Transportation Inspectors
Transportation and Material Moving
Watches crews load freight, checks that cargo is braced and lashed, and records any damage or handling problems. After a shipment, prepares reports and recommends fixes when rules are broken. Also inspects cargo on decks and in storage, advises crews on stowing heavy or dangerous loads, and tells workers when a shipment needs special care. The work happens around loading areas, storage sites, and vehicles. Suits people who like close visual checks, clear written records, and holding others to safety procedures.
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$92'100
Median Wage Market Position
$92'100
What you might do
- Inspect freight to confirm it is securely braced
- Watch crews load cargo according to procedures
- Inspect loaded cargo and handling devices
- Record freight condition and problems found
- Advise crews on stowing dangerous cargo
- Recommend fixes for violations found in inspections
Skills that matter
- Checking that freight is braced and blocked
- Writing reports after freight shipments
- Advising crews on stowing dangerous cargo
- Watching loading for procedure violations
- Recording damage and handling problems
- Recommending fixes for inspection violations
AI & the future of this role
Safety inspections of cargo, rail, and vehicles still rely on trained eyes, checklists, and accountability when something is wrong. Sensors and AI may flag issues faster, yet sign-off responsibility and irregular field conditions tend to keep human inspectors central.
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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