Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
Also known as: Barge Loader, Barges Loader, Bulk Tank Car Unloader (+30 more)
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.
Take our free 15-minute assessment to see how well this career fits YOUR unique profile
What You'll Do
- 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.
- Monitor product movement to and from storage tanks, coordinating activities with other workers to ensure constant product flow.
- Record operating data such as products and quantities pumped, gauge readings, and operating times, manually or using computers.
- Check conditions and weights of vessels to ensure cleanliness and compliance with loading procedures.
- 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.
- Connect ground cables to carry off static electricity when unloading tanker cars.
- Seal outlet valves on tank cars, barges, and trucks.
- Test samples for specific gravity, using hydrometers, or send samples to laboratories for testing.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
- Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
- Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
Common styles
Cautiousness, Dependability, Attention to Detail, Integrity, Stress Tolerance
Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.
Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Strengths
Common Strengths for This Career
- Cautiousness (High importance: 4.72/5)
- Dependability (High importance: 4.65/5)
- Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.54/5)
- Integrity (High importance: 4.07/5)
- Stress Tolerance (High importance: 3.9/5)
Want to see how YOUR strengths align with this career?
Take Free 15-Min Assessment →How to Become One
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.
Similar Careers to Explore
Logging Equipment Operators
99.9% similar profile
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
99.9% similar profile
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters
99.9% similar profile
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
99.9% similar profile
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
99.9% similar profile
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
99.9% similar profile
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
99.9% similar profile
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
99.9% similar profile
Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
Ready to Discover Your Perfect Career?
Our scientific assessment measures your interests, motivations, and strengths to match you with careers where you'll thrive.
Take Free Assessment (20 min) →