Transportation · SOC 53-7121
Loading operations at ports and terminals are mechanizing, but verification, sequencing, and equipment operation still need people.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Automated ship loaders and remote-controlled equipment are being adopted at modern bulk terminals; full automation of diverse cargo verification and handling is a 10-year-plus transition.
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$44,140 median pay
$58,030 median pay
$85,750 median pay
$48,430 median pay
$70,010 median pay
$67,130 median pay
AI job-risk card
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders is 24/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
24 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Verifying car and vessel placement from written or verbal instructions, Recording quantities pumped and operating data on logs, Coordinating product flow sequences through pipeline manifolds. Harder to automate: Operating hoists, conveyors, and specialized loading equipment on-site, Checking vessel weight and cleanliness compliance before loading, Swinging loading spouts and managing physical positioning of equipment.
Lean into Bulk terminal and port operations, Hazmat handling and DOT/EPA compliance, Loading automation and SCADA systems, Materials handling equipment operation. Consider roles such as Terminal operations supervisor or Port logistics coordinator or Bulk materials quality inspector.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.