Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
Transportation and Material Moving
Uses pumps, valves, conveyors, and hoists to move chemicals or bulk solids such as coal, sand, and grain into or out of tank cars, trucks, or ships. Checks vessel cleanliness and weight, matches load numbers to instructions, and swings loading spouts into place as cars pass. Seals outlet valves, watches flow from storage tanks, and coordinates with other workers so product keeps moving. Records quantities, gauge readings, and times, and may sample tanks or test them for leaks. The job fits people who like following written procedures, timing equipment moves, and keeping close watch on flow and safety.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$58'870
Median Wage Market Position
$58'870
What you might do
- Start pumps and regulate product flow
- Swing loading spouts onto passing cars
- Run conveyors, hoists, and ship loaders
- Check vessel weight, cleanliness, and placement
- Seal outlet valves on cars and trucks
- Record products, quantities, and gauge readings
Skills that matter
- Pump starts and valve work for loading
- Outlet-valve sealing on tank cars
- Load-number checks against instructions
- Spout timing as cars pass
- Product-flow coordination with the crew
- Operating logs of quantities and times
AI & the future of this role
Guided equipment and sensors might assist with positioning and leak checks, yet bulk loading of chemicals stays hands-on and hazard-sensitive. Licensing, liability, and vessel-specific judgment at docks and yards tend to protect much of the work.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details