Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

About This Cluster

A career in the Transportation, Distribution & Logistics cluster could be perfect for a person who is up for a physical challenge. It is an industry that is looking for people that possess the required hands-on skills. The fields of Transportation, Distribution & Logistics is considered to be tough, but at the same time it is also a rewarding one. The prospects of growth for a worker in this industry are very good compared to other career options.

Jobs in Transportation, Distribution & Logistics come with a variety of different working conditions; from simple working on cars in garage, to being on the road delivering materials for up to 4 weeks at a time, or sailing down the St Lawrence Seaway captaining a cargo ship. While projects can pause for inclement weather, you will need to be willing to work in heat, cold, rain, and just about everything else Mother Nature can throw at you. In return, you get a rewarding career that offers incredible variety, and provides plenty of opportunities to pursue the specialties that interest you.

Learn more about career paths in this cluster!

Ever wondered about being a Diesel Mechanic?

Helpful Traits

  1. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking– Formulate ideas, proposals and solutions to transportation, distribution and/or logistics related problems in order to ensure effective and efficient delivery of products or services to targeted consumers.  Analyze and evaluate ideas, proposals, and solutions to transportation, distribution and logistics related problems in order to select the best deliverable to meet business objectives.
  2. Information Technology Applications– Demonstrate the effective use of computer based equipment (containing embedded computers, or processors) to control electromechanical devices commonly used in conducting work within the TDL industry. Utilize geographic information systems software common to the transportation, distribution and logistics industry to coordinate and facilitate business related tasks.
  3. Systems- Analyze and summarize the various roles and major business functions involved in a TDL organization as a way to demonstrate understanding of the industry as a system.  Monitor, analyze and improve performance within a TDL organization using metrics common to the TDL community as a way to demonstrate understanding of how organizations manage and improve business functioning.
  4. Safety, Health and Environmental – Assess and implement measures to maintain safe and healthful working conditions in a TDL organization. Complete work tasks in accordance with applicable employer rules concerning occupational safety and health common to the TDL industry in order to insure employee rights and employer obligations. Assess and implement methods to reduce sources of workplace hazards common in the TDL industry in order to promote a safe and accident free working environment.
  5. Ethics and Legal Responsibilities– Analyze and summarize the legal responsibilities associated with different roles and functions within TDL organizations as a way to demonstrate awareness of the influence laws and regulations have on ethics in the workplace. Understanding cooperate policies in light of ethical and legal responsibilities.

Northern New York Community Foundation Scholarships

Applications for academic year 2021-2022 Freshman Scholarships 

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $18 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

The Community Foundation annually awards scholarships to:

  • High school seniors for their freshman year in college or technical school. Full-time enrollment is required for a one-year award.
  • High school juniors in St. Lawrence County who will plan to pursue careers in STEM-related fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are encouraged to apply for a one-year award.
  • Nontraditional students for any year of college or vocational, trade and technical school are also available. Part-time or full-time enrollment is required, and applicants must live in Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence county. Applicants may reapply each year.

Scholarships, which can average up to $2,000, are available from three programs the Community Foundation administers:

  • Northern New York Community Foundation Scholarships — Awarded to students in liberal arts.
  • Herring College Memorial Scholarships — Awarded to students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related fields.
  • Visiting Nurse Association Scholarships — Awarded to students in nursing and health-related fields.

The Community Foundation also stewards more than 300 restricted scholarships through funds that individual donors have established.

Education

Local High School Programs/Classes:  The best way to learn about the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics trade in High School can be done by two ways. First, is by taking a High School shop class at your local high school, and Second is take part in a job shadowing program. Those typically range from 1 day to 1 week.

BOCES Programs:

Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES:

St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES:

Local College / University Majors: 

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Search colleges by location and interest here.

Earnings

It is important to remember that the earning potential in the Transportation, Distribution & Logistics field has a varying range pending on the length of education completed. Take for example, the automotive repair field, if graduating from a BOCES program, typically the starting salary is going to be in the range of $20,000 to $25,000 a year. If graduating from a trade or technical college, typically the starting salary is going to be in the range of $35,000 to $45,000 a year. A solid college education and a few years of experience under the belt will find the salary range typically between $45,000 to $85,000 a year.

Additional Information 

Extended Interviews

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