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Transportation

Truck Loader

Load and unload chemicals and bulk solids, such as coal, sand, and grain, into or from tank cars, trucks, or ships, using material moving equipment. May perform a variety of other tasks relating to shipment of products. May gauge or sample shipping tanks and test them for leaks.

Annual openings

12

Median wage

$51,200

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+4%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

No previous work experience is required, though previous experience in entry-level transportation roles is highly valued.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Transportation
  • Long Distance Transportation

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Seal outlet valves on tank cars, barges, and trucks.
  2. Start pumps and adjust valves or cables to regulate the flow of products to vessels, using knowledge of loading procedures.
  3. Check conditions and weights of vessels to ensure cleanliness and compliance with loading procedures.
  4. Observe positions of cars passing loading spouts, and swing spouts into the correct positions at the appropriate times.
  5. Monitor product movement to and from storage tanks, coordinating activities with other workers to ensure constant product flow.
  6. Operate industrial trucks, tractors, loaders, and other equipment to transport materials to and from transportation vehicles and loading docks, and to store and retrieve materials in warehouses.
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