Short Course
Transportation Operations and Sourcing
Learn the fundamentals of transportation management. Analyze freight needs, source carriers effectively, improve service levels, and reduce transportation costs.
Current Offerings
Overview
Who Should Attend
This introductory program is for managers and directors who are new to the transportation field, new to managing transportation-related staff, or anyone looking to brush up on current transportation issues and strategies:
Purchasing and Inventory Manager
Contracting Officer
S&OP Manager
Strategic Sourcing Director
Program Benefits
Improve your ability to effectively:
Understand transportation's role in supply chain performance
Navigate economic, regulatory, and industry changes
Select the right transportation modes for products and markets
Understand carrier pricing and transportation costs
Source, negotiate, and manage freight services
Improve service levels while controlling transportation spend
The strategies for doing RFP's and general market conditions were both well explained and very useful for me."
Matthew Smith
Logistics Manager, North American Hoganas
Program Content
Domestic transportation
Economic trends and issues
Legislative/regulatory trends and issues
Global transportation
Parcel and air
Truckload (TL)
Less-than-truckload (LTL)
Railroad
Ocean/International
Transportation planning and execution
Carrier selection and relationship management
Performance measurement and continuous improvement
Managing transportation costs and service levels
Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
Real-time visibility and shipment tracking tools
Data analytics and reporting for transportation decisions
Automation and digital solutions for operational efficiency
Demystifying transportation pricing
Components of transportation cost
How carriers approach the bidding process
Identification of potential providers
What is a Request for Information (RFI) and what is included?
What is a Request for Proposal (RFP) and what is included?
How to evaluate responses
Comparing “apples to apples” in responses and rates
Faculty
Chris Norek, Ph.D.
Senior Partner, Chain Connectors
Chris brings over 20 years of supply chain expertise across consulting, industry, and academia. His experience includes strategy, demand planning, transportation, distribution networks, facility design, SKU and supplier rationalization, technology selection and implementation, and returns management. He was named a DC Velocity “Rain Maker” in 2018.
Gail Rutkowski
Former Executive Director, National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council
Gail Rutkowski is a transportation and logistics leader with 30+ years of experience. She founded Wabash Worldwide Logistics and worked across domestic and international operations. A former NASSTRAC executive director and president, she received the organization's Excellence in Transportation Award.
Professional Certificate
Supply Chain Certificates
This course is one of three programs required for our Supply Chain certificate. Complete the programs in any order and develop expertise in supply chain operations, leadership, and management.
Customize this Program
All programs and delivered to groups of 10 or more. A member of our team will reach out to discuss your goals and explore the right fit for your group. You can also reach us directly at 800-311-6364.
Additional Information
Our Learning Solutions Associate can hold a seat for you in the program. A reservation does not commit you until you submit the online registration form. To reserve your spot, email our office.
A 10% reduced rate on live remote delivery is available to military and government employees, Penn State alumni, individuals pursuing a professional certificate, teams of three or more from the same organization, and CSCR corporate sponsors or affiliated groups.
Yes. This program can count toward a . Complete three qualifying programs at your own pace to earn the certificate. Note: Each program can only count toward one certificate.
After you register, you’ll gain access to your personal learning portal. There, you’ll find pre-program assignments, information about faculty and fellow participants, plus other program resources.
Accepted applicants can transfer to another section if the transfer is arranged more than four weeks before the program begins. Additional transfers are subject to a charge of 10% of the current program fee. A sponsoring company may also identify a replacement candidate, provided the candidate is accepted into the program.
Refunds are based on when written notice of withdrawal is received:
More than six weeks before the program begins: Full refund
Between two and six weeks before the program begins: 50% refund
Two weeks or less before the program begins: No refund
All withdrawals, transfers, and substitutions must be confirmed in writing by the registered participant or their agent. If written notification is not received, the full program fee will be assessed.
Penn State may cancel or postpone a program due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled, registration fees will be refunded; however, Penn State is not responsible for other related expenses, including airline or travel agency cancellation or change fees. If a program is postponed, you may receive a refund or transfer your program fee to another session.
If you have questions about transfers or cancellations, please contact us.