Transportation & Logistics
Transportation Inspectors
Also called: Cargo Surveyor, Inspector, Marine Cargo Surveyor, Marine Surveyor
US median pay
$92,100
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.2%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
2,300
25,100 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Time Management3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Coordination3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Systems Evaluation3.0/5
- Systems Analysis2.9/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.8/5
Knowledge
- Transportation3.9/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Mathematics3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.