Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders

Career summary

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Loaders use material moving equipment to transfer chemical and solids such as:

• Sand
• Coal
• Fuel
• Grain

They attach hoses to tanks filled with liquid and pump compressed air into the tank to force the contents into the vehicle's tank. They coordinate with other workers to make sure products flow at a constant rate. Sometimes they use blenders and heaters to make liquids easier to transfer.

Loaders test full tanks for any issues, such as leaks. Sometimes they test samples or send samples to labs for testing. They test outlet valves on tank cars, barges, or trucks. They repair or replace defective values and parts.

Loaders check the content, temperature, and volume of the liquid load by reading meters. They correct problems by adjusting cooling controls or reducing the amount of liquid.

Loaders make sure the numbers on tank cars, barges, or truckloads match the instructions they receive. This ensures that products are loaded into or from the proper vehicles. They copy information about the load and attach it to the tanks.

Loaders keep records of the types and amounts of products pumped. They also record gauge readings and how long it takes to load or unload vehicles.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Chemical Plant Operators
• Explosives Workers
• Gas and Oil Drillers
• Gas and Oil Plant Operators
• Hazardous Material Workers
• Hoist and Winch Operators
• Material Moving Machine Operators
• Pump Operators
• Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

Military careers

• Cargo Specialists
• Petroleum Supply Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to tank car, truck, and ship loaders.

• Connect ground cables to carry off static electricity when unloading tanker cars.
• Start pumps to transfer products between storage tanks and transportation units.
• Attach hoses to vehicles.
• Match tank car, barge, or truckload numbers to written or verbal instructions.
• Test containers for leaks, damage, and defects. Repair or replace defective parts.
• Seal outlet valves on tank cars, barges, or trucks.
• Inspect containers to be sure they are clean. Clean interiors of tank cars or trucks, using mechanical spray nozzles.
• Check the content, temperature, and volume of loads by reading meters.
• Attach information about loads onto tanks.
• Keep records of the types and amounts of products pumped. May record gauge readings and operating time.
• Take and test samples. May send samples to labs for testing.
• Operate blenders and heaters to mix and heat products.

Common work activities

Tank car, truck, and ship loaders perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Get information needed to do the job
• Process information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Document and record information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Evaluate information against standards
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Analyze data or information
• Control machines and processes
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Schedule work and activities
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Teach others
• Think creatively
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, tank car, truck, and ship loaders:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of coworkers.
• Have a high level of social contact by talking with others over the phone, with email and in person.
• Write letters and memos every once in a while.
• May on occasion be placed in conflict situations.
• Are responsible for the work done by coworkers and their health and safety.
• Almost always work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work outdoors and are exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures, depending on the weather. Occasionally work indoors.
• Are regularly exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• Are frequently exposed to contaminants.
• Are regularly exposed to hazardous equipment, situations, and conditions. Wear safety and protective gear on a daily basis.
• Often have to reach high places to perform the job.
• Often work in very bright or dim lighting.
• May have to get into awkward positions to reach cramped work places.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors could result in injuries to themselves or coworkers.
• Must keep pace with the speed of equipment or machinery.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Often make decisions that affect coworkers and others. They usually don't consult a supervisor before deciding how to pack materials.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Must meet strict daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work more than 40 hours per week.
• Typically have a set schedule each week that may change to meet deadlines.

Physical demands

Tank car, truck, and ship loaders frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for tank car, truck, and ship loaders to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for tank car, truck, and ship loaders to be able to:

• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• See objects in very low light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Tank car, truck, and ship loaders need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Auto Body Repair
• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Industrial Mechanics

Training

To work as a tank car, truck, or ship loader, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Work experience

Any experience operating equipment safely can help you get a trainee position.

On-the-job training

Tank car, truck, and ship loaders learn their skills on the job. You begin as an assistant and help set up, dismantle, and service equipment. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult tasks.

Training lasts from several days to a month, depending on the type of materials you work with.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be petroleum supply specialists or cargo specialists. Training lasts two to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Driver Education
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require loaders to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers prefer applicants who have mechanical aptitude. They look for applicants who have experience repairing cars or machinery.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by employer, area of the country, and type of vehicle loaded. The loader's level of experience, skill, and responsibility also affect wages. In general, tank car, truck, and ship loaders who belong to a union earn higher wages.

Tank car, truck, and ship loaders who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Water transportation companies
• Local and long distance trucking companies
• Warehousing and storage companies
• Petroleum and coal product manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to show little to no change. Some demand for loaders is expected in the warehousing industry. Employment in most other industries is expected to decline.

Job openings will occur as current workers leave this occupation.

Other resources

International Longshore and Warehouse Union 
1188 Franklin Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94109
415.775.0533

International Longshoremen's Association 
5000 West Side Avenue
North Bergen, NJ 07047
212.425.1200

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders (53-7121.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Loader I (914.667-010) 
• Pumper-gauger (914.382-014) 
• Pumper-gauger Apprentice (914.382-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled