Transportation Inspectors
Medium58.03%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$39,790
Median$87,290
High (90th %)$129,020
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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.
The occupation "Transportation Inspectors" has an automation risk of 58.0%, which closely aligns with its calculated base risk of 58.8%. This moderate risk indicates that while many tasks in this role could be automated, a significant portion of the duties still requires human intervention. The primary reason for automation vulnerability is the reliance on routine, repetitive documentation and compliance processes. As technology advances, many reporting and data-entry functions can be streamlined using digital tools, limiting the need for human oversight in these areas. However, the overall risk does not reach higher levels due to the necessity for humans to make discretionary judgments in other tasks. Among the most automatable tasks for Transportation Inspectors are preparing and submitting reports after the completion of freight shipments, inspecting shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked, and recording details about freight conditions or problems encountered. These activities involve standardized procedures and data-handling, making them ideal candidates for automation through advanced sensors, cameras, and software systems. Automation can ensure consistent documentation quality and improve operational efficiency, especially in environments where large volumes of freight must be inspected or reported. By digitizing these steps, companies can reduce labor costs and minimize human errors, further motivating automation adoption in these facets. On the other hand, the top three tasks most resistant to automation underscore why the risk is not higher. Visually inspecting cargo for damage requires nuanced judgment and the ability to recognize subtle defects that machine vision may overlook. Measuring vessels' holds and tank capacities often involves variable physical environments as well as manual use of instruments, challenging for robotics to replicate reliably in every scenario. Calculating complex metrics such as vessel stability factors also demands situational awareness and mathematical reasoning that is not easily codified. The occupation’s bottleneck skill, originality—with low prevalence at 2.6% and 2.8%—suggests little innovation or creative problem-solving is needed but still plays a role, notably when unexpected issues arise. These resistant tasks and the limited, though critical, need for originality ensure the occupation retains a meaningful human component, capping its automation risk at a moderate level.
Filter by Automatable Status
Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
Automatable
Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
Partially Automatable
Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
Partially Automatable
Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.
Partially Automatable
Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
Partially Automatable
Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections.
Partially Automatable
Notify workers of any special treatment required for shipments.
Automatable
Direct crews to reload freight or to insert additional bracing or packing as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Check temperatures and humidities of shipping and storage areas to ensure that they are at appropriate levels to protect cargo.
Automatable
Determine cargo transportation capabilities by reading documents that set forth cargo loading and securing procedures, capacities, and stability factors.
Partially Automatable
Read draft markings to determine depths of vessels in water.
Automatable
Post warning signs on vehicles containing explosives or flammable or radioactive materials.
Non-Automatable
Measure heights and widths of loads to ensure they will pass over bridges or through tunnels on scheduled routes.
Automatable
Calculate gross and net tonnage, hold capacities, volumes of stored fuel and water, cargo weights, and vessel stability factors, using mathematical formulas.
Automatable
Measure vessels' holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks, using sounding lines and tape measures.
Non-Automatable
Visually inspect cargo for damage upon arrival or discharge.
Partially Automatable
Inspect loaded cargo, cargo lashed to decks or in storage facilities, and cargo handling devices to determine compliance with health and safety regulations and need for maintenance.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsProcessing InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling 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 OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesAnalyzing Data or InformationCommunicating with People Outside the Organization
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Medium54.11%
Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Medium45.48%
Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Medium49.96%
Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Medium45.89%
Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.
Cargo and Freight Agents
Medium55.62%
Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks. Take orders from customers and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to loading platform. Prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.
Freight Forwarders
High67.61%
Research rates, routings, or modes of transport for shipment of products. Maintain awareness of regulations affecting the international movement of cargo. Make arrangements for additional services, such as storage or inland transportation.
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.
Agricultural Inspectors
Medium43.19%
Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.
Construction and Building Inspectors
Medium46.69%
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Medium63.83%
Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.
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.
First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand
Medium58.54%
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of helpers, laborers, or material movers, hand.
First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
Medium53.71%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of material-moving machine and vehicle operators and helpers.
Airfield Operations Specialists
Medium55.65%
Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.
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.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Medium56.73%
Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.
Ship Engineers
Medium39.11%
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
Aviation Inspectors
Medium49.28%
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
Medium49.50%
Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
Medium44.23%
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.
Customs Brokers
Medium58.90%
Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.
Surveyors
Medium50.29%
Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
Customs and Border Protection Officers
Medium35.91%
Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Medium52.34%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
Commercial Pilots
Medium45.15%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
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.
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.
Traffic Technicians
Medium59.96%
Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.