Description
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.
Interests
- Conventional
- Realistic
Work Values
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
Work Styles
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Initiative
Tasks
- Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
- Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
- Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
- Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.
- Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Detailed Work Activities
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Technology Skills
- Electronic mail software
- Spreadsheet software
- Document management software
- Office suite software
- Operating system software
Abilities
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Transportation
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Director of SafetyCertifying Organization
North American Transportation Management Institute
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Coating Inspector Program - Nuclear SpecialtyCertifying Organization
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Air Cargo ProfessionalCertifying Organization
International Air Transport Association
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Cargo Security ProfessionalCertifying Organization
North American Transportation Management Institute
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Vehicle Maintenance Management and InspectionCertifying Organization
Community Transportation Association of America
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $56,035 |
| Median (50%) | $81,628 |
| High (90%) | $132,477 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $89,258 |
| Mid Level | $97,146 |
| Senior Level | $104,716 |
| Expert Level | $134,309 |
Employability
There are currently 29,700 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 30,800 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 4%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 4%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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