Explore the advantages of pursuing a career in transportation with this guide. Delve into the top 10 entry-level positions, prominent sectors, necessary skills, and employers actively seeking candidates.

When envisioning a profession in transportation, you might picture yourself at the wheel of a large vehicle, cruising down the highway. However, commercial trucking is merely one of the numerous career paths available within the transportation field.

In reality, working in transportation doesn't mandate being a truck or bus driver, nor does it require possessing a driver's license or owning a motor vehicle.

Below, we outline alternative transportation occupations, ranging from transportation planning to supply chain analysis, and elucidate the educational qualifications required for each role.

Lastly, we direct you to transportation and logistics companies currently recruiting on Handshake, enabling you to explore potential employment opportunities.

Is a career in the transportation industry right for you?

If you're seeking employment prospects with promise, the transportation and logistics sector presents a compelling option. As of 2021, this industry employed 14.9 million individuals, constituting approximately 10.2% of the United States labor force.

The global transportation industry is projected to grow at a rate of 3.4% through 2027. Optimal degrees to facilitate entry into transportation roles but not all transportation jobs necessitate a formal degree. For instance, becoming a commercial truck driver only requires a high school diploma or GED.

However, certain criteria must be met, such as obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), passing a background check, and maintaining a clean driving record. The traditional four-year college route can be bypassed.

That being said, several other transportation roles can benefit from advanced degrees. Here are various educational pathways that can assist in securing positions within the transportation sector:

Logistics

Logistics coursework encompasses supply chain management analysis (e.g., utilizing predictive analytics), material transportation strategies, and capacity planning. This knowledge can lead to careers as logistics coordinators or supply chain analysts.

Supply chain management

A degree in supply chain management equips individuals with the skills to oversee supply chain processes, from procuring raw materials to negotiating contracts and mitigating transport risks. With this degree, opportunities arise as logistics coordinators, supply chain analysts, load planners, or logistics operations specialists.

Engineering

The transportation field extends beyond merely moving items from point A to point B; it also involves constructing infrastructure that accommodates such movement. A civil engineering degree opens doors to careers as transportation planners or transportation engineers, focusing on optimizing public roadways, subways, bus lanes, and more.

Supplementary certifications or licenses

Depending on your chosen career path, additional certifications may be mandatory. For instance, working as a commercial trucker necessitates obtaining a Class A CDL and being at least 21 years old.

In certain instances, although not obligatory, additional certifications can be advantageous. For instance, a certification in planning and inventory management can enhance your prospects in supply chain roles.

Industries offering transportation career opportunities

Prominent employers in the transportation sector featured on Handshake include logistics and shipping companies (such as FedEx, DHL, and UPS) and freight companies (like Schneider). However, job searches extend beyond logistics firms.

A transportation career is also viable within sectors such as:

a) Government

Government agencies like the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) hire transportation professionals, including transportation planners and transportation engineers. For instance, the Oregon DOT lists administrative support positions, part-time roles, and internships on Handshake.

b) Healthcare

The healthcare industry relies on transportation for various purposes. Emergency services require dispatchers to send ambulances to individuals in need, while medical labs transport samples between doctor's offices, hospitals, and research facilities. Opportunities exist for 911 dispatchers and logistics coordinators.

c) Security

The armored vehicle transportation industry, responsible for transporting valuables to and from banks, constitutes a distinct transportation sector. Roles within this field encompass fleet coordinators overseeing entire fleets of armored vehicles.

d) Air transport

When contemplating transportation, ground transportation typically comes to mind. However, logistics and supply chain managers also handle air and sea transport. Freight brokers manage various transportation modes, and feature air transport positions like pilots, air traffic controllers, and flight engineers.

Top 10 entry-level positions in the transportation industry

The transportation sector offers a range of entry-level job opportunities suitable for recent college graduates possessing diverse skills and interests. Here are the top 10 entry-level positions to consider pursuing:

a) Logistics Coordinator

Logistics coordinators oversee various stages of the supply chain, facilitating the movement of raw materials from suppliers to manufacturers, retailers, and customers. Their responsibilities encompass order management, material replenishment, and customer interactions.

Median salary: $39,520 per year

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or related field

Skills:

Strong written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Exceptional organizational abilities

b) Transportation Planner

Transportation planners aid in designing, evaluating, and implementing transportation infrastructure for cities, counties, or states, including roads and subways. Their work involves considering factors ranging from land use to environmental impact to optimize planning.

Median salary: $62,591 per year

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, urban planning, environmental science, geography, or related field

Skills:

Project management

Effective communication and presentation skills

Problem-solving abilities

c) Freight Broker

Freight brokers serve as intermediaries between shipping and logistics companies and customers in need of transportation services. They facilitate the matching of customers with freight carriers, as well as the booking and management of transportation orders.

Median salary: $45,019 per year

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Skills:

Proficiency in business tools like Microsoft 365

Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills

Excellent interpersonal abilities

d) Supply Chain Analyst

Supply chain analysts gather and analyze supply chain data to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost reductions. They may also oversee the implementation of suggested changes, collaborating with logistics and supply chain teams.

Median salary: $63,942 per year

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business analytics, mathematics, or logistics

Skills:

Strong organizational and communication skills

Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems

Knowledge of supply chain processes, including inventory planning and warehouse management

e) Transportation Engineer

Transportation engineers, a subset of civil engineers, specialize in designing infrastructure such as highways, railways, airports, and related transportation facilities. Job opportunities can be found with government agencies, engineering firms, or consultancies.

Median salary: $74,402 per year

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering Master's or Ph.D. preferred

Skills:

Problem-solving and analytical skills

Effective communication and presentation abilities

Critical thinking

f) Dispatcher

Dispatchers are responsible for managing transportation requests and dispatching transport vehicles, whether for emergencies or non-emergencies. They may work for emergency services, towing companies, or ride-sharing firms.

Median salary: $49,957 per year

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED

Skills:

Strong communication skills

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Multitasking capabilities

g) Customer Service Representative

Customer service representatives serve as intermediaries between transportation providers and customers, ensuring a smooth service experience. They may work for shipping or logistics providers, addressing inquiries and resolving issues.

Median salary: $31,200 per year

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED (preferred)

Skills:

Excellent interpersonal skills

Resilience to stress

Strong organizational and communication abilities

h) Load Planner

Load planners oversee the freight transportation process, optimizing resource utilization and maximizing efficiency. They also ensure compliance with relevant logistics safety standards.

Median salary: $51,304 per year

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED (minimum)

Bachelor's in supply chain management, business, or logistics (preferred)

Skills:

Analytical mindset

Strong problem-solving skills

Organizational skills and ability to multitask

i) Fleet Coordinator

Fleet coordinators manage vehicle fleets and their associated teams, such as drivers and mechanics. They coordinate fleet operations, including driver assignments and vehicle maintenance, to uphold safety standards.

Median salary: $66,055 per year

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED (minimum)

Skills:

Strong communication and leadership abilities

Excellent project management skills

Attention to detail

j) Logistics Operations Specialist

Logistics operations specialists streamline logistics processes by coordinating multiple teams, including operations, administration, and sales. They act as a central point of contact between partner carriers, shippers, and customers.

Median salary: $62,500 per year

Qualifications:

Bachelor's in supply chain management, business, or logistics

Skills:

Effective communication and negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Ability to perform well under pressure

In conclusion, the transportation industry offers a diverse range of career opportunities beyond traditional driving roles. From logistics and supply chain management to engineering and customer service, there's a variety of paths one can take within this growing sector. Entry into many positions requires specific qualifications and skills, but not all demand a formal degree.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the key job roles in the transportation industry?

Common job roles in the transportation industry include truck drivers, delivery drivers, logistics coordinators, freight brokers, warehouse managers, airline pilots, maritime captains, transportation planners, rail operators, and maintenance technicians.

What qualifications and skills are required for transportation industry jobs?

Qualifications vary by role, but general requirements often include a valid driver's license, relevant certifications or licenses (e.g., CDL for truck drivers), good communication skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a strong understanding of safety regulations.

Which companies are known to hire for transportation industry positions?

Major companies known to hire in the transportation industry include FedEx, UPS, DHL, Amazon, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Maersk Line, CSX Corporation (rail), and Uber Freight. However, the landscape is vast, with numerous local, regional, and international companies hiring regularly.

What are the career growth opportunities in the transportation industry?

Career growth in the transportation industry often involves advancing to managerial or supervisory roles, specializing in a particular area (e.g., logistics, safety, operations), pursuing further education or certifications, or transitioning to more senior positions within the same or related companies.

What are the challenges and trends in the transportation industry?

Challenges include navigating evolving regulations, managing rising fuel costs, adopting new technologies, addressing sustainability concerns, and mitigating supply chain disruptions. Trends encompass the integration of automation, use of renewable energy, emphasis on sustainability, adoption of AI and IoT for efficiency, and a growing focus on last-mile delivery solutions.