The transportation industry is very diverse, ranging from engineers who design highways and bridges to truck drivers transporting goods from coast to coast to the ships to transport cargo on the seas. Transportation education and training opportunities are as diverse as the occupations in the transportation industry. One may wish to continue their formal education with a graduate degree in transportation engineering, take courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or freight claims management or complete mandatory training as is required for entry-level drivers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Transportation engineering

Increase your career opportunities and earning potential with a graduate degree in transportation engineering. Graduate courses in transportation engineering include design, maintenance and evaluation of transportation systems and development of problem-solving and management skills.

I recommend: For more information regarding graduate degree requirements for transportation engineering, refer to University of California, Berkeley website.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a useful resource for a variety of industries, including the transportation industry. GIS is much more than computer mapping. It is used in decision making, creating routes and integrating Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) systems and databases.

I recommend: Refer to the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee website for information on their GIS in Transit program.

Freight claims management

Freight claims management involves managing loss and/or damage of goods, preparing and filing claims as well as knowledge of the Carmack Amendment, liability statutes, bills of lading, rail and truck tariff rules and contracts of carriage.

I recommend: To obtain information on freight claims management training, refer to the Institute of Logistical Management website.

Entry-level driver training

49 CFR Section 380.503 requires that newly licensed CDL drivers complete entry-level driver training. Topics covered in entry-level driver training programs include hours of service, driver inspection and driver wellness and whistleblower protection.

I recommend: Refer to J.J. Keller and Associates for information on entry-level driver training.

Freight broker

A freight broker serves as a liaison between a party (such as an individual or organization) in need of shipping services and another party (i.e. freight carriers) who can provide those services to the shipper at a reasonable price. Freight brokers are required to have licensing from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as well as surety bonds and insurance to cover any loss that may occur.

I recommend: For information on freight broker training, refer to Brooke Transportation Training Solutions.

Intermodal freight transportation

Intermodal freight transportation involves transporting goods using different modes of transportation, such as truck, rail, ship or air. When transporting freight from one mode of transportation to another, there are issues one must be aware of such as government regulations, documentation of cargo and equipment management.

I recommend: Refer to the Global Maritime and Transportation School website for more information on intermodal freight transportation training.

Transportation education and training is key to the transport logistics industry. From one part of the country to the other those who invest in transportation industry training make themselves available to haul our precious resources. Transportation training may not be easy, but finding transportation classes and transportation training should be as easy as loading your big rig.

As a seasoned trucker, you should also consider continuing education through seminars on transportation, like transportation management classes. You can also look to increase your hauling capabilities by investing in further training such as HAZMAT training.

To find the right transportation industry training for you:

1. Determine your budget for transportation classes. Can you afford to invest in schooling at this time? Have you been picked up by a company that will reimburse transportation training?

2. Figure out how much time you can commit to the transportation logistics training of your choice.

3. Find out if there are any price breaks, scholarships or employer incentives to pursuing your transportation industry education.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find entry level transportation training programs

You can find a wide variety of transportation training programs to help you enter the field.

I recommend: Take a look at the course offerings from Institute of Logistical Management. Attend Freight Broker Training School offered by Brooke Transportation Training Solutions, LLC. If you are interested in studying transportation by water instead, check out Global Maritime and Transportation School course offerings.

Invest in transportation classes for improved education

Transportation classes can be easy to find, and if you are already great at what you do, you might want to consider transportation management training to further your career scope.

I recommend: Check out the Master's degree in Transportation Policy, Operations and Logistics (TPOL) program from George Mason University. Enhance your advanced transportation expertise through the US Department of Transportation's University Transportation Centers Program. Find even more advanced transportation management courses through the US General Services Administration. Look into the Advanced Transportation Technology options from West Valley College.

Continue your education through transportation seminars and courses

Continue your transportation training through regular transportation seminars and courses. Stay abreast of the latest trends and tips from your fellow colleagues and instructors.

I recommend: Continue your transportation management training education through the UWM School of Continuing Education's Center for Transportation Education and Development. Find even more continuing education opportunities through the Institute of Transportation Engineers Professional Development Training offerings. Pursue graduate study in transportation engineering from University of California, Berkeley.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you work for a company that reimburses transportation training, realize that you may be asked to pony up the transportation classes costs until you actually pass the course. Most reimbursement is contingent on a passing grade or marks.