Transportation Inspectors

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 6 (29%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 7 (33%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 8 (38%)

• Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Determine cargo transportation capabilities by reading documents that set forth cargo loading and securing procedures, capacities, and stability factors.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Write certificates of admeasurement that list details such as designs, lengths, depths, and breadths of vessels, and methods of propulsion.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Determine types of licenses and safety equipment required, and compute applicable fees such as tolls and wharfage fees.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Calculate gross and net tonnage, hold capacities, volumes of stored fuel and water, cargo weights, and vessel stability factors, using mathematical formulas.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Notify workers of any special treatment required for shipments.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Check temperatures and humidities of shipping and storage areas to ensure that they are at appropriate levels to protect cargo.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Read draft markings to determine depths of vessels in water.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Issue certificates of compliance for vessels without violations.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Measure heights and widths of loads to ensure they will pass over bridges or through tunnels on scheduled routes.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Visually inspect cargo for damage upon arrival or discharge.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• 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.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct crews to reload freight or to insert additional bracing or packing as necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Post warning signs on vehicles containing explosives or flammable or radioactive materials.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Time rolls of ships, using stopwatches.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Measure vessels' holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks, using sounding lines and tape measures.Little or no AI speed-up