary repairs or upgrades to guarantee public safety. Transportation Inspectors often work closely with engineers, transportation planners, and law enforcement agencies to enhance the overall transportation system's reliability. Additionally, they may be called upon to perform accident investigations, assess environmental impacts, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Through their thorough evaluations and reports, Transportation Inspectors contribute significantly to maintaining operational efficiency and safeguarding public welfare within the transportation network.
Tasks
- 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.
- Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.
- Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
Technology Skills
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook 365
- Microsoft Outlook
- Spreadsheet software
- Document management software
- Office suite software
- Operating system software
Tools Used
- Depth indicators
- Water samplers
- Tape measures
- Notebook computers
- Benchtop centrifuges
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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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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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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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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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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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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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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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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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Record details of deliveries or shipments.
- Inspect cargo to ensure it is properly loaded or secured.
- Record operational or production data.
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
- Monitor loading processes to ensure they are performed properly.
Work Interests
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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.
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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.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$39790.0 - $129020.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.