What Is Transportation Logistics Management?
Are you a detail-oriented planner with an obsession for efficiency? You may find your niche in transportation logistics management, a field which demands precision, analysis and negotiation skills. Read on to learn more about the field and some of the career and training options available to you. Schools offering Supply Chain Management degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Transportation Logistics Management Defined
Transportation logistics management is an integral part of delivering goods from suppliers to customers. Everything and everyone involved in the delivery of products or materials is encompassed by supply chain management, including transportation logistics management. Logistics experts need to focus on transportation, specifically the efficient planning and procurement of transportation of products and materials. Freight trains, trucks, ships and planes move goods every day. Knowledge of the rules, regulations, benefits and costs associated with these modes of transport is necessary for professionals in this field. To succeed in this field, you may also need strong skills in strategic planning, customer service, leadership and math.
Career Options
Transportation logistics management involves many types of professionals who plan, analyze, direct and evaluate transportation. Entry-level careers you may consider include logistics analyst and fleet supervisor. Transportation managers typically have prior experience in these jobs. Additional mid-level transportation logistics management positions you may pursue include supply chain software manager and international logistics manager. Internships can help you determine which of these or related careers best fits your skills.
Career Preparation
Associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs are available to prepare you for these careers. The degree programs are typically called supply chain management or logistics. You may also pursue a business administration degree with a concentration in these areas at the undergraduate or graduate levels. A broad-based program with a major or concentration in these areas prepares you for the majority of entry-level transportation logistics management careers. Most programs recommended by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L) strongly encourage internships (www.astl.org). Following are summaries of the kind of training you can expect at each educational level.
Associate's Degree in Logistics or Supply Chain Management
Associate's degree programs prepare you for some entry-level careers, such as distribution center supervisor, traffic analyst and logistics coordinator. These 2-year programs typically provide general curriculum introducing to many areas of logistics, including a course or two dedicated to transportation management within the U.S. and internationally.
Bachelor's Degree in Logistics or Supply Chain Management
In bachelor's programs, you take core courses in supply chain management and electives to pursue your career goals in transportation logistics management. You may choose courses in cost accounting, negotiations and information systems.
Master's Degree in Logistics or Supply Chain Management
Master of Science and MBA programs with concentrations in supply chain management or logistics are available. Some programs focus on the technology associated with the field. Project management, distribution strategies and global logistics are some of the courses you may encounter while you pursue a degree that can lead to advancement to management positions.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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