Transportation industry careers include driving tractor-trailers, driving Less than Load (LTL) freight, obtaining a job in logistics or working as an engineer designing road infrastructure. The transportation industry also offers diverse opportunities within the job sector. An example of such is that individuals interested in the trucking industry have a choice of working for a local trucking company whose routes are in a localized geographic area or opting for a larger trucking company whose routes may be nationwide.

To help begin your career in the transportation field, consider these transportation jobs basics:

1. Obtaining necessary licenses such a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

2. Applying for financial assistance necessary to complete required training

3. Reviewing transportation job listings to find employment

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

Obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and open the door to jobs in the transportation industry

A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) is required to operate a vehicle over 26,001 pounds in the United States. To obtain a CDL license, one must pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test from a certified testing facility.

I recommend: Review the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to learn about the various classes of licenses and endorsements that you can obtain through further testing. Query the Best Trucking Schools website to locate a truck driving school in your area.

Apply for financial aid to reach your goal of acquiring transportation employment

Financial aid opportunities exist for individuals interested in transportation jobs. Basics of receiving financial aid include applying for financial aid from the federal government, looking at scholarships offered by various private entities and finding companies that pay for training and then employing that individual when training is complete.

I recommend: The Truckload Carriers Association offers a scholarship program for juniors or seniors attending an accredited four-year college or university whose parent, grandparent, or spouse is an employee of a trucking company or an independent contractor. Students majoring in transportation industry careers or transportation management careers receive special consideration for this award. The United States Department of Education provides a list of financial aid resources that can assist you in achieving your goal of landing a transportation job.

Initiate a job search to find jobs in transportation

After completing the necessary training, schooling or licensing required for your desired transportation job, search transportation job openings and secure employment.

I recommend: Utilize online-classified websites such as Wizmall.com or JobsinLogistics.com to query available jobs in transportation based on attributes such as geographic location.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Attend job fairs to network and make contacts with those employed in the transportation field. Having these connections may prove to be invaluable resource to you when you begin your own career.
• •  Contact your insurance company to see if they provide discounts on premiums for the completion for driver safety classes.

Whether you work in a transportation job, or wish you did, you'll find jobs in the transportation industry plentiful and rewarding. The outlook for transportation jobs, particularly those associated with truck driving, remains favorable.

A shortage of available long-haul truck drivers continues because of an aging driver population, drivers switching jobs in the transportation industry, leaving the transportation field altogether and the increasing need for truck transportation. For example, escalating Internet sales have increased the need for jobs in transportation. Once you buy any product online, someone must still deliver it to you, and trucks/vans generally connect goods with their ultimate consumer destination.

As you investigate transportation as a job or a new career:

1. Scan transportation job openings for the type of transportation industry careers that interest you.

2. Understand some trucking companies hire drivers without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and then provide licensing/driving training, but many don't.

3. Find the job you want online.

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

Narrow the field of possibilities in your transportation job search

The transportation field includes everything from jobs in logistics to different modes of transportation and all the supporting industries in between. You'll find transportation job listings for traffic control jobs, service/repair companies and warehouse/distribution centers. You'll learn about transportation employment opportunities in the aircraft, rail and shipping industries, as well as transportation management careers in all areas.

I recommend: If the logistics field interests you, start with LogJobs.com, a website devoted to logistics and supply-chain jobs and careers. Begin your search for transportation management careers at Top USA Jobs, or look for specific types of transportation employment opportunities at Simply Hired.

Get the proper licensing before applying for most trucking jobs

When you hear about jobs in transportation, you may immediately think of driving a big rig across the country. With the large truck driver shortage, you'll easily find available jobs, but you can't just start driving a truck tomorrow. You must like to regularly drive long distances to turn this job into a successful career. Once you decide that, secure the proper license and training. Also, research types of truck driving: long hauls, owner-operator, short hauls or light/delivery service truck driver. Requirements for licensing vary, so check with companies you're interested in; some require you to already have your CDL when you turn in your transportation employment application.

I recommend: If you have a Class A CDL, consider applying with Marten Transport, a highly reputable company that not only offers trucking positions but also contractor opportunities and lease-to-own options. Experienced truck drivers might consider their trainer program to earn extra money. If you’re ready to earn your CDL, search for a good truck driving school. Ensure you attend a course that meets the highest transportation standards by checking for Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) accreditation. The PTDI provides the only national standards for truck driver training, and you can find PTDI-certified courses on their website.

Search transportation job listings online for plentiful truck-driving opportunities

Once certified, you may find yourself overwhelmed at the number of transportation jobs listed online. Investigate different companies' reputations regarding pay rates, benefits, and how much time you can expect to spend away from home.

I recommend: Register with Every Truck Job and find truck driver job openings based on your status (truck driving student or recent graduate, solo or team driver, company driver or owner-operator). You can also search truck driving opportunities and companies at ClassADrivers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While researching jobs in transportation, know that getting your CDL is not free. Courses can cost several thousand dollars, so research existing methods of financing.
• •  If you're under 23, check age requirements for the company that interests you. Some companies hire in-state drivers at 18, but Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations stipulate a minimum age of 21 to drive commercial vehicles between states; many companies may not hire you unless you're at least 22.

When people think of jobs in transportation, they immediately think of jobs involving big trucks hauling goods cross-country. That’s only a small portion of the available jobs in the transportation industry. Transportation is the second largest employment sector in the United States today and it’s a rapidly growing field.

Transportation employment does come with a cost. Most transportation job listings list specialized training as part of the job requirements. Depending on the level of work you are seeking, the type of education may vary from a short-term course of study to a post-graduate degree. Typically, transportation jobs fall into the following categories:

1. Transportation jobs requiring special, physical skills. This category would include long-haul trucking positions.

2. Transportation management careers that require at least a bachelor’s degree.

3. Transportation jobs in logistics. This type of specialized field might require post-graduate training.

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

Receive basic transportation jobs education and training

If you are looking at transportation as a job as well as a career, at some point you are likely to need basic commercial driver's license (CDL) training. This may or may not mean you need to train in a big rig. There are programs available that get you a CDL without requiring the time spent in a big vehicle.

I recommend: You can get hands-on experience with long-haul transportation vehicles at one of the many Roadmaster Truck Driving Schools. Trucking jobs and resumes for future employment are the result of its transportation jobs education and training. MTC Truck Driver Training also offers basic CDL training for transportation industry careers. Through its job partners, the school can help you find transportation job openings suitable for you.

Take undergraduate courses for jobs in transportation

Some schools offer a degree in transportation, while others offer coursework as part of another major field of study.

I recommend: The Consortium for ITS Training and Education (CITE) offers a number of options to help you train for a variety of transportation jobs. You can choose from site-based transportation employment preparation, or prepare for a transportation job online. CITE also offers a combination program that allows you to do most of your work online yet still get hands-on experience. The Center for Transportation and Research at Iowa State University offers courses that lead to a professional degree in transportation, which can help you get advanced-level jobs.

Earn a master's degree or doctorate for your transportation job

Technical occupations, such as jobs in logistics and road and bridge design, require advanced degrees. With these jobs, you can also earn more money so the investment in education quickly pays for itself.

I recommend: George Mason University offers transportation jobs education and training, from basic certification training to logistics doctoral programs. The Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California Berkeley provides opportunities to prepare for advanced level jobs in the transportation industry. Both offer a master's and doctoral degree program.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  No matter what kind of transportation jobs education and training you receive, be sure to take all the refresher courses necessary to stay current.

The transportation industry is a must in today's society. Without an efficient means of travel, it could take months to get a few thousand miles as opposed to a few hours by train, car, bus or plane. Consider the options below if you're interested in working in the transportation industry and providing cargo or passenger services.

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

Railroad conductor

There are two types of railroad conductors. Road service conductors work on the train, while yard conductors (yardmasters) work in the train yard. Regardless of their locations, railroad conductors manage train crews and ensure the safety of all cargo and passengers riding on the trains.

I recommend: Access State University for more information on salary, duties and training for railroad conductors.

Taxi driver

A taxi driver provides transportation to pedestrians that otherwise don't have a means of getting from point A to point B. Taxi drivers (also known as cab drivers) work for a taxi company and charge the mileage rate the company establishes. They are most popular in large cities, such as New York and San Diego. Chauffeurs have a similar job, though they typically work for only one individual, while a cab driver's clients constantly change.

I recommend: My Plan offers a description and a list of jobs that fit into the category of passenger transportation services, including taxi drivers and chauffeurs.

Dispatcher

Dispatchers work for several different transportation industries, such as delivery, passenger and emergency services. Dispatchers make sure that drivers leave on time, reach the right destination, pick up the appropriate cargo or passengers, and the like. They are the eyes and ears for the drivers as a cohesive unit.

I recommend: Career Planner offers more details on a dispatcher's duties. Find out more about aviation dispatchers from the Airline Dispatchers Federation.

School bus driver

A school bus driver transports children to and from school. They are responsible for not only getting children to their correct bus stop and ensuring they make it home safely, but also for maintaining a civil atmosphere on the bus.

I recommend: The Santa Clara County Office of Education and the North East Independent School District provide school bus driver job descriptions within their school systems.

Road maintenance specialist

Road maintenance specialists are responsible for maintaining road quality to protect drivers and their vehicles. They make repairs when necessary, such as filling pot holes or reinforcing bridge and overpass structures. They also work on road improvements, such as road and highway expansions.

I recommend: Find more information from the job description offered on Marshall County Alabama Online.

Flight attendant

A flight attendant is responsible for making passengers on a flight comfortable during their trip. Flight attendants provide in-case-of-emergency information, maintain a controlled atmosphere, provide refreshments and, overall, ensure that passengers are enjoying their flight.

I recommend: Check out the California Employment Development Department's job description for more information on a flight attendant's duties.