Transportation Inspectors
Transportation inspectors inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. This includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
A transportation inspector's job entails ensuring modes of transport carrying people or cargo are safe for operation while reporting any violations or issues requiring attention. Vehicle inspectors check customizations, ensure environmental standards and inspect emissions. They may also be known as car, quality assurance or locomotive and train inspectors.
Transportation inspectors’ responsibilities include preparing reports, examining shipments, keeping records of transport conditions or freight, advising crew, issuing warnings or certificates for compliance, reading vehicle markings and posting signs on vehicles for caution.
To get selected for the transportation inspector recruitment, a high school diploma is expected. On the job training is important, and some organizations may require appropriate certifications or licences. One can get specialised education from community colleges or vocational schools. Technical skills in quality assurance, mechanics, transport regulations and safety protocols are important.
The transportation inspector's salary is commensurate with the nature of the job and experience. They typically work for local or state governments, logistics companies, transport hubs like ports and public transport operators. Work may be full-time or contract-based.
To be successful, vehicle inspectors must be proficient in their relevant technical skills. Organization, efficiency, decisiveness and attention to detail are also important qualities.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- MBA Operations Management
- Bachelor's Any Subject
Tasks
- 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.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.