Sustainable Freight Foundations Certificate

Professional Development Course

California leads the nation in adapting the transportation infrastructure to cleaner energy standards, including the regulation of low-emission and zero-emission vehicles that mitigate pollutants and greenhouse gases. To address energy goals that move freight sustainably, workforce training and development is critical. The Sustainable Freight Foundations Certificate was developed by the Center for International Trade and Transportation (CITT) at CSULB as part of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan. This 30-hour program meets the needs of freight operators within California and beyond, as the entire industry transitions to cleaner technology.

The program provides foundational knowledge in both freight systems and energy systems management as well as digital-based project management. It enables those who seek entry or advancement in this dynamic industry to prepare for a future of alternative fuels and electrification. Taught by industry experts, the certificate program will help students to make decisions about transitioning to a cleaner fleet; demonstrate compliance with state and federal regulations; and develop Key Performance Indictors (KPI) for a company’s sustainability plans.

Students who have completed the program identified several ways in which they have used knowledge gained from this program on their jobs, from responding to their company’s regulatory compliance needs, to purchasing new equipment and installing new charging stations. They were also prepared for changes in the sustainable freight landscape, whether applied to shifting risks in legal contracts or critical skills needed during the pandemic and economic downturn.

The resulting Certificate demonstrates graduates’ proficiency in sustainable planning and operations. Those who successfully complete this program are eligible to receive a Digital Badge from CSULB’s College of Professional and Continuing Education. Each Digital Badge is embedded with a link to secure and specific information confirming that the participant has obtained the necessary skills and competencies as described in the program. The badge also includes the participant’s name, the course title, and date of completion. Badges are shareable and can be uploaded to CVs, resumes, social media profiles, or other digital platforms. Click here to learn more about Digital Badges.

  • Freight operators of any size and with any area of specialization (including drayage trucking, rail, manufacturers (OEMs), freight forwarders, distribution and warehousing, and transloading facilities)
  • Facilities Managers
  • Fleet Coordinators/Managers
  • Compliance Managers
  • Safety and Security Operations Managers / Safety, Security, and Environmental (SSE) Compliance Managers
  • Documentation Managers
  • Maintenance Managers
  • Environmental Planners
  • Transportation Planners/Managers
  • Freight Program Managers
  • Industry-relevant, updated curriculum encompassing freight and energy system management
  • Taught by experienced practitioners and industry leaders
  • Networking opportunities
  • Enhanced opportunities for entry or advancement in the industry
  • Convenient and flexible scheduling
  • Customizable for companies or industry sectors
  • Scholarships available
  • How to identify critical issues in freight systems, regulatory compliance, energy, sustainability, and infrastructure
  • How to use data and metrics in decision-making processes
  • The technical skill sets to address emerging shifts in sustainable freight systems that require efficient and green practices
  • Cross-functional skills and practical expertise in critical areas of sustainable freight, including financial sustainability
  • How to contribute value and drive change in companies or agencies
  • Agility, flexibility, technological transfer, and the value of continuous learning while contributing to an organization’s growth

The Sustainable Freight Foundations Certificate is awarded by the Center for International Trade and Transportation (CITT) at CSULB to those who complete all program requirements, including:

  • All modules
  • All program requirements within two years of initial program registration
  • The final Capstone project
  • Presentation of the team project to an industry panel
  • Earning the Sustainable Freight Foundations Certificate and corresponding Digital Badge*

*Students may earn Digital Badges for individual courses, excluding the Capstone project