DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
53-6051 Transportation Inspectors
Occupational 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. Excludes “Transportation Security Screeners” (33-9093).| Percentiles | |||||||||
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| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 210 | 34 | $35.47/hr | $1.56/hr | $16.66/hr | $20.17/hr | $34.97/hr | $46.65/hr | $56.80/hr |
| U S | 24,310 | 681 | $32.52/hr | $0.46/hr | $15.54/hr | $21.28/hr | $31.15/hr | $42.53/hr | $54.68/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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Tasks for Transportation Inspectors
- Inspects aircraft and components to identify damage or defects and to determine structural and mechanical airworthiness, using hand tools and test instruments.
- Examines maintenance record and flight log to determine if service and maintenance checks and overhauls were performed at prescribed intervals.
- Examines access plates and doors for security.
- Starts aircraft and observes gauges, meters, and other instruments to detect evidence of malfunction.
- Conducts flight test program to test equipment, instruments, and systems under various conditions, including adverse weather, using both manual and automatic controls.
- Recommends purchase, repair, or modification of equipment.
- Schedules and coordinates inflight testing program with ground crews and air traffic control to assure ground tracking, equipment monitoring, and related services.
- Prepares reports to document flight activities and inspection findings.
- Approves or disapproves issuance of certificate of airworthiness.
- Investigates air accidents to determine cause.
- Analyzes training program and conducts examinations to assure competency of persons operating, installing, and repairing equipment.
- Observes employees performing assigned duties to note their deportment, treatment of passengers, and adherence to company regulations and schedules.
- Observes and records time required to load and unload passengers or freight volume of traffic on vehicle and at stops.
- Investigates schedule delays, accidents, and complaints.
- Inspects company vehicles and other property for evidence of abuse, damage, and mechanical malfunction and directs repair.
- Determines need for changes in service, such as additional vehicles, route changes, and revised schedules to improve service and efficiency.
- Drives automobile along route to detect conditions hazardous to equipment and passengers and negotiates with local governments to eliminate hazards.
- Submits written reports to management with recommendations for improving service.
- Reports disruptions to service.
- Assists in dispatching equipment when necessary.
- Recommends promotions and disciplinary actions involving transportation personnel.
- Inspects loaded cargo in holds and cargo handling devices to determine compliance with regulations and need for maintenance.
- Reads vessel documents to ascertain cargo capabilities according to design and cargo regulations.
- Calculates gross and net tonnage, hold capacities, volume of stored fuel and water, cargo weight, and ship stability factors, using mathematical formulas.
- Determines type of license and safety equipment required, and computes applicable tolls and wharfage fees.
- Examines blueprints of ship and takes physical measurements to determine capacity and depth of vessel in water, using measuring instruments.
- Writes certificates of admeasurement, listing details, such as design, length, depth, and breadth of vessel, and method of propulsion.
- Issues certificate of compliance when violations are not detected or recommends remedial procedures to correct deficiencies.
- Times roll of ship, using stopwatch.
- Analyzes data, formulates recommendations, and writes reports of findings.
- Advises crew in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo, according to knowledge of hazardous cargo.
- Inspects signals and track wiring to determine continuity of electrical connections.
- Examines roadbed, switches, fishplates, rails, and ties to detect damage or wear.
- Examines locomotives and cars to detect damage or structural defects.
- Inspects and tests completed work.
- Operates switches to determine working conditions.
- Tests and synchronizes rail-flaw-detection machine, using circuit tester and hand tools, and reloads machine with paper and ink.
- Starts machine and signals worker to operate rail-detector car.
- Prepares reports on repairs made and equipment, railcars, or roadbed needing repairs.
- Tags rail cars needing immediate repair.
- Fills paint container on rail-detector car used to mark section of defective rail with paint.
- Directs crews to repair or replace defective equipment or to re-ballast roadbed.
- Places lanterns or flags in front and rear of train to signal that inspection is being performed.
- Seals leaks found during inspection that can be sealed with caulking compound.
- Replaces defective brake rod pins and tightens safety appliances.
- Notifies train dispatcher of railcar to be moved to shop for repair.
- Makes minor repairs.
- Packs brake bearings with grease.
- Inspects truck accessories, air lines and electric circuits, and reports needed repairs.
- Examines vehicles for damage, and drives vehicle to detect malfunctions.
- Tests vehicle components for wear, damage, or improper adjustment, using mechanical or electrical devices.
- Applies inspection sticker to vehicles that pass inspection, and rejection sticker to vehicles that fail.
- Prepares report on each vehicle for follow-up action by owner or police.
- Prepares and keeps record of vehicles delivered.
- Positions trailer and drives car onto truck trailer.
- Notifies authorities of owners having illegal equipment installed on vehicle.
- Services vehicles with fuel and water.
- Inspects shipment to ascertain that freight is securely braced and blocked.
- Observes loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
- Monitors temperature and humidity of freight storage area.
- Records freight condition and handling, and notifies crews to reload freight or insert additional bracing or packing.
- Measures height and width of loads that will pass over bridges or through tunnels.
- Notifies workers of special treatment required for shipments.
- Prepares and submits report after trip.
- Posts warning signs on vehicles containing explosives or inflammatory or radioactive materials.