Transportation Inspectors

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.

Tasks Include:

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.
Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections.
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.
Notify workers of any special treatment required for shipments.
Direct crews to reload freight or to insert additional bracing or packing as necessary.
Check temperatures and humidities of shipping and storage areas to ensure that they are at appropriate levels to protect cargo.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: +3.3%

National: +3.9%

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job Zone:

Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$87,290.00

State

$77,530.00

Regional

Transportation Inspectors

Description

Career Cluster:

Government & Public Administration

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

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.
Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections.
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.
Notify workers of any special treatment required for shipments.
Direct crews to reload freight or to insert additional bracing or packing as necessary.
Check temperatures and humidities of shipping and storage areas to ensure that they are at appropriate levels to protect cargo.
Determine cargo transportation capabilities by reading documents that set forth cargo loading and securing procedures, capacities, and stability factors.
Read draft markings to determine depths of vessels in water.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

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

Tasks Include:

Calculate gross and net tonnage, hold capacities, volumes of stored fuel and water, cargo weights, and vessel stability factors, using mathematical formulas.
Measure vessels' holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks, using sounding lines and tape measures.
Visually inspect cargo for damage upon arrival or discharge.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
72.75	Transportation	Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
71.00	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
63.00	Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
55.25	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
54.50	Public Safety and Security	Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
51.25	Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
50.50	Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
50.50	Law and Government	Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Skills

%	Subject	Description
65.50	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
65.50	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
65.50	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
65.50	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
62.50	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
59.50	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
59.50	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
56.25	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
53.00	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
53.00	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
53.00	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50.00	Systems Evaluation	Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
72.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
72.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
72.00	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
68.75	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
65.50	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
65.50	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
65.50	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
65.50	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
59.50	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
59.50	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
59.50	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.
56.25	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
56.25	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
56.25	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
53.00	Perceptual Speed	The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
53.00	Visualization	The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
53.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
93.50	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
82.50	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
79.75	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
79.00	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
78.00	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
77.50	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
76.25	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
75.50	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
73.50	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
72.25	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
70.25	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
68.50	Communicating with People Outside the Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
68.25	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
68.00	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
68.00	Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
67.25	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
66.00	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
65.25	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
59.00	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
54.75	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
53.00	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
52.25	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
51.75	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
91.50	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
88.00	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
85.00	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
81.75	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
80.00	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
76.25	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
76.00	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
75.50	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
70.00	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
69.50	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
69.25	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
67.25	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
65.25	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
64.25	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
63.50	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
55.50	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
52.83	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
50.00	Relationships	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
97.20	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
92.60	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
91.80	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
90.20	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
89.80	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
88.80	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
87.00	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
83.60	Outdoors, Exposed to Weather	How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
83.40	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
82.60	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
82.20	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
80.00	In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment	How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
75.60	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
74.80	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable	How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
73.60	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
72.00	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
71.60	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
71.60	Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
71.20	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
69.40	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
69.20	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
69.20	Outdoors, Under Cover	How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?
68.80	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
68.60	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
68.20	Very Hot or Cold Temperatures	How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
67.60	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
67.40	Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting	How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
67.00	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
65.20	Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions	How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
62.00	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
61.40	Exposed to Hazardous Equipment	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
61.00	Exposed to High Places	How often does this job require exposure to high places?
58.00	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
57.00	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
57.00	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
56.00	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
53.80	Spend Time Walking and Running	How much does this job require walking and running?
53.00	Exposed to Hazardous Conditions	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
51.80	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
51.40	Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings	How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Overall 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.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$39,790.00	$87,290.00	$97,630.00
Virginia	$29,420.00	$77,530.00	$116,610.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	$50,720.00	$73,490.00	$108,240.00
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	$42,100.00	$106,040.00	$115,190.00
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	$33,280.00	$66,900.00	$80,140.00
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	$33,510.00	$79,370.00	$117,290.00
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	29,700	30,800	+3.9%
Virginia	369	381	+3.3%

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Governance Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

View Videos

CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop Government & Public Administration Videos
Overview
Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

Aircraft, General
Aviation Maintenance and Allied
Helicopter Pilots
Other Fixed-Wing Pilots
Production and Quality Control

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Getting Information	4.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.0
Documenting/Recording Information	4.0
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	4.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	3.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	3.5
Performing General Physical Activities	3.5
Processing Information	3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.5
Analyzing Data or Information	3.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	3.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.0
Training and Teaching Others	3.0
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	3.0
Working with Computers	3.0
Thinking Creatively	3.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	3.0
Performing Administrative Activities	2.5
Handling and Moving Objects	2.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	2.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	2.5
Selling or Influencing Others	2.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies	2.5
Coaching and Developing Others	2.0
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	2.0
Assisting and Caring for Others	2.0
Developing and Building Teams	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	2.0
Controlling Machines and Processes	2.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	1.5
Staffing Organizational Units	1.5

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Titles

Aircraft Inspector
Aircraft Landing Gear Inspector
Aircraft Quality Control Inspector
Airworthiness Safety Inspector
Freight Inspector
Locomotive Inspector
Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspector
Railroad Car Inspector
Railroad Inspector
School Bus Inspector
Transit Vehicle Inspector

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Transportation Inspectors

Related Schools

There are no Related Schools at this time.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)