Transportation Modes and Nodes

This course provides an overview of the role of freight transportation to drive global economic development from its historical roots into the future. Global supply chains are built on a foundation of transportation modes. This foundation has evolved with value derived from speed, cost, capacity, flexibility, reliability, and technological adaption. Greater risk is now present in this foundation stemming from cyberthreats, political volatility, and public health crises. Transport modes have grown over time to include maritime (ships and barges,) surface (rail, trucks, and vans,) air (planes, helicopters, and drones,) and underground (pipelines.) Students will learn about the characteristics of these modes and the nodes with which they interact including ports, terminals, distribution centers, and flow centers. Whether working for a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or e-tailer, students learn how effectively manage transportation, which is a key factor in profitability and customer satisfaction.