Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
Medium44.23%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$38,850
Median$58,620
High (90th %)$88,810
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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.
The occupation of "Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders" faces an automation risk of 44.2%, close to its base risk estimate of 44.7%. This risk is influenced by the nature of the work, which involves a mix of repetitive, rule-based physical tasks and more complex, adaptive activities. Automation technologies are well-suited for the most routine aspects of the job, particularly those involving mechanical motions or standardized procedures that can be programmed into machines or robots. Nevertheless, a significant portion of the tasks require human intervention, especially in situations that demand adaptability, judgement, or the management of non-standard events. Among the most automatable tasks in this occupation are sealing outlet valves on tank cars, barges, and trucks, as this is a straightforward, repetitive action that mechanized systems can reliably perform. Verifying load numbers to ensure accurate placement of cars or vessels is also highly automatable, as it relies on data matching and compliance checks, processes well-handled by software and barcode scanning systems. Additionally, starting pumps and adjusting valves or cables to regulate the flow of products via established procedures is another task which automation can readily take over, using programmable logic controllers and flow-monitoring sensors. Conversely, several tasks remain resistant to automation due to their complexity or the need for contextual judgment. Performing general warehouse activities such as opening containers, filling orders, and assisting with inventory involves a variety of actions and decision-making that are not easily standardized or mechanized. Operating conveyors and transfer equipment to move grain or other bulk materials also demands situational awareness and hands-on adjustments, particularly with diverse loads or unexpected issues. Reading gauges, checking tanks, and verifying measurements similarly require a blend of observation and responsive problem-solving abilities. The low levels of originality involved in this occupation (2.4% and 2.1%) further suggest that while most tasks are straightforward, those requiring situational responses or non-repetitive actions act as bottlenecks to full automation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Seal outlet valves on tank cars, barges, and trucks.
Non-Automatable
Verify tank car, barge, or truck load numbers to ensure car placement accuracy based on written or verbal instructions.
Partially Automatable
Start pumps and adjust valves or cables to regulate the flow of products to vessels, using knowledge of loading procedures.
Non-Automatable
Check conditions and weights of vessels to ensure cleanliness and compliance with loading procedures.
Partially Automatable
Observe positions of cars passing loading spouts, and swing spouts into the correct positions at the appropriate times.
Automatable
Monitor product movement to and from storage tanks, coordinating activities with other workers to ensure constant product flow.
Partially Automatable
Record operating data such as products and quantities pumped, gauge readings, and operating times, manually or using computers.
Automatable
Operate industrial trucks, tractors, loaders, and other equipment to transport materials to and from transportation vehicles and loading docks, and to store and retrieve materials in warehouses.
Non-Automatable
Connect ground cables to carry off static electricity when unloading tanker cars.
Non-Automatable
Copy and attach load specifications to loaded tanks.
Automatable
Remove and replace tank car dome caps, or direct other workers in their removal and replacement.
Non-Automatable
Test samples for specific gravity, using hydrometers, or send samples to laboratories for testing.
Partially Automatable
Test vessels for leaks, damage, and defects, and repair or replace defective parts as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Unload cars containing liquids by connecting hoses to outlet plugs and pumping compressed air into cars to force liquids into storage tanks.
Non-Automatable
Clean interiors of tank cars or tank trucks, using mechanical spray nozzles.
Non-Automatable
Lower gauge rods into tanks or read meters to verify contents, temperatures, and volumes of liquid loads.
Automatable
Operate conveyors and equipment to transfer grain or other materials from transportation vehicles.
Partially Automatable
Operate ship loading and unloading equipment, conveyors, hoists, and other specialized material handling equipment such as railroad tank car unloading equipment.
Partially Automatable
Perform general warehouse activities, such as opening containers and crates, filling warehouse orders, assisting in taking inventory, and weighing and checking materials.
Partially Automatable
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Medium34.02%
Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Low31.32%
Operate self-propelled mining machines that rip coal, metal and nonmetal ores, rock, stone, or sand from the mine face and load it onto conveyors, shuttle cars, or trucks in a continuous operation.
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Medium39.66%
Operate underground loading or moving machine to load or move coal, ore, or rock using shuttle or mine car or conveyors. Equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Low26.56%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Medium41.90%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Medium49.31%
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Low32.98%
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Medium58.58%
Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Medium54.55%
Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium48.23%
Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Medium46.13%
Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.
Conveyor Operators and Tenders
Medium44.52%
Control or tend conveyors or conveyor systems that move materials or products to and from stockpiles, processing stations, departments, or vehicles. May control speed and routing of materials or products.
Crane and Tower Operators
Medium38.20%
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
Hoist and Winch Operators
Low24.71%
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Medium46.81%
Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Medium36.17%
Manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor. Includes all manual laborers not elsewhere classified.
Recycling and Reclamation Workers
Medium40.67%
Prepare and sort materials or products for recycling. Identify and remove hazardous substances. Dismantle components of products such as appliances.
Machine Feeders and Offbearers
High66.68%
Feed materials into or remove materials from machines or equipment that is automatic or tended by other workers.
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Medium49.42%
Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
Medium61.86%
Tend, control, or operate power-driven, stationary, or portable pumps and manifold systems to transfer gases, oil, other liquids, slurries, or powdered materials to and from various vessels and processes.
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Medium65.21%
Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products. May prepare items for shipment.
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping
High71.43%
Weigh, measure, and check materials, supplies, and equipment for the purpose of keeping relevant records. Duties are primarily clerical by nature. Includes workers who collect and keep record of samples of products or materials.
Logging Equipment Operators
Medium49.47%
Drive logging tractor or wheeled vehicle equipped with one or more accessories, such as bulldozer blade, frontal shear, grapple, logging arch, cable winches, hoisting rack, or crane boom, to fell tree; to skid, load, unload, or stack logs; or to pull stumps or clear brush. Includes operating stand-alone logging machines, such as log chippers.
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Medium61.58%
Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.
Light Truck Drivers
Medium51.40%
Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver. May load and unload vehicle.
Locomotive Engineers
Medium54.80%
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Medium40.89%
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Medium40.83%
Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
Sailors and Marine Oilers
Low31.77%
Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Medium46.86%
Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
Motorboat Operators
Medium33.94%
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Bridge and Lock Tenders
Medium54.95%
Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.
Transportation Inspectors
Medium58.03%
Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Medium40.81%
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.