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Occupation AtlasTank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders

O*NET · 53-7121.00

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders

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.

Also called Barge Loader · Barges Loader · Bulk Tank Car Unloader · Car Loader · Car Unloader · Caustics Loader · Coal Dumping Equipment Operator · Dock Loader
30 more

Load Out Person · Loader · Loader Operator · Loading Operator · Oil Movements Operator · Pumper Gauger · PVC Loader · PVC Loader (Polyvinyl Chloride Loader) · PVC Monitor · PVC Monitor (Polyvinyl Chloride Monitor) · Rail Car Loader · Rail Loader · Receiving Operator · Ship Unloader · Shipping and Receiving Operator · Shipping Loader · Ships Loader · Spout Tender · Tank Car Loader · Tank Truck Loader · Tankerman · Truck Loader · Truck Unloader · Unloader · Warehouse Associate · Warehouse Loader · Warehouse Shipping Associate · Warehouse Shipping Clerk · Warehouse Truck Loader · Warehouse Unloader

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.96
  • C Conventional4.77
  • I Investigative1.98
  • E Enterprising1.30
  • A Artistic1.00
  • S Social1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma12%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent81%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate4%
  • Bachelor's Degree2%
Related work experience
None (36%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (22%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (28%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Time Management3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Monitoringbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Complex Problem Solving3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Speakingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Writingbasic3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
  • Quality Control Analysis2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Active Learningbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Troubleshooting2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Equipment Maintenance2.62.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Instructing2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Systems Analysis2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Repairing2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Mathematicsbasic2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Equipment Selection2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Negotiation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Service Orientation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Evaluation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Persuasion2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design1.80.8
  • Sciencebasic1.50.8
  • Programming1.40.4
  • Installation1.0—
  • Operations Analysis1.0—

Tasks

9 core · 10 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Seal outlet valves on tank cars, barges, and trucks.4.7
  2. Verify tank car, barge, or truck load numbers to ensure car placement accuracy based on written or verbal instructions.4.6
  3. Observe positions of cars passing loading spouts, and swing spouts into the correct positions at the appropriate times.4.5
  4. Monitor product movement to and from storage tanks, coordinating activities with other workers to ensure constant product flow.4.5
  5. Check conditions and weights of vessels to ensure cleanliness and compliance with loading procedures.4.5
  6. Start pumps and adjust valves or cables to regulate the flow of products to vessels, using knowledge of loading procedures.4.5
  7. Operate ship loading and unloading equipment, conveyors, hoists, and other specialized material handling equipment such as railroad tank car unloading equipment.4.4
  8. Record operating data such as products and quantities pumped, gauge readings, and operating times, manually or using computers.4.3
  9. 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.4.2
Show the other 10
  1. Connect ground cables to carry off static electricity when unloading tanker cars.4.6
  2. Remove and replace tank car dome caps, or direct other workers in their removal and replacement.4.4
  3. Copy and attach load specifications to loaded tanks.4.4
  4. Test samples for specific gravity, using hydrometers, or send samples to laboratories for testing.4.3
  5. Test vessels for leaks, damage, and defects, and repair or replace defective parts as necessary.4.3
  6. Unload cars containing liquids by connecting hoses to outlet plugs and pumping compressed air into cars to force liquids into storage tanks.4.1
  7. Clean interiors of tank cars or tank trucks, using mechanical spray nozzles.4.0
  8. Lower gauge rods into tanks or read meters to verify contents, temperatures, and volumes of liquid loads.3.9
  9. Operate conveyors and equipment to transfer grain or other materials from transportation vehicles.3.9
  10. Perform general warehouse activities, such as opening containers and crates, filling warehouse orders, assisting in taking inventory, and weighing and checking materials.3.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Transportation3.52.7
  • English Language3.32.6
  • Production and Processing3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Public Safety and Security3.22.6
  • Mechanical2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Computers and Electronics2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Education and Training2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Administrative2.42.8
Show all 33
  • Chemistry2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Customer and Personal Service2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Mathematics2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Administration and Management2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Telecommunications2.10.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Law and Government1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Physics1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Communications and Media1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Geography1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Design1.6—
  • Economics and Accounting1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Engineering and Technology1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Biology1.5—
  • Building and Construction1.5—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Psychology1.4—
  • Sales and Marketing1.3—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Food Production1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Multilimb Coordination3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Far Vision3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Manual Dexterity3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Rate Control3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Depth Perception3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a crane to move materials from a truck bed to the ground
  • Perceptual Speed3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
Show all 52
  • Reaction Time3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Static Strength3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Near Vision3.53.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Oral Comprehension3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Extent Flexibility3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Oral Expression3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Selective Attention3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Clarity3.12.9
  • Speech Recognition3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Stamina3.12.9
  • Trunk Strength3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Auditory Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Gross Body Equilibrium3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Information Ordering3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Time Sharing3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Written Expression3.02.8
  • Category Flexibility2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Dynamic Strength2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Glare Sensitivity2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Coordination2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Response Orientation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Spatial Orientation2.82.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.9
  • Fluency of Ideas2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Number Facility2.62.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Speed of Closure2.52.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Originality2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Peripheral Vision2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Night Vision2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Sound Localization2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Explosive Strength1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.40.5

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.64.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.65.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Getting Information4.44.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.34.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Processing Information4.34.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.24.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.15.8
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.15.3Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Training and Teaching Others3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Thinking Creatively3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.32.9
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.22.9
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Developing and Building Teams2.92.9
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.92.6
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Working with Computers2.82.6
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.62.6
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.8
  • Consequence of Error4.7
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.7
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions4.7
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.5

Technology

7 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Warehouse management system WMS

Hot (4)

  • Linux
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • SAP software
Other tools (2)
  • CompuWeigh GMS
  • Distributed control system DCS

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
  2. Conveyor Operators and Tenders
  3. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
  4. Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
  5. Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
  6. Hoist and Winch Operators
  7. Machine Feeders and Offbearers
  8. Crane and Tower Operators
  9. Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
  10. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.