Transportation Education and Training Key Terms

The transportation industry offers a wide variety of education and training opportunities

By Renee Baumgardner

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.

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