What does a hostler do?
Hostler responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real hostler resumes:
- Direct outbound train crew to locomotive departure tracks and direct inbound locomotives within mechanical facility limits to their final destination tracks.
- Operate 4K and 6K forklifts to load and unload FedEx trailers and support trucks; inventory each shipment prior to departure.
Hostler skills and personality traits
We calculated that 29% of Hostlers are proficient in DOT, Landing Gear, and Dock Doors. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Mechanical skills, and Customer-service skills.
We break down the percentage of Hostlers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- DOT, 29%
Conducted DOT pre-trip inspections according to a set checklist.
- Landing Gear, 23%
Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
- Dock Doors, 15%
Haul empty trailers to dock doors to be loaded, haul loaded trailers to runway.
- Yard Truck, 12%
Certified in operating yard trucks in a safe manner during roll on/off procedures.
- Safety Procedures, 6%
Followed safety procedures and guidelines at all times.EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE CONTINUED
- Electrical Lines, 2%
Connect air hoses and electrical lines, install tire chains, manually crank dolly wheels, and fuel equipment.
Most hostlers use their skills in "dot," "landing gear," and "dock doors" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential hostler responsibilities here:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a hostler to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "railroad workers must be able to communicate with other crewmembers, dispatchers, and passengers to ensure safety and keep the trains on schedule." Additionally, a hostler resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "organized yard with locomotives, and had constant communication with others in person and through radio. "
Mechanical skills. Another essential skill to perform hostler duties is mechanical skills. Hostlers responsibilities require that "railroad workers should be able to adjust equipment when it does not work properly." Hostlers also use mechanical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "checked vehicles to ensure that mechanical safely and emergency equipment is in good working order. "
Customer-service skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of hostlers is customer-service skills. This skill is critical to many everyday hostler duties, as "conductors on passenger trains ensure travelers’ comfort, make announcements, and answer questions." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "operate yard truck, handle crane assistance provide customer service. "
Physical strength. hostler responsibilities often require "physical strength." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "rail yard engineers may have to lift heavy equipment." This resume example shows what hostlers do with physical strength on a typical day: "load and unload trailers using forktruck, handcart, pallet jack, physical means. "
The three companies that hire the most hostlers are:
- Sysco16 hostlers jobs
- Core-Mark International10 hostlers jobs
- Frito-Lay6 hostlers jobs
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Compare different hostlers
Hostler vs. Dock worker/forklift operator
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a hostler are more likely to require skills like "dot," "landing gear," "dock doors," and "yard truck." On the other hand, a job as a dock worker/forklift operator requires skills like "basic math," "math," "pallets," and "work ethic." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Dock worker/forklift operators really shine in the transportation industry with an average salary of $40,605. Comparatively, hostlers tend to make the most money in the transportation industry with an average salary of $45,359.The education levels that dock worker/forklift operators earn slightly differ from hostlers. In particular, dock worker/forklift operators are 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a hostler. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Hostler vs. Car barn labour
Each career also uses different skills, according to real hostler resumes. While hostler responsibilities can utilize skills like "dot," "landing gear," "dock doors," and "yard truck," car barn labours use skills like "routine maintenance," "electronics lab," "mowing," and "automatic doors."
Car barn labours earn similar levels of education than hostlers in general. They're 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Hostler vs. Yarder engineer
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from hostler resumes include skills like "dot," "landing gear," "dock doors," and "yard truck," whereas a yarder engineer is more likely to list skills in "fra," "chokers," "customer service guidelines," and "overseen. "
When it comes to education, yarder engineers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to hostlers. In fact, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Hostler vs. Rail equipment operator
Types of hostler
Updated January 8, 2025
