Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
Education & Training
Preparation
To work as a tank car, truck, or ship loader, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or GED; and
- complete short-term on-the-job training.
Education after high school
No formal education is required beyond high school.
Work experience
Any experience operating equipment safely can help you get a trainee position.
On-the-job training
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders learn their skills on the job. You begin as an assistant and help set-up, dismantle, and service equipment. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult tasks.
Training lasts from several days to a month, depending on the type of materials you work with.
Military training
Some branches of the military train people to be petroleum supply specialists or cargo specialists. Training lasts two to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.
Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)
Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.
Helpful High School Courses
You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:
- Driver Education
- Physical Education
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
