Global Logistics and Transportation Professional Development Course


A woman and man at a Port location with hardhats

The College of Charleston Global Logistics and Transportation Professional Development course is designed to provide practical knowledge and training in the many diverse areas of the global logistics and transportation industry. This comprehensive program covers railroad operations, port information systems, maritime law, transportation analytics and more. You will learn a comprehensive overview of transportation, logistics and supply chain activities.

You'll learn from industry experts in four modules that will lead you through your training. Each concludes with an exam. The four training modules are:

  • Arranging the Move
  • The Port of Charleston
  • Moving the Goods
  • Support Activities & Shippers

Industry experts come from leading logistics, supply chain, and transportation companies, including the South Carolina Ports, Boeing, Palmetto Roadways and more.

Who should enroll

  • Current global logistics and transportation professionals, such as logistics coordinators/managers, freight forwarders, and supply chain managers
  • Entry-level logistics and transportation professionals
  • Career switchers looking to gain a comprehensive overview of the logistics and transportation industry

What you will earn

  • 1.2 College of Charleston CEUs per module (or 4.8 CEUs for the bundle program)
  • Certificate of completion

Training Modules


Each module in the Global Logistics and Transportation Professional Training Program features a focus area with targeted learning objectives, five weeks of lectures led by industry professionals, a final written exam, and a certificate of completion awarded to participants who earn at least 60% on the exam.
  • Module 1 - Arranging the Move

    Topics

    • Orientation/Introduction – Kent Gourdin
    • Managing the Export Move – Nick Vecchiolla, John S. James Co
    • Ocean Transportation and Freight Forwarding – Brandon Markland, Expeditors International
    • Maritime Insurance – Jason Odgers, World Insurance Agency
    • Managing the Import Move – Connor Damewood, John S. James Co
    Register for Module 1 Class
  • Module 2 - The Port of Charleston

    Topics

    • Maritime Association – Taylor Jackson, Maritime Assoc. of SC
    • Harbor Pilots – Rob Weil, Charleston Branch Pilots
    • Tugs – Karen McDonald, Moran Towing
    • Port Overview – Cami McCoy, SC Ports Authority
    • Port Information Systems – Stephen Rauch, SC Ports
    Register for Module 2 Class
  • Module 3 - Moving the Goods

    Topics

    • Transportation Analytics – Michael Patrick, Allen Lund Company
    • Railroad Operations – Greg Walling, Genesee & Wyoming RR
    • Short Line Railroads – TBD
    • Motor Carrier Operations & Pricing – Mike Hedgepath, Southeastern Freight Lines
    • BMW Vehicle Distribution – Brian Snavely, BMW Manufacturing
    • Seafarers – Clark Cromwell, Charleston Seafarers
    Register for Module 3 Class
  • Module 4 - Support Activities & Shippers

    Topics

    • Maritime Law – Julius “Sam” Hines, Hines Law LLC
    • Shippers' Perspective – Diana Radomyslsky, Boeing Corporation
    • The Life of a Merchant Mariner – William Dutour, Master, M/V Maersk Memphis (Ret)
    • Ocean Carrier Operations & Pricing – Chris Downey, Mediterranean Shipping Co
    • TBD
    Register for Module 4 Class
  • Bundle & Save

    Interested in taking all four training modules? Save by enrolling in the GLAT Training Program bundle. Participants who successfully complete all four modules earn a program certificate. Modules must be completed within three calendar years.

    Register for Program Bundle

Frequently Asked Questions


Here are some answers to common questions about our Global Logistics and Transportation Professional Development course.
  • Who is the course instructor?

    Your primary instructor will be Kent Gourdin, D.B.A. You'll also get to learn from industry experts on different subject matter. You'll gain insights from professionals who work everywhere from the South Carolina Ports to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

  • I am not in Charleston. Can I still enroll?

    Yes, Module 1 & 2 for 2026 will be fully remote. You can Zoom into the class in real time from wherever you happen to be with reliable internet. Modules 3 & 4 will either be offered remotely or students will be provided the option to continue remote or meet in-person.

    All sessions are offered via the online video conferencing platform Zoom. While a Zoom account is not necessary to participate, you can create one here.

  • I'm still deciding whether to complete all modules. Can I take just one?

    Yes. You may elect to register for each module separately for $500/module. If you successfully complete all four modules in the program within three calendar years, you are eligible to receive a Global Logistics and Transportation Professional Development Program Certificate from the College of Charleston. 

Upcoming Classes


All classes for Module 1 & 2 classes are remote. You can attend virtually via Zoom. All classes meet Monday evenings from 7–9 p.m.

Class / ModuleClass DatesFeeRegistration

Module 1 - Arranging the Move

September 14, 2026 - October 22, 2026$500

Register on Marketplace

Module 2 - The Port of Charleston

October 26, 2026 - November 30, 2026$500

Register on Marketplace

Module 3 - Moving the Goods

January 25, 2027 - March 9, 2027$500

Register on Marketplace

Module 4 - Support Activities and Shippers

March 16, 2027 - April 22, 2027$500

Register on Marketplace

Complete Bundle (All 4 Modules)

September 14, 2026 - April 22, 2027$1,750

Register on Marketplace

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