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Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Competency Model

The competency model framework for the transportation, distribution and logistics industry was developed through a collaborative effort involving the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and leading industry and labor organizations.

To ensure that the model reflects the knowledge and skills needed by today's transportation, distribution and logistics workforce, ETA worked with DOT and industry stakeholders to update the original Model. Completed in February 2014, the updated model features a new Tier 5 providing background on specific transportation sectors and a reorganization of Tier 4, as well as several updated competency areas.

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In 2025, the foundational tiers of the model were updated to align with changes in the Building Blocks Model. For more information, download the Summary of Changes.

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Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Competency Model

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Building Blocks Pyramid

<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Displaying skills to work with others. <strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Displaying accepted social and work behaviors. <strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Maintaining a professional demeanor. <strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrating a willingness to work. <strong>1.5 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Displaying responsible behaviors at work. <strong>1.6 Adaptability and Flexibility</strong> Being open to change and to considerable variety in the workplace. <strong>1.7 Lifelong Learning</strong> Understanding the importance of learning new information for both current and future problem solving and decision making. <strong>2.1 Communication—Visual and Verbal</strong> Listening, speaking, and signaling so others can understand. Communicate in spoken English well enough to be understood by others. <strong>2.2 Reading</strong> Understanding written sentences, paragraphs, and figures in work-related documents. <strong>2.3 Locating and Using Information</strong> Functional and critical thinking skills related to information, media, and technology. <strong>2.4 Writing</strong> Using standard English to compile information and prepare written documents. <strong>2.5 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)</strong> Applying basic scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical principles to complete tasks. <strong>2.6 Critical and Analytical Thinking</strong> Possessing sufficient inductive and deductive reasoning ability to perform job successfully. <strong>2.7 Information Technology Fundamentals</strong> Using a computer, communication devices, and related applications to input, retrieve, and communicate information. <strong>2.7 Basic Computer Skills</strong> Using information technology and related applications, including adaptive devices and software, to convey and retrieve information. <strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. <strong>3.2 Customer Focus</strong> Efficiently and effectively addressing the needs of clients/customers. <strong>3.3 Planning and Organizing</strong> Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. <strong>3.4 Problem Solving and Decision Making</strong> Applying critical thinking skills to solve problems encountered on the work site. <strong>3.5 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology to facilitate work activity. <strong>3.6 Scheduling and Coordinating</strong> Making arrangements that fulfill all requirements as efficiently and economically as possible. <strong>3.7 Checking, Examining, and Recording</strong> Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic format. <strong>3.8 Business Fundamentals</strong> Application of basic business and management principles to connect industry trends with services the company sells and provides to the customer. <strong>4.1 Industry Fundamentals</strong> Knowledge of the fundamentals of the transportation, distribution, and logistics industry, including transportation modes and the industry’s key components. <strong>4.2 Design and Development</strong> Activities related to the research, design, and development of transportation systems capable of moving materials, products, and people to meet customer’s requirements. <strong>4.3 Operations and Management</strong> Activities related to the implementation, management, and control of transportation systems. <strong>4.4 Maintenance and Repair</strong> Activities related to the maintenance and repair of transportation facilities, equipment, infrastructure, and systems. <strong>4.5 Technology Applications</strong> Maintaining an awareness of technological advances and applying appropriate technology to transportation, distribution, and logistics processes. <strong>4.6 Regulations</strong> Compliance with relevant local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations that impact the transportation, distribution, and logistics industry. <strong>4.7 Safety and Security</strong> Assessing and managing risks associated with safety and security. <strong>5.1 Air Transportation</strong> The activities required to provide for the air transportation of passengers and/or cargo using aircraft such as airplanes and helicopters. Includes both scheduled and non-scheduled carriers. <strong>5.2 Rail Transportation</strong> The activities required to provide rail transportation of passengers and/or cargo using railroad rolling stock. <strong>5.3 Maritime Transportation</strong> The activities required to provide for the water transportation of passengers and cargo using watercraft such as ships, barges, and boats. Includes both deep sea and inland waterway. <strong>5.4 Highway Transportation</strong> The activities required to provide over-the-road transportation of cargo using motor vehicles such as trucks and tractor-trailers. Includes both generalized and special freight trucking. <strong>5.5 Public Transit and Ground Transportation Systems</strong> The activities required to provide passenger transportation through a variety of means such as urban transit systems; chartered bus, school bus, and interurban bus transportation; and taxis. <strong>5.6 Warehousing</strong> The activities required for the operation of warehousing and storage facilities for general merchandise, refrigerated goods, and other warehouse products. <strong>5.7 Pipeline</strong> The activities required to construct, operate, and maintain transmission pipelines to transport products such as crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum products, and slurry. <strong>5.8 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, the Postal Service, and Couriers and Messengers</strong> Three subsectors are grouped together: NAICS 487, 491, and 492. Click here to search for O*NET Occupational Competencies Profiles