Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

This Career Cluster encompasses careers involved in

Planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail and water and related professional and technical support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment and facility maintenance.(1)

Career Pathways

Each Career Cluster has distinct Career Pathways, which are like work sub-areas.

In addition, each Career Pathway has a sample Plan of Study that details the courses a student might take, both during and after high school, to work in that sub-area.

This Career Cluster has the following Career Pathways:

Transportation Operations

Careers in the Transportation Operations pathway are really on the move! These are the people that drive or pilot the vehicles that transport people and freight. Equally important to this pathway are the support people who ensure that any cargo transport is safe, secure, and on time.

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Logistics Planning and Management Services

Careers in the Logistics Planning and Management Services pathway involve the planning, management and control of the physical distribution of materials, products, and people. Often, more than one mode of transportation is used as distribution efforts can be complex, even national or global. These people are responsible for the plans which will ensure that cargo arrives at the right location, on time, and in the safest, most economical manner.

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Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations

Careers in Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations focus on the operation of transportation and distribution facilities including ports, terminals, warehouses, and other types of facilities. All cargo needs to be tracked, sorted, labeled, and loaded accurately and safely. Timing is also important, since many loads must adhere to a schedule in order to satisfy the needs of the customer.

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Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance

Careers in the Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance pathway include the maintenance, repair, and servicing of vehicles and transportation facilities, as well as the refueling of mobile equipment. All transportation relies on equipment which must function as designed, whenever needed. The people in this pathway keep the equipment and machinery running while looking for more efficient, safe, and cost-effective ways to do so.

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Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation

Careers in the Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation pathways deal with all aspects of the design and operation of our public transportation systems - road, air, sea and rail. These functions are primarily the responsibility of people who are employed by federal, state and local transportation agencies. Many businesses work to assist these agencies in their efforts.

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Health, Safety and Environmental Management

Careers in the Health, Safety and Environmental Management pathway involve assessing and managing risks associated with safety and environmental issues. The well-being of people and our environment is more important and challenging today than ever before in history. The people employed in this important pathway research, plan and carry out activities to make our environment safer and cleaner.

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Sales and Service

Careers in the Sales and Service pathway involve the marketing and selling of transportation services to new customers as well as the management of existing customer relationships and customer service. Transportation businesses move passengers and freight to meet customer needs and demands. Successful businesses need skilled employees to provide excellent customer service.

Source(1): National Career Clusters™ site (original text and PDF's).