Transportation and Distribution

Transportation and Distribution. Air Transportation and Distribution. If you're interested in driving a truck, working on a cargo ship or managing exports and imports, a career in transportation and distribution may be right for you. Read on to explore your education and career options in this field. Inside Transportation and Distribution. Education in fields pertaining to the transportation and distribution industries can lead to a variety of careers in air, rail, water and truck transportation. Truck driving is one of the largest occupations in this field, transporting almost every product sold nationally. Other career possibilities in transportation and distribution include cargo and freight agent, import and export specialist, cargo handler, train engineer, distribution manager and logistics analyst. Study.com offers a variety of articles on the educational, career and online training options that are available. Education and Training Information. Education requirements vary by field and position. Typically, truck drivers are required to complete training courses and earn their commercial driver's license (CDL). Depending on their cargo, they also may need additional training and endorsements. Air, water and rail transportation employees may complete an approved training or degree program, though some employers allow workers to work their way up the ranks with just work experience. Coursework in formal education programs varies by industry; for example, aviation maintenance technology students can expect to take courses such as ground handling, corrosion control and aircraft generators. To explore some of the degree options related to transportation and distribution, visit the links below. Distance Learning Options. If you wish to earn a degree or diploma online, there are some programs available. However, because of the hands-on nature of these professions, you may be required to go on campus at times. Career Options. There are many different careers you can pursue with an educational background in transportation and distribution, including the following: Employment Information. Employment prospects in transportation and distribution could vary widely in the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that job opportunities will increase 13% overall in water transportation occupations during the 2012-2022 decade ( www.bls.gov ). Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are expected to see an 11% growth in jobs during the same time frame. Both of these figures represent job growth that's in line with the national average for all occupations. In contrast, employment in railroad occupations is predicted to decline three percent. Employment of transportation, storage and distribution managers across all industries is projected to increase five percent in 2012-2022, which is slower than average. BLS data from May 2013 shows that transportations managers earned an average wage of $91,220. In addition to private companies, the federal government is a major employer of those working in transportation and distribution management. The BLS reports that tractor-trailer truck drivers made $40,940 on average as of 2013.