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Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics2026-10-15T11:22:10-05:00

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Every product that moves from a manufacturer to your door passes through a network of people who know how to keep things moving. This pathway puts students at the center of that system.

Careers in This Field

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics is one of the broadest pathways available — spanning diesel mechanics, supply chain management, aviation, fleet operations, and warehousing. Below is a look at where this pathway leads, organized by the education level each role typically requires.

With a High School Diploma2026-09-17T15:58:34-05:00

Logistics and distribution employers are hiring at every level — and many entry-level roles come with competitive wages and clear advancement paths into skilled technical or supervisory positions.

Forklift Operator

Move and position materials, pallets, and inventory in warehouse and distribution center environments.

Picker/Packer

Fulfill orders by selecting and packaging products for shipment in a distribution center.

Inventory Clerk

Track, record, and manage stock levels to support accurate inventory control.

Dispatcher

Coordinate vehicle assignments, routes, and schedules to ensure efficient transport operations.

Auto Detailer

Clean, restore, and protect vehicle interiors and exteriors for dealerships and fleet operations.

Freight Coordinator

Arrange shipments, track cargo, and communicate with carriers to ensure on-time delivery.

Truck Driver

Operate commercial vehicles to deliver goods between warehouses, distribution centers, and end destinations.

Customer Service Representative

Support clients, carriers, and internal teams with shipment tracking, issue resolution, and account management.

Ramp Attendant

Handle baggage, cargo, and aircraft ground support operations at airport facilities.

Gate Agent

Process passengers, manage boarding, and support departure operations at airport gates.

With Additional Training, a Certification, or Technical Diploma2026-09-17T16:13:05-05:00

Technical credentials open up the skilled roles that keep fleets, equipment, and transportation systems operational — some of the most in-demand positions in the region.

Diesel and Heavy Truck Technician

Diagnose, service, and repair diesel engines, transmissions, and systems in heavy-duty vehicles.

Auto Technician

Inspect, maintain, and repair passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks.

Auto Body Technician

Restore vehicle bodies and frames following collision damage using structural repair and finishing techniques.

Aircraft Mechanic

Inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft airframes and mechanical systems under FAA guidelines.

Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic

Hold FAA certification to work on both aircraft structures and engine systems.

Avionics Technician

Install and maintain aircraft electronic systems — navigation, communication, and flight control.

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Technician

Assemble, maintain, and troubleshoot drone systems for commercial and industrial applications.

Logistics Coordinator

Manage the flow of goods between suppliers, warehouses, and customers.

Powered Equipment Technician

Service and repair powered industrial and construction equipment — forklifts, cranes, and loaders.

Truck Driver (Heavy/Tractor Trailer)

Operate Class A commercial vehicles for long-haul and regional freight delivery.

Railroad Operator

Control trains and railyard equipment for passenger and freight rail operations.

Warehouse Associate

Support distribution center operations — receiving, sorting, storage, and order fulfillment.

With a Registered Apprenticeship2026-09-17T16:17:15-05:00

Professional Truck Driver

Complete a structured apprenticeship that leads to full CDL licensure and professional driving credentials.

Roadway Maintenance Technician

Maintain and repair road surfaces, markings, and transportation infrastructure under apprenticeship supervision.

With an Associate Degree2026-09-17T16:18:51-05:00

An associate degree shifts the focus from operating systems to managing and coordinating them — purchasing, compliance, planning, and supply chain analysis.

Business/Supply Chain Analyst

Analyze supply chain data to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements in procurement and distribution.

Purchasing Agent

Source and negotiate the purchase of goods, materials, and services for organizations.

Import/Export Specialist

Manage the documentation, compliance, and logistics of international trade shipments.

Quality Assurance Technician

Verify that products and processes meet specifications and regulatory standards in distribution environments.

Logistics Coordinator

Oversee the movement of goods through a supply chain — planning routes, managing vendors, and tracking shipments.

Aviation Manager

Oversee ground operations, staff, and scheduling at aviation facilities and airports.

Planner/Scheduler

Develop and manage production and distribution schedules to meet demand and minimize cost.

Operations Manager

Oversee daily warehouse, fleet, or distribution center operations — staffing, performance, and process improvement.
With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher2026-09-17T16:20:47-05:00

Four-year programs lead to the engineering, leadership, and management careers that design, direct, and optimize transportation and logistics systems at scale.

Supply Chain Manager

Oversee end-to-end supply chain strategy — sourcing, production, distribution, and customer fulfillment.

Transportation Manager

Plan and manage the movement of goods and people across a regional or national transportation network.

Industrial Engineer

Optimize production, distribution, and logistics systems to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Fleet Manager

Oversee vehicle acquisition, maintenance, compliance, and operations for a commercial or government fleet.

Aerospace Engineer

Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion systems for commercial, defense, and research applications.

Environmental, Health & Safety Manager

Develop and enforce safety and environmental compliance programs across transportation and logistics operations.

Procurement Manager

Lead organizational purchasing strategy — vendor selection, contract management, and cost control.

Global Transportation Manager

Coordinate international freight, customs compliance, and multi-modal transportation strategy.

Distribution Manager

Direct the operations of a distribution center — receiving, storage, fulfillment, and outbound shipping.

Why This Field in Kenosha County

$30–38/hr

typical pay for distribution roles in the area

10,000+

new jobs the sector has contributed in the county over the last decade

Few regions are better positioned for logistics careers than Kenosha County. Uline — one of North America’s largest distributors of shipping and industrial supplies — is headquartered in neighboring Pleasant Prairie, making it one of the region’s most significant employers. The county’s location between Chicago and Milwaukee, combined with its interstate access and warehouse infrastructure, has made it a hub for distribution and supply chain operations.

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics at KTEC

Courses at KTEC

Every KTEC student builds a foundation in our dedicated technology labs before advancing into specialized coursework. For Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics students, that foundation — safety, systems thinking, and technical problem-solving — maps directly onto what diesel technicians, fleet professionals, and logistics specialists do every day.

KTEC Core Courses

Tech 1

Introduction to technology systems, tools, and problem-solving in a hands-on lab environment.

Tech 2

Advanced application of technology concepts, with increasing focus on precision and project work.

Tech 3

Specialized technology applications with deeper emphasis on pathway-relevant skills and independent projects.

Digital Art

Design fundamentals and digital production skills applied across logistics documentation, planning, and communication.

Industrial Safety

Workplace safety standards, hazard identification, and safe equipment operation practices.

Gateway Technical College Courses

Diesel technology is one of the most in-demand skilled trades in the region — and KTEC students can begin earning Gateway college credit in it before graduation. Through our partnership with Gateway Technical College, Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics students take the same diesel coursework delivered in Gateway’s full Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology program.

Diesel Technology Courses2026-09-17T16:24:06-05:00

412-111 Diesel Maintenance Fundamentals

Introduction to diesel engine systems — how they work, how they’re maintained, and how they’re diagnosed.

412-116 Diesel Preventative Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance procedures for diesel engines, including fluid services, filters, and inspections.

412-106 Diesel Brake Systems

Air and hydraulic brake system diagnosis, service, and repair for heavy-duty vehicles.

412-117 Diesel Suspension & Steering Systems

Front and rear suspension, steering geometry, and alignment procedures for commercial vehicles.

412-107 Diesel Electricity 1

Electrical fundamentals — circuits, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic tools specific to diesel vehicles.

412-112 Diesel Drive Trains

Clutches, manual transmissions, driveshafts, and differentials in heavy-duty powertrain systems.

412-114 Diesel Heating, Cooling & Air Conditioning

HVAC systems in commercial vehicles — diagnosis, service, and refrigerant handling.

Start College Now (Gateway Campus)2026-09-17T16:25:47-05:00

KTEC students may also enroll directly at Gateway Technical College for general education credit.

809-198 Introduction to Psychology

Foundational principles of human behavior, cognition, and psychological science.

809-196 Introduction to Sociology

Social forces that shape communities, organizations, and workplace dynamics.

Certifications & Credentials

KTEC Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics students graduate with safety and technical certifications that translate directly to employer expectations in diesel, fleet, and distribution environments.

Pathway-Specific Certifications

Bendix Air Brake System

Bendix

Residential Rd 400x400

EPA 609 & 608 Refrigerant Recycling

EPA

S/P2 Heavy-Duty Equipment and Diesel Technology Safety

S/P2

OSHA 30

OSHA

Certifications Available to All KTEC Students

504f

NC3 Snap-on Multimeter

Snap-on / NC3

Torque Theory

NC3 Snap-on Torque

Snap-on / NC3

NC3 Snap-on Precision Measurement

Snap-on / NC3

Tool Id 1

NC3 Snap-on Tool Identification

Snap-on / NC3

Tornach Cnc Fundamentals

Tormach CNC Fundamentals

Tormach

Festo Intro To Cad

Introduction to CAD

Festo

Dremel 3d Printing

Dremel 3D Printing

Dremel

Dremel Lc 40 Laser

Dremel Laser Cutter

Dremel

Data Analytics I

Data Analytics I — Harnessing the Power of Data

Trane

OSHA 10

OSHA

3m Fall Protection

3M PPE

3M

3M Professionalism

3M

Work-Based Learning & CTSOs

KTEC students don’t have to wait for graduation to start building a career. Paid work experience with local employers and hands-on trade competitions give them a real head start while they’re still in high school.

Youth Apprenticeship

The logistics and transportation industry runs on people who know how to work. Through Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship program, Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics students can earn paid, supervised experience with a regional employer while still in high school — logging hours in a warehouse, service bay, or distribution center that count toward graduation and often lead directly to continued employment. Given the concentration of logistics employers in Kenosha County, YA placements in this pathway are among the most accessible available.

SkillsUSA

Every KTEC pathway is anchored by SkillsUSA — a national career and technical student organization where students develop leadership, teamwork, and professional skills alongside their technical training. SkillsUSA members compete at local, state, and national levels in hands-on contests tied directly to their field.

Post-Secondary Options

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics graduates leave KTEC with diesel coursework, safety certifications, and work experience that set them apart — whether they’re going straight into the workforce or continuing their technical education.

1

Enter the Workforce

Enter diesel, fleet, or distribution roles with Gateway college credit, EPA and Bendix certifications, and real employer experience already behind you. Major regional employers like Uline are active in the Kenosha-area workforce pipeline.

2

Continue at Gateway

Continue Gateway’s Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology or Transportation/Logistics programs with KTEC credits already applied toward your program.

3

Transfer to a 4-Year College

KTEC coursework and Gateway credits transfer toward supply chain management, industrial engineering, and logistics programs at Wisconsin universities.

Ready to start this pathway?

Enrollment at KTEC is open to all students in grades 4K–12. No application fee. No academic requirement.