Tank car, truck, and ship loaders
SOC Code: 53-7121
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $58,070 and +4.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 12,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders (SOC 53-7121) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 12,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $58,070, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Tank car, truck, and ship loaders. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Seal outlet valves on tank cars, barges, and trucks.
- 2. Verify tank car, barge, or truck load numbers to ensure car placement accuracy based on written or verbal instructions.
- 3. Connect ground cables to carry off static electricity when unloading tanker cars.
- 4. Start pumps and adjust valves or cables to regulate the flow of products to vessels, using knowledge of loading procedures.
- 5. Check conditions and weights of vessels to ensure cleanliness and compliance with loading procedures.
- 6. Observe positions of cars passing loading spouts, and swing spouts into the correct positions at the appropriate times.
- 7. Monitor product movement to and from storage tanks, coordinating activities with other workers to ensure constant product flow.
- 8. Copy and attach load specifications to loaded tanks.
- 9. Remove and replace tank car dome caps, or direct other workers in their removal and replacement.
- 10. Operate ship loading and unloading equipment, conveyors, hoists, and other specialized material handling equipment such as railroad tank car unloading equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Reading Comprehension
- Time Management
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Transportation
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Chemistry
- Customer and Personal Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Tank car, truck, and ship loaders?
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Tank car, truck, and ship loaders?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Tank car, truck, and ship loaders is projected to grow by 4.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 12,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Tank car, truck, and ship loaders?
Key skills for Tank car, truck, and ship loaders include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Tank car, truck, and ship loaders earn?
The median annual wage for Tank car, truck, and ship loaders is $58,070, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Tank car, truck, and ship loaders?
The typical entry-level education for Tank car, truck, and ship loaders is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Tank car, truck, and ship loaders?
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).