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Advanced Manufacturing Construction Healthcare Information Technology Hospitality, Entertainment, Amusement, Recreation, & Tourism Life Sciences Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics About Career WebWhat Is TDL?
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL) is the backbone of American industry, taking products from one place to another as quickly, cheaply, and timely as possible. Northwest Indiana is a major part of the nation’s TDL infrastructure. Lake Michigan, the airports, and the highways and rail lines that run through the region are all parts of the TDL industry. Many types of companies hire TDL businesses to warehouse and transport goods and services. Traffic on highways and by rail is expected to double over the next 20 years. If you think that the roads are busy now, just wait a few years!
TDL goes by many names: global supply chain management, warehousing, shipping, wholesaling, material-handling, and others. This industry, which is much more than just moving boxes, has a great need for people that understand technology and think in creative ways. Read below to learn about different businesses in TDL in Northwest Indiana. After that, view the career ladder for the TDL industy or click on these links to learn more about careers in transportation, distribution, and logistics:
Careers in Supply Chain Management -- developed by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), this website has inside information collected from professionals that work in the field. The website is an excellent and eye-openning resource for anyone that ever thought that moving goods was low-tech!
Career Voyages - Transportation -- An overview of TDL and careers in transportation, including videos, an e-magazine, and much more, designed for high school students.
Material Handling for Students-- Information about the industry and careers from the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association. Be sure to download the video "An Introduction to the Material Handling Industry."
What Types of TDL Companies Are in Northwest Indiana?
Truck Transportation
While it may seem obvious to you what Truck Transportation is, you may not realize the dynamic forces that shape the industry. The rising cost of fuel and the use of new technologies are changing the way companies do business. Truck transportation companies either specialize in general freight or specialized services, such as very large items or cold storage (think of ice cream – you can’t ship it in a normal truck!). Both of these industries are subdivided by the distance they travel – local, regional, or national. Truck transportation companies need to maximize their time and fuel costs to move items as efficiently as possible. It is a very complex and demanding business, but there is a great need for their services.
Rail Transportation
What is the most efficient way to move goods across very great distances? Often times, the answer is by train. The cost of fuel is forcing many companies to rethink how and when they move their products, and they are coming to the conclusion that rail transportation is the right choice more often every day. Rail transportation companies need people that are skilled and versatile in maintaining and repairing their equipment and also in coordinating huge networks of rail lines, trains, and cargo.
Warehousing & Storage
Warehousing and storage companies do a lot more than you may think. Many facilities also provide logistics services in addition to housing general merchandise, refrigerated or frozen goods, or other materials. Some logistics services include labeling, light assembly, packaging, coordinating transportation, and many other types of activities. They do not own the products that they handle, but they are incredibly important pieces of the supply chain.
Other Types of TDL Businesses in Northwest Indiana:
- Couriers & Messengers
- Support Activities for Transportation
- Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation
- Air Transportation
- Postal Service
- Pipeline Transportation
- Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation
- Water Transportation
Career Ladders
Why a Career Ladder?
A Career Ladder is a family of related jobs. You may be in one job along the Career Ladder for a few months or years. In order to move up, you will need on-the-job training and experience, formal education (in a classroom), or a combination of both.
Use the tabs above to navigate the career ladder. Each tab contains a couple of jobs that are typical for that rung on the ladder. Click on the job title to read about how much you can earn, what type of education you need, and more. Then, move on to the next tab to see what future jobs are possible with the right experience and training. Each job description has links to great websites you can use to learn more or even begin your job search today.
What is this career?
Regional Drivers operate their tractor-trailers in a 300-500 mile radius. They deliver goods, livestock, or materials in a liquid, loose, or packaged form. They may be required to unload the truck and will know how to use automated routing equipment. In almost all cases, Regional Drivers need a Commercial Drivers' License (CDL).
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
CDL and Moderate-Term On-The-Job Training
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $14.23/hour or $29,610/year
Median: $17.93/hour or $37,290/year
Experienced: $22.12/hour or $46,010/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2006
Source: OES Wage Unit
What is the future for this career?
Employment growth for all types of truck drivers is expected to be about average, but due to the size of the workforce, there should be plenty of new job openings. Competition for the most favorable schedules and highest earnings could be difficult.
Source: Based on information from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Career Voyages - Transportation
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Similar to Regional Drivers, Long-Haul Drivers operate their tractor-trailers distances greater than 500 miles. This means that they often stay overnight while delivering goods, livestock, or materials in a liquid, loose, or packaged form. They may be required to unload the truck and will know how to use automated routing equipment. Long-Haul Drivers definitely need a Commercial Drivers' License (CDL).
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
CDL and Moderate-Term On-The-Job Training
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $14.23/hour or $29,610/year
Median: $18.46/hour or $38,390/year
Experienced: $22.12/hour or $46,010/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2006
Source: OES Wage Unit
What is the future for this career?
Employment growth for all types of truck drivers is expected to be about average, but due to the size of the workforce, there should be plenty of new job openings. Competition for the most favorable schedules and highest earnings could be difficult.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Career Voyages - Transportation
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Dispatchers communicate with and schedule workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles to move materials, freight, or passengers or for other functions that take place outside of the office or warehouse. The main duties usually include operating a radio, telephone, or a computer to send assignments and track shipments on work progress.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Moderate-Term On-The-Job Training
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $11.91/hour or $24,760/year
Median: $15.23/hour or $31,690/year
Experienced: $19.27/hour or $40,080/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2006
Source: OES Wage Unit
What is the future for this career?
Employment for Dispatchers is expected to be a little slower than the average for all types of occupations, but the need to replace the aging workforce should create a large number of entry-level opportunities. Technology is rapidly changing the occupations, so entry-level workers should be familiar with basic computer skills in order to secure a position.
Source: Based on information from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Where can I find more information?
Career Voyages - Transportation
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Roughly 10% of truck drivers work for themselves as owner-operators. These owners either serve a variety of businesses independently or lease their services and equipment to one or more trucking companies. Most self-employed truck drivers are primarily engaged in long-distance hauling, and many are members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
CDL and Moderate-Term On-The-Job Training
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: Varies
Median: Varies
Experienced: Varies
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2006
Source: OES Wage Unit
What is the future for this career?
Employment growth for all types of truck drivers is expected to be about average, but due to the size of the workforce, there should be plenty of new job openings. Competition for the most favorable schedules and highest earnings could be difficult. Owner/Operators would be best served by taking some business courses and possibly accounting at a college or university.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Career Voyages - Transportation
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Local Drivers will often drive different types of trucks than Regional or Long-Haul Drivers within a closer range. They may be required to unload the truck and will know how to use automated routing equipment. Local drivers may or may not need a Commercial Drivers' License (CDL).
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Short-Term On-The-Job Training and/or CDL
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $9.14/hour or $19,020/year
Median: $12.00/hour or $24,970/year
Experienced: $15.84/hour or $32,950/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2006
Source: OES Wage Unit
What is the future for this career?
Employment growth for all types of truck drivers is expected to be about average, but due to the size of the workforce, there should be plenty of new job openings. Competition for the most favorable schedules and highest earnings could be difficult.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Career Voyages - Transportation
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Specialized Regional or Long-Haul Drivers transport a wide variety of products and goods on bulk carriers, tank trucks, dump transporters & oversized and overnight loads. This may include some hazardous materials and distances greater than 250 miles.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
CDL Long-Term On-The-Job Training
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $11.91/hour or $24,760/year
Median: $15.23/hour or $31,690/year
Experienced: $19.27/hour or $40,080/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2006
Source: OES Wage Unit
What is the future for this career?
Higher levels of skills and training may lead to employment as a Specialized Regional or Long-Haul Driver. Employment growth is projected to be about or slightly below average for this career, but the need to replace the large number of aging workers and the demands of the career should lead to a lot of opportunities.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Career Voyages - Transportation
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Recruiters visit schools, make presentations, and convince people to become a truck driver for their company. They go on the road to visit drivers at truck stops, and compete for the best drivers in a tight market. The demand for truck drivers is so huge that many companies need recruiters just to find enough drivers.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Varies. Some college with a concentration in Human Resources may help
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $14.45/hour or $30,060/year
Median: $17.81/hour or $37,050/year
Experienced: $25.58/hour or $53,200/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2006
Source: OES Wage Unit
What is the future for this career?
Employment for Recruiters - of all types, not just in truck transportation - is expected to be above average. The overwhelming demand for more truck drivers and constant turnover in the workforce should spur demand for these workers. Individuals with a background in Human Resources, especially with college coursework, should have the best opportunities.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Career Voyages - Transportation
Careers in Supply Chain Management
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Truck Driver Trainers conduct training and development programs for students preparing to beomce Local, Regional, and/or Long-Haul Drivers. They should have a CDL and be trained in teaching and education techniques.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
CDL, Long-Term On-The-Job Training, and/or a Bachelor's Degree
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $14.74/hour or $30,650/year
Median: $20.51/hour or $42,660/year
Experienced: $26.96/hour or $56,070/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2006
Source: OES Wage Unit
What is the future for this career?
Employment for many types of human resources professionals is expected to increase faster than the average for all types of occupations. Truck Driver Trainers are especially important due to their role in preparing new drivers for careers in transportation. There should be plenty of opportunities for skilled trainers.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Career Voyages - Transportation
Careers in Supply Chain Management
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Terminal Managers are responsible for the all the activities at a transportation facility. They must plan, direct, and coordinate the transportation operations within an organization or the activities of organizations that provide these services.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Work Experience in the field and/or a Bachelor's Degree
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $25.73/hour or $53,510/year
Median: $33.32/hour or $69,300/year
Experienced: $43.16/hour or $89,760/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2006
Source: OES Wage Unit
What is the future for this career?
Employment Growth for Terminal Managers should be about average in comparison to all other types of occupations. The large number of aging workers should increase demand for new workers. The increasing uses of technology in the transportation industry will require a higher level and skills and training.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Career Voyages - Transportation
Careers in Supply Chain Management
Where can I find a job?
