Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics
The Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster is all about moving people and things from one location to another quickly, safely, and at a low cost.
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Workers in this industry design transportation systems, operate or repair equipment, plan how to move materials, and take care of storing products. Transportation systems included in this cluster include aircraft, railroad, waterways, over the road, and pipelines.
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How is automation influencing jobs in the cluster?
Human workers in transportation, distribution, and logistics careers are finding that automation helps make many aspects of their work more efficient, for example:
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Bar codes track goods for shipping and distribution.
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Automated navigation equipment helps operate ships and aircraft safely.
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GPS technology is heavily relied on for jobs in delivery, logistics, ride hailing services, and many more.
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Quick facts
Large economic impact
The U.S. spends more than $1.64 trillion annually on transportation logistics.
Employment numbers
More than 5 million workers are employed in occupations in this cluster, representing about 3.6% of total U.S. jobs.
High wages
Most careers in transportation and logistics pay wages that are higher than the national median.
Truck driver jobs
Trucks deliver nearly 70% of all freight in the U.S. Experts estimate there are 50,000 truck driver jobs unfilled, and trucking-related jobs account for about one-third of job openings in the industry.
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Would a career in transportation, distribution and logistics be a good fit for me?
Many careers in this cluster are best for people who like to be on the move themselves, or to be part of moving things around – locally, regionally, or even globally. One asset for careers in this cluster is that – in many fields, workers may qualify for management and supervision positions after earning several years of experience in hands-on positions.
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A less well-known side of the cluster is pipeline occupations – these workers move crude oil, gas, and slurry. Besides working quickly and accurately, they need to be excellent troubleshooters when things go wrong, and have a high tolerance for getting muddy, wet, and dirty.
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Some points to keep in mind:
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Hours and schedules in many fields can be irregular, and time away from home may be required.
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Many jobs in this cluster involve IT skills, STEM knowledge, critical thinking, and design.
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Personal qualities such as integrity, reliability, and flexibility are helpful for workers in this cluster.
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Expect a lot of communication, recordkeeping, and observation of government safety regulations in most jobs in this cluster.
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What are some careers in transportation, distribution and logistics?
Take a look at the list below to learn about transportation, distribution and logistics careers at different levels of education. Click any link to find out more about a career, including average wages, employment projections, training requirements and more.
High school education
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Short-term training, apprenticeship, on the job learning or specific license
Mechanics for buses, trucks, or aircraft
More advanced training or bachelor’s degree
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
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