Occupation

Transportation Inspectors

Human Advantage 69%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.5 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.

Also Known As: Admeasurer, Bridge Inspector, Cargo Inspector, Cargo Surveyor, Container Inspector, Damaged Freight Inspector, Equipment Inspector, Freight Car Inspector +31 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
  2. Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
  3. Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
  4. Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.
  5. Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
  6. Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections.
  7. Inspect loaded cargo, cargo lashed to decks or in storage facilities, and cargo handling devices to determine compliance with health and safety regulations and need for maintenance.
  8. Notify workers of any special treatment required for shipments.
  9. Direct crews to reload freight or to insert additional bracing or packing as necessary.
  10. Check temperatures and humidities of shipping and storage areas to ensure that they are at appropriate levels to protect cargo.
  11. Determine cargo transportation capabilities by reading documents that set forth cargo loading and securing procedures, capacities, and stability factors.
  12. Read draft markings to determine depths of vessels in water.

Supplemental Tasks (2)

  1. Post warning signs on vehicles containing explosives or flammable or radioactive materials.
  2. Measure heights and widths of loads to ensure they will pass over bridges or through tunnels on scheduled routes.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Google Android
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word

Software (8)

  • Email software
  • Web browser software

Tools & Equipment (22)

  • Automatic samplers
  • Bottom samplers
  • Calibrated measuring tapes
  • Calipers
  • Cargo scales
  • Centrifugal testers
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital cameras
  • Grease guns
  • Hand magnifying lenses
  • Handheld computers
  • Hydrometers
  • Laptop computers
  • Measuring rods
  • Oilcans
  • Personal computers
  • Portable electronic thermometers
  • Programmable calculators
  • Sample containers
  • Sounding lines
  • Ullage tapes
  • X ray scanners

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Maintenance & Repair Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 4
Transportation Inspectors You are here

Resume Builder

Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Transportation Inspectors positions.

Related Occupations

Show all 20 related occupations

Real Talk

Hear from real Transportation Inspectorss about their work: