Breakbulk Americas 2011: Demand Increases for Logistics Professionals

Education Day at the Breakbulk Americas 2011 convention in New Orleans closed with good news for future transportation professionals from Sean Carney, president and CEO of Rickmers-Linie Americas. Large project contracts are once again being signed as industries emerge from the global recession and, as a result, the demand for experienced transportation managers is increasing.

Carney urged attendees to maximize their opportunities to intern in the industry. Be curious, ask questions. He also said that students should study the industry on their own and ask themselves how world events are tied to cargo shipments.

"Consider an oil rig shipped to Brazil, dump trucks to China, and understand what drives these jobs," he said. Transportation professionals gain insight by analyzing uncertainties in the market such as the European financial crisis, China, developing nations and the upcoming elections in the U.S. and its economic recovery. In this business, the key is to look at these conditions and how they may impact the volume and direction of cargo.

"Transportation challenges will not go away," he said. "The more you can put in that tool kit today, the more weight it will carry tomorrow."

Uncertainty brings both challenges and job satisfaction. World travel, the excitement of day-to-day adventures and working with many industries are the advantages of working in transportation and logistics, according to Carney.

"What you don't see in this field are people leaving the industry," he said. "Even if they leave, they usually come back. Experience in logistics will set you part from others, no matter where you end up in your career. “

Carney was promoted to CEO of Rickmers-Linie in June 2011 and began his career in logistics as an officer in the United States Army.

Students received a certificate of participation for Breakbulk Education Day. Students have the opportunity to post their resumes on Breakbulk.com.