Transport & Logistics
Logistics Manager; Traffic Engineer; Transport Engineer; Transport Planner; Systems Architect

The Sector
The transport and logistics sector encompasses the planning and provision of infrastructure and services to enable the movement of people and goods.  It encompasses a number of ‘modes’ (i.e. rail, road, walking, cycling, air, inland waterways and shipping) and importantly, the links between them. Transport is an essential requirement and is in need of revitalisation in the UK. The main issues for the sector relate to improving accessibility for all through an expanded public transport network, reducing congestion on the roads, improving safety and considering environmental impacts.

Sector Profile
Major private sector employers include transport operators, distribution companies and consultants, whilst public sector employers include local and national government. The rail industry alone is estimated to employ approximately 150,000 people.

The sector is growing in response to investment and requires trained transport planners working for local authorities and consultants to undertake strategic studies and develop scheme proposals. With many environmental jobs linked to transport, the upward trend in jobs is likely to be mirrored amongst environmental professionals working in transport.

Issues and Trends
Car travel accounts for four fifths of total passenger miles travelled and nearly all freight miles. However, the provision and use of transport has a high environmental cost. The rising demand for transport is coinciding with legislation and high public expectations relating to environmental protection. Transport policy development requires careful balancing between economic, social and environmental concerns.

Globally, the increasing prosperity in some developing nations, the lifting of international trade barriers and advances in technology are driving the increased movement of people and goods across boundaries.  For many, increasing personal mobility is having a positive effect on the local economy, but in turn puts extra pressure on the environment. Overseas opportunities in the transport sector are available to people working in UK engineering and environmental consultancy companies. 

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