The Transportation, Distribution and Logistics cluster uses your knowledge of mechanics, mathematics and design to work in careers you plan, manage and move everything from people to company products through a 
range of transportation services. In this field, you are involved in the logistics of all modes of transportation from road to rail to air to water.
As people continue to rely on automobiles, more automotive service technicians will be needed to perform maintenance on vehicles. Many employers in the automotive field have a difficult time finding qualified technicians, so applicants with training or certifications should have better job prospects. The employment of airline and commercial pilots is expected to grow. Regional airlines and nonscheduled aviation services will provide the most job opportunities. Pilots seeking employment with major airlines will face strong competition and may require additional education and training.
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Career Cluster PDF
Middle School Courses
No Courses at this time
High School Courses
- Auto Body Repair I & II: #8676, #8677 (ACE)
- Automotive Technology I & II: #8506, #8507 (ACE)
- Diesel Technologies I & II: #8613, #8614 (ACE)
- Welding: #8572(ACE)
- Motorsports Technology I & II: #8509, #8510 (ACE)
Do You Like To…
- Problem solve?
- Work with your hands?
- Plan or schedule?
- Pay attention to detail?
- Drive vehicles or fix them?
Sample Careers
- Automotive Body Repairers
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
- Watercraft Service Attendants
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Billing and Posting Clerks
- Bus and Truck Mechanics
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
- Motorboat Mechanics
- Motorcycle Mechanics
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
- Logisticians
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
- Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers
- Airline and Commercial Pilots
High school certifications, licenses and related college majors:
| High School/Industry Certifications | Certificate/License | College Degree Examples |
| Mechanical & Electrical | Logistics | |
| Non Structural Analysis & Damage Repair | Automotive Engineer | |
| Painting and Refinishing | Management | |
| Brakes | Risk Management | |
| Diesel Engines | ||
| Electrical/Electronic Systems | ||
| Suspension and Steering | ||
| Automatic Transmission/Transaxle | ||
| Automotive Service Technology | ||
| Engine Performance | ||
| Engine Repair | ||
| Heating & Air Conditioning | ||
| Maintenance & Light Repair | ||
| Manual Drive Train & Axles | ||
In Demand Careers
| Education Needed | Occupation | Median Salary | Job Growth Over the next 10 years | Job Openings Projected over next 10 years |
| High School Diploma + Certification | Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics | $48,500 per year | 3% (As fast as average) | 9,600 |
| High School Diploma + Certification | Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers | $32,020 per year | 5% (Faster than average) | 75,000 |
| High School Diploma + Certification | Small Engine Mechanics | $37,840 per year | 6% (As fast as average) | 4,900 |
| High School Diploma + Certification | Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians | $64,310 per year | 5% (Faster than average) | 7,300 |
| Bachelor’s Degree or more | Airline and Commercial Pilots | $121,430 per year | 5% (Faster than average) | 6,100 |
Student Leadership Organizations
SkillsUSA empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. We improve the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of SkillsUSA Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics.
Work-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is comprised of experiences related to students’ career interests, based on instructional preparation, and undertaken in partnership with local businesses or organizations. WBL enables students to apply classroom instruction in a real-world work environment. Work-Based Learning promotes Career Awareness, Career Exploration, and Career Preparation.
Career Ambassadors
The Career Ambassador Program offers high school seniors an opportunity to represent and share their experiences with career exploration and our CTE programs to prospective students and community supporters through elementary school Career Fairs, middle school Career Clubs, and district-wide events.