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.
How is automation influencing jobs in the cluster?
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.
Human workers in transportation, distribution, and logistics careers are finding that automation helps make many aspects of their work more efficient, for example:
- GPS technology is heavily relied on for jobs in delivery, logistics, ride hailing services, and many more.
Facts to note
Employment numbers
At present the industry employs about 13 305.00 employees and about 800 companies scattered all over the country.
High wages
Most careers in transportation and logistics pay wages that are higher than the national median.
Truck driver jobs
Trucking business industry employs thousands of people in Zimbabwe.
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.
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.
Some points to keep in mind:
- Hours and schedules in many fields can be irregular, and time away from home may be required.
- Many jobs in this cluster involve IT skills, STEM knowledge, critical thinking, and design.
- Personal qualities such as integrity, reliability, and flexibility are helpful for workers in this cluster.
- Expect a lot of communication, recordkeeping, and observation of government safety regulations in most jobs in this cluster.
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 employment projections, training requirements and more.
High school diploma
Most jobs in these careers require a diploma and some previous work experience.
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
- Aircraft Cabin Crew
- Parking Attendants
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
- Packers and Packagers, Hand
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
- Taxi Drivers
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
- Bicycle Repairers
- Billing and Posting Clerks
- Bridge and Lock Tenders
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
- Bus Drivers, School
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Airfield Operations Specialists
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
- Cargo and Freight Agents
- Couriers and Messengers
- Dispatchers
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
- First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand
- First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
- Air Host/Hostess
- Freight Forwarders
- Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
- Light Truck Drivers
- Locomotive Engineers
- Logistics Analysts
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
- Motorcycle Mechanics
- Passenger Attendants
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
- Tire Repairers and Changers
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Experience or associate’s degree
Most jobs in these careers require community or technical college training,
related work experience, or an associate’s degree.
Bachelors degree
Most jobs in these careers require a four year degree