BPA 235 - Introduction to Transportation and Logistics

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Surveys the organization and operations of the commercial transportation industry and its impact on the bottom-line of today’s modern businesses. Course topics include the legal and regulatory environment, costing and pricing, major transportation options, managing transportation partnerships and the use of information and technology in the logistics sector. The course also includes an industry specific “current issues” component, an “employment opportunities” section that explores the industry job market and a look at the technologies and issues that will shape the future of transportation and logistics.

Note: Typically offered at GB; fall term.

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

a. Recognize the historical relationship of all modes of transportation.

b. Differentiate between the major modes of transportation.

c. Explain the political, economic and social trends that impact the transportations/logistics functions.

d. Identify and explain import and export processes.

e. Recognize the importance of regulation and policy procedures, laws and/or measures that affect the import and export processes.

f. Identify and explain the functions of warehouse and inventory management and the impact of technology.

g. Recognize and describe current issues in the transportation industry including, but not limited to, security issues and policy considerations.

h. Explain the relationship between domestic transportation and the economy.

i. Identify and explain the relationship of international logistics to/with: ocean and air transportation, cargo security and insurance, international terms of sale and sales transactions, free trade agreements, regulation and policy considerations and current security and security-related issues.

j. Explain logistics technology as it relates to: computer basics, automatic identification and software solutions.

k. Identify the unique transportation and logistics environment in the local area/region.

l. Recognize job classification on the federal, state and local levels.

m. Explain transportation issues that will affect job classifications and security.