Transportation/Logistics Foundations (PSAV)

Course Description

TRA0087 — Transportation/Logistics Foundations (PSAV) is a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) clock-hour course in Florida's transportation and logistics career-preparatory programs. The "TRA" prefix denotes Transportation. The course typically covers entry-level transportation and logistics operations: transportation modes (trucking, rail, air, water); warehousing fundamentals; logistics workflows; transportation regulations; safety; and basic supply chain concepts. Specific course content varies by institution.

This course is offered at Florida district technical colleges and career centers delivering FLDOE transportation/logistics curriculum frameworks.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of TRA0087, students will be able to:

• Identify transportation modes: trucking (TL, LTL, parcel); rail; air cargo; water (ocean and inland waterway); pipeline; intermodal.
• Apply warehousing fundamentals: receiving; storage; picking; packing; shipping; warehouse layout; warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Apply logistics workflows: order processing; inventory management; transportation planning; carrier selection; documentation.
• Apply transportation regulations: DOT regulations for commercial motor vehicles; FMCSA Hours of Service; CDL requirements introduction; hazmat regulations introduction; FAA regulations for air cargo.
• Apply transportation safety: defensive driving (where applicable); cargo securement; loading dock safety; PPE; OSHA workplace safety.
• Apply supply chain concepts introduction: supply chain structure; bullwhip effect; supplier relationships; logistics service providers (3PL).
• Demonstrate workplace skills: punctuality (critical in transportation/logistics); communication; documentation; teamwork.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Transportation Modes: Trucking (full truckload, less-than-truckload, expedited, parcel); rail (carload, intermodal); air cargo (passenger belly cargo, all-cargo); water (ocean container shipping, inland waterway); pipeline; intermodal.
• Warehousing: Receiving processes; storage methods (selective rack, drive-in, push-back, AS/RS); picking strategies (zone, batch, wave); packing; shipping; warehouse management systems.
• Logistics Workflows: Order-to-cash; procure-to-pay; inventory management; transportation planning; carrier selection; documentation (BOL, packing list, customs documents).
• Transportation Regulations: DOT regulations; FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS); CDL classes (A, B, C); hazmat regulations (49 CFR); FAA cargo regulations.
• Transportation Safety: Defensive driving; cargo securement; loading dock safety; lift truck operation; OSHA general industry; PPE.
• Supply Chain Introduction: Supply chain structure; logistics service providers (3PL, 4PL); supply chain visibility; demand and supply variability.
• Workplace Skills: Punctuality; communication; documentation accuracy; teamwork; customer service.

Resources & Tools

• Industry texts: Donald Bowersox Supply Chain Logistics Management; APICS / ASCM resources
• FMCSA regulations; FAA regulations; 49 CFR (hazmat)
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (general industry)
• SkillsUSA CTSO

Career Pathways

TRA0087 supports entry-level employment in Florida's substantial transportation/logistics workforce:

• Warehouse Worker / Warehouse Associate at Florida distribution centers (Florida hosts major distribution centers for Amazon, Walmart, Publix, Target, FedEx, UPS).
• Logistics Coordinator at logistics service providers and shipper organizations.
• Dispatch Coordinator at trucking and delivery companies.
• Inventory Clerk at warehouses and retail distribution.
• Cargo Handler at airports and ports.
• Continuation toward CDL training, A.S. in Logistics or Supply Chain Management, or other specialized transportation training.

Special Information

Florida Transportation/Logistics Industry

Florida's transportation/logistics industry is among the largest in the U.S. due to: 14 deepwater ports (including PortMiami, Port Everglades, Port Tampa Bay, JAXPORT, Port Canaveral); two of the world's busiest cruise ports; substantial Amazon, Walmart, Publix, FedEx, and UPS distribution operations; major airports (MIA, MCO, FLL, TPA, JAX); and the state's role as gateway for Latin American trade.

Industry Certifications

Coursework supports preparation for foundational credentials: OSHA 10-Hour General Industry, SAW (Supply and Warehousing) credentials from MSSC, forklift operator certification (typically employer-provided per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178).

Program Structure (PSAV / Clock-Hour)

TRA0087 clock-hour allocation typically ranges from 75 to 200 clock hours.