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Transportation Workers

Transportation workers specialize in the safe and efficient movement of materials and goods across various modes of transport. These professionals load and unload chemicals, bulk solids, and other materials into tank cars, trucks, ships, and barges while operating pumps, valves, and material moving equipment. They work in shipping facilities, rail yards, ports, and industrial sites, ensuring accurate placement and secure transport of cargo.

Median Annual Pay
$46,211
Range: $32,240 - $88,810
Training Time
Less than 6 months
AI Resilience
🔴High Disruption Risk
Education
High school diploma or equivalent

🤖AI Resilience Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 3/6: low AI task exposure, limited human advantage means AI will assist but humans remain essential

🟡AI-Augmented

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Low+2

7% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

+4% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Weak+0

EPOCH score: 9/25

Total Score3/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

📋Key Responsibilities

  • Seal outlet valves on tank cars, barges, and trucks.
  • Verify tank car, barge, or truck load numbers to ensure car placement accuracy based on written or verbal instructions.
  • Start pumps and adjust valves or cables to regulate the flow of products to vessels, using knowledge of loading procedures.
  • Check conditions and weights of vessels to ensure cleanliness and compliance with loading procedures.
  • Observe positions of cars passing loading spouts, and swing spouts into the correct positions at the appropriate times.
  • Monitor product movement to and from storage tanks, coordinating activities with other workers to ensure constant product flow.
  • Operate ship loading and unloading equipment, conveyors, hoists, and other specialized material handling equipment such as railroad tank car unloading equipment.
  • Record operating data such as products and quantities pumped, gauge readings, and operating times, manually or using computers.

💡Inside This Career

Transportation workers spend their days ensuring the smooth movement of goods and materials across various industries and locations. A typical day revolves around loading, unloading, and transferring materials using specialized equipment and techniques. Whether working at shipping ports, industrial facilities, warehouses, or transportation hubs, these professionals operate pumps, conveyors, cranes, and other machinery to handle everything from liquid commodities to bulk materials. They connect hoses and loading systems, monitor fluid levels and pressure gauges, secure cargo, and maintain detailed records of their operations. Safety protocols are paramount, as workers regularly inspect equipment, follow hazardous material procedures, and ensure proper handling techniques.

The work environment varies significantly depending on the specialization and location. Some transportation workers spend their shifts outdoors at busy ports loading massive ships, while others work in climate-controlled warehouses organizing inventory. The pace can range from steady, methodical operations during routine cargo transfers to intense, time-sensitive loading during peak shipping periods. Collaboration is essential, as these professionals coordinate closely with truck drivers, ship crews, warehouse supervisors, and logistics coordinators to ensure materials reach their destinations safely and on schedule.

Physical demands are considerable, as the job involves lifting, operating heavy machinery, and working in various weather conditions. Transportation workers must stay alert throughout their shifts, constantly monitoring equipment performance and material flow. Problem-solving skills come into play when equipment malfunctions or when unusual cargo requires specialized handling procedures. Each day brings different types of materials and unique logistical challenges, keeping the work dynamic and engaging.

📈Career Progression

What does this mean?

This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.

1
Entry (10th %ile)
0-2 years experience
$32,240
$29,016 - $35,464
2
Early Career (25th %ile)
2-6 years experience
$37,828
$34,045 - $41,611
3
Mid-Career (Median)
5-15 years experience
$46,211
$41,590 - $50,832
4
Experienced (75th %ile)
10-20 years experience
$67,511
$60,760 - $74,262
5
Expert (90th %ile)
15-30 years experience
$88,810
$79,929 - $97,691

📚Education & Training

Requirements

  • Entry Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience: Some experience helpful
  • On-the-job Training: Few months to one year

Time & Cost

Education Duration
0-0 years (typically 0)
Estimated Education Cost
$0 - $0
Can earn while learning
Source: college board (2024)
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💻Technology Skills

CompuWeigh GMSDistributed control system DCSLinuxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareSAP softwareWarehouse management system WMS

Key Abilities

Control Precision
Multilimb Coordination
Manual Dexterity
Rate Control
Far Vision
Problem Sensitivity
Perceptual Speed
Reaction Time
Static Strength
Depth Perception

🏷️Also Known As

Transportation WorkersBarge LoaderBarges LoaderBulk Tank Car UnloaderCar LoaderCar UnloaderCaustics LoaderCoal Dumping Equipment OperatorDock LoaderLoad Out Person+20 more

📑Specializations

This career includes 2 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.

🔗Related Careers

Other careers in transportation

🔗Data Sources

Last updated: 2026-01-09

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