Getting from point A to point B in New Jersey is a challenge, but a whole lot of people keep trying. What you may not realize, though, is that the transportation industry is about more than vehicles with wheels. It also has to do with logistics, which involves warehouse storage and the movement of consumer goods, like stereos and MP3 players, to and from the manufacturers and the stores. As the number of residents using mass transit, like trains and buses, grows (as is expected), so too will the job opportunities in transportation. What’s more, the ships are coming in. Changes at New Jersey’s shipping ports, mainly in Newark/Elizabeth and Camden, will mean lots of new jobs, both high-tech and low-tech.

Transportation industry jobs are separated into six separate career paths:

• Vehicle Operation, which includes tractor-trailer truck drivers and transit and intercity bus drivers
• Labor and Skill Trade Work, which includes such occupations as bus and truck diesel mechanics, hand packers and packagers, and electrical and electronics installers and repairers
• Analytical Work, which includes logistics professionals
• Safety and Security work, including transit inspectors and transit and railroad police
• Management and Supervision, which includes storage and distribution managers
• Administration, which includes office clerks.

Most transportation professionals need a familiarity with computers, and a willingness by workers to continually upgrade their skills. In addition, new requirements and regulations adopted after September 11th mean that transportation employees need to study and understand a matrix of rules that will help to prevent another terrorist attack.