Transportation Job Overview and Description

Transportation is one of those sectors in our economy that extends to nearly every industry. Transportation and material moving occupations is projected to grow 6 percent in the next few years to keep up with the demand of goods that need to be transported. The economy depends on truck drivers to keep the supply chain moving. The sector is expected to see the most hires in trucking. Jobs demand in smaller sectors, such as railroad and maritime are also expected to see small growth due to an aging worker pool.

Transportation also includes the transport of people, also known as ride-hailing services. Demand is expected to increase in urban areas where passengers are more likely to take public transportation. Also, due to the rise of electronic hailing through the use of smart phone apps, employment of self-employed workers in this occupation is expected to grow 40 percent from 2016 to 2026. According to the BLS, the employment of wage and salary workers is expected to decline 15 percent from 2016 to 2026.


What are Transportation jobs?

Transportation includes jobs in trucking, railroad, maritime, and passenger transport. Whether it is passengers, materials, or products, transport workers are needed to take people and goods from one location to another. There are many different jobs available for applicants to choose from, though most of the demand for new applicants will be in the trucking sector.


Transportation job overview?

Most of these jobs will require workers to spend most of their time moving passengers and goods from one location to the next and will most likely spend a considerable amount of time away from home.

For Taxi drivers, ride-hail drivers, and chauffeurs, they experience some of the highest rates of injury and illnesses of all occupations, most resulting from traffic accidents.

Typical schedules for transportation will vary. Evening, overnight and weekend work is common. Many drivers may also be self-employed, such as truckers and ride-hail drivers and can usually set their own routes and schedule.


What are the different types of Transportation jobs?

  • Truckers. A truck driver is someone who operates a truck and transports goods from one location to another. Some drivers may travel long distances, usually spanning over several states.
  • Taxi Driver. Pick up and transport passengers throughout a city. They will usually drive around looking for passengers in large cities, or pickup passengers through a central dispatcher. They also use a meter to calculate the fare.
  • Ride-Hailing Drivers. These drivers pick up passengers who seek service through a smart phone. Drivers use their own private vehicles and set their own hours.
  • Chauffeurs. Transport passengers on prearranged trips. May be self-employed, hired by a person, or be employed by a private business or government agency.
  • Paratransit Drivers. Transport people with disabilities, or the elderly. They drive specially equipped vehicles to help people with various needs.

What type of education do you need for a Transportation job?

No formal education is required to enter this industry. Many drivers tend to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.


What is a typical salary for Transportation jobs?

The median annual wage for taxi drivers, ride-hailing drivers, and chauffeurs is around $24,880, with the lowest 10 percent being $24,880 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $39,380.

The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer drivers is $42,480. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,510 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $64,000.


What are the job requirements for Transportation jobs?

All jobs that transport passengers require that applicants have a regular driver’s license. Taxi drivers and chauffeurs may require a taxi or limo license depending on the state.

Truck drivers require a CDL and endorsements for operating specialized vehicles. Federal regulations require CDL drivers to maintain a clean driving record and pass a physical exam every two years. Drivers are subjected to random drug and alcohol tests.


Where can you find a Transportation job listing?

You can search for a transportation job listing through websites like CareerBuilder, Monster, Indeed, SimplyHired, and JobsInEachState.com. You can also check your local papers or do a general web search for your area for transportation jobs. Applicants interested in becoming a ride-hailing driver can get started by submitting a driver application through the service app’s website, submitting the necessary documentation and completing a screening.

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