What You'll Do

  • 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.

Essential Skills

Reading Comprehension 3.62/5
Writing 3.62/5
Speaking 3.62/5
Critical Thinking 3.62/5
Active Listening 3.5/5
Monitoring 3.38/5
Time Management 3.38/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.25/5
Social Perceptiveness 3.12/5
Coordination 3.12/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.12/5
Systems Evaluation 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Dependability, Integrity, Attention to Detail, Adaptability/Flexibility, Initiative

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Oral Comprehension 3.88/5
Oral Expression 3.88/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.88/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.75/5
Written Comprehension 3.62/5
Written Expression 3.62/5
Inductive Reasoning 3.62/5
Near Vision 3.62/5

Technologies & Tools

Adobe Acrobat Email software Google Android Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word Web browser software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Dependability (High importance: 4.66/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.52/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.4/5)
  • Adaptability/Flexibility (High importance: 4.27/5)
  • Initiative (High importance: 4.2/5)

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How to Become One

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Admeasurer Bridge Inspector Cargo Inspector Cargo Surveyor Container Inspector Damaged Freight Inspector Equipment Inspector Freight Car Inspector Freight Inspector Freight Service Inspector Heavy Check Inspector Inspector Loading Inspector Locomotive Inspector Maintenance Inspector Marine Cargo Broker Marine Cargo Inspector Marine Cargo Specialist Marine Cargo Surveyor Marine Surveyor Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspector Naval Inspector Navy Material Inspector Operations Inspector Packing Inspector Perishable Freight Inspector Perishable Fruit Inspector Petroleum Inspector Railroad Car Inspector Railroad Inspector Roadway Inspector School Bus Inspector Ship Surveyor Shipping Inspector Shipping Liaison Steamboat Inspector Tank Inspector Transit Vehicle Inspector Transportation Security Inspector