Tank Car, Truck, & Ship Loaders
Also called: Loader, Loader Operator, PVC Loader (Polyvinyl Chloride Loader), Warehouse Man
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:
- Verify tank car, barge, or truck load numbers to ensure car placement accuracy based on written or verbal instructions.
- Observe positions of cars passing loading spouts, and swing spouts into the correct positions at the appropriate times.
- Operate ship loading and unloading equipment, conveyors, hoists, and other specialized material handling equipment such as railroad tank car unloading equipment.
Knowledge
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
- manufacture and distribution of products
Business
- management
- customer service
Engineering and Technology
- mechanical
Safety and Government
- public safety and security
Skills
Basic Skills
- keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- reading work related information
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Controlled Movement
- use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
- change when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving
Hand and Finger Use
- hold or move items with your hands
- keep your arm or hand steady
Attention
- pay attention to something without being distracted
- do two or more things at the same time
Endurance
- exercise for a long time without getting out of breath
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Dependability
- Initiative
- Concern for Others
- Leadership
Technology
Examples of the technology used in this career will be available soon.
Education
high school diploma or
some college
usually needed
some college
usually needed
These apprenticeships may have sponsors in your area:
- Pumper-Gauger
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
$39,860
per year, on average
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