Business - Supply Chain and Operations for Commercial Trucking

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel
COMP1927

Description: This course introduces students to the computer skills required for success in school and the workplace. Students will learn the basics of Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel. Students will practice using Microsoft Office applications to create and modify educational and workplace documents.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

Hours: 1
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Finance in Logistics and Transportation
FIN2180

Description: All managers in a transportation organization need financial management skills to make decisions and manage projects within an organization. This introductory course will teach students to apply the concepts of finance and financial management for organizations operating in the transportation sector. Students will develop an appreciation for the techniques used to control financial risk. Students will be able to apply concepts of financial accounting to both personal and business situations, including the preparation and use of basic financial statements. Management accounting topics will allow the students to understand cost behaviour and its use in decision-making, evaluate capital investments, and prepare operating budgets.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Introduction to Transportation Systems
TRAN1000

Description: This course will explore the history and foundations of the transportation industry. Students will learn how transportation integrates with the larger supply chain, and how these systems have evolved to form the current framework of the industry. Students will connect the context and history of transportation to the current language, roles, and practices involved in the industry.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Logistics, Transportation and Trucking I
TRAN1010

Description: Students will be introduced to the day-to-day operations of the trucking industry in this fundamental course. Industry trends and the structure and business model of various trucking organizations will be explored. This course will focus on the equipment used and the inspection process that goes along with it. Students will learn the role of the driver within the trucking industry and how they interact with others in the organization. As part of this course, students are expected to spend 28 hours in a simulation environment to apply what they have learned.

Hours: 84
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Principles of Distribution and Logistics
TRAN1040

Description: This course will provide the students with the knowledge and necessary skill set to implement and manage the core principles and activities in distribution and logistics. Topics will include channels of distribution, total logistics concept, inventory and purchasing logistic integration, national and international freight logistics, cost and performance monitoring, planning, and the challenges facing logistics and distribution in a globalized marketplace.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Professional Communication Strategies
COMM1255

Description: With a view to developing professional communication strategies, this course will enable students to learn how to effectively communicate with co-workers, customers and border authorities as emerging transportation professionals. Professional presence, including appearance, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, attitude and etiquette will be reviewed as students will develop hands-on experience through presentations and communication assignments as well as mock scenarios where relevant professional situations will be practiced.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: COMM1085
CoRequisites:

Project Scope and Schedule Management
MGMT1245

Description: Project managers need to ensure that the scope and schedule of the project is effectively managed from concept through to implementation. This course will explore on all aspects of scope and schedule management including the link to company strategy, concept development, business case, contract management, requirements gathering, work breakdown, scope and schedule definition, schedule creation and management, critical path assessment. Students will learn strategies to ensure that the project implements the scope as agreed, in the schedule as intended. The constant challenge of balancing scope and timing will be studied in detail.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: COMP1927
CoRequisites:

Introduction to Truck Service and Maintenance
TRAN1020

Description:

This course provides students with an overview of service and maintenance practices for truck and coach systems. Major components and basic maintenance practices associated with the service and repair of commercial trucks will be introduced, with an emphasis on safe work practices in a shop environment. Students will learn to identify the differences in truck and trailer configurations, their major components, and the basic maintenance practices associated with the service and repair of commercial trucks.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Logistics, Transportation and Trucking II
TRAN1030

Description:

This course builds on students’ learning from Logistics, Transportation and Trucking I to provide an overview of the legal implications of the trucking industry. Border crossing, transporting goods, documentation and load security will be essential elements the student will need to be successful. In this course, students will explore the different areas of the transportation industry to better understand the logistics environment.

Hours: 84
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: TRAN1010
CoRequisites:

Technology in Trucking
TRAN1050

Description: During this course the student will learn to effectively use software and systems currently employed by the trucking industry. Hours of service software and electronic logging devices will be practiced in order to give the student an understanding of how this technology integrates with business best practice and to prepare the student for success in their career. Students will learn the technology used for managing dispatches and driver management including industry-leading programs currently in use.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Current Topics in Trucking
TRAN1060

Description:

This course explores current trends, topics, and challenges impacting the trucking industry. Through class discussions and research activities, students will examine and assess changes currently arising in logistics and transportation, and their associated challenges. Emphasis is placed on the nature of change in the industry and the importance of maintaining awareness of industry trends.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Elective
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Introduction to Project Time and Cost Management
MGMT1235

Description: Project managers need to ensure that the cost and risks of the project are effectively managed from concept through to implementation. This course will explore on all aspects of cost and risk management including the link to concept development, scope, schedule, procurement, budget baselining, cost estimates, risk planning, risk response and control. Students will learn costing and risk strategies to ensure that the project achieves its contractual deliverables within the budget and schedule as intended.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: MGMT1245
CoRequisites:

Safety in Trucking Operations
OHS1490

Description:

This course is designed to provide knowledge and understanding in various safety and compliance related topics pertinent to a transportation/logistics environment. Topics introduced: due diligence, fleet safety, occupational health and safety, policies, safety management systems, personal safety considerations on the road, risk assessments, insurance, claims and risk management. Students will study various regulations, best practices, policies, and programs to develop an understanding of what is required to build a robust safety program while exploring the connection of these activities to supporting a successful business through safety and risk management.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Integrated Logistics in the Supply Chain
TRAN2000

Description:

This course explores industry best practices for Integrated Logistics management. Students will learn to relate logistics to supply chain operations and how decisions specific to organizational structure, cost, order management, and customer service are made in a cross-functional environment. Through case studies and classroom discussions, they will also learn to analyze logistics operations to identify primary drivers, challenges, and opportunities for efficiencies or risk reduction.

Hours: 84
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: TRAN1040
CoRequisites:

Truck and Repair Practices
TRAN2010

Description: In this course students will learn the basic working knowledge of recommended trade work practices; operating principles, testing and servicing of tools and equipment; and seals, bearings, and gaskets.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: TRAN1020
CoRequisites:

Load Distribution
TRAN2020

Description:

This course will provide students with an introduction to Load Distribution. Students will understand the general processes and techniques required to gather information, and correctly assign the loads to a transportation vehicle.

By exploring various concepts related to Load Distribution, the students will gain an understanding of how to manage a shipment taking into consideration equipment, delivery volume, type of transportation, distance, weight, and capacity. Students will be exposed to the dynamics of the industry and understand how equipment, customers service, load capacity, industry personal, the legal environment, load limitations etc. all affect Load Distribution.

Laboratory exercises focusing on Load Distribution in a transport truck will also provide a practical application of theories as well as understanding the field of physics and measurements and calculations involved in the basic principles of Load Distribution. Areas such as kinematics, and dynamics will be discussed as well.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Elective
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Career Discovery
CDEV1840

Description: This course focuses on career exploration and decision making. Students will evaluate their interests, values, skills and abilities through assessment tools and explore the labour market to identify employment trends aligned to their strengths. Effective communication strategies to aid success in the workplace will be covered. By the end of this course, students will have created a personalized development plan to support their future career goals.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Owner Operator
TRAN2030

Description:

This course introduces students to what to expect as an owner operator and guides them to examine their goals in the industry. The course will explore tax implications, mileage, carrier contracts and how to develop relationships with truck dealers. Students will learn why carrier contracts are critical to optimizing and maximizing revenue and profit as an owner operator. Students will learn to select a truck and carrier, as well as to budget revenue and expenses to plan a year of profit potential.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Professionalism in Trucking
TRAN2040

Description: The course introduces students to the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide service excellence in the workplace. This course focuses on both the organizational theory that defines service cycle management and the practical skills required in a customer service organization. Practical application through mock situations ‘on the road’ will give students the tools for career success.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: COMM1255
CoRequisites:

Capstone (Logistics and Commercial Trucking)
TRAN2080

Description:

This course will challenge students to synthesize the program learning outcomes to create a supply chain map that represents the events in the development, creation, distribution, and return of a product in changing business landscapes. The focus of the course is on effective logistics operations in an environment of continuous change.

Hours: 140
Credits: 9
Pre-Requisites: FIN2180 AND MGMT1235 AND OHS1490 AND TRAN1030 AND TRAN2000
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Elective
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

Examine the connections between strategic objectives, stakeholder expectations, and the functions, processes and roles within a supply chain, to support decision-making, problem[1]solving and completion of tasks.
Support supply chain business operations using accounting and financial analysis.
Identify compliance issues within a supply chain to inform business operations.
Identify risk mitigation tools and strategies to support business operations within a supply chain.
Contribute to the acquisition and sale of goods, services and materials in accordance with best practices and stakeholder expectations across a variety of industries.
Contribute to the planning and scheduling of material requirements and resource allocation, and the management of inventories, for efficient production and fulfillment of customer orders and returns.
Coordinate the efficient handling and movement of goods, services, materials and related information within a supply chain.
Contribute to the identification and management of continuous improvements to functions and processes within a supply chain.
Use available technologies to enhance work performance and support supply chain functions, processes, transactions and communications.
Monitor relevant trends, emerging technologies, and local and global economic, political and environmental issues to enhance work performance and support management decisions.
Perform tasks in accordance with policies and procedures for workplace health and safety and industry standards and best practices for professional, ethical and accountable conduct and communications.
Collaborate with a diversity of stakeholders to facilitate business operations within a supply chain.
Participate in facilitated learning opportunities for personal, career and professional development.
Use physics of load configuration, weights and dimensions specific to transporting goods for the safe and legal operation of a transport vehicle and to support other activities in a supply chain operation.
Maintain the safe and integral operation of a tractor trailer and its parts, including effectuating repairs, in accordance with industry best practices and relevant traffic legislation.