vcc.ca
APSM 2107: Automotive Transportation Management
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Auto Parts & Service Mgmt
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
In this course, students will investigate the core principles of transportation and distribution specifically related to automotive parts. They will examine various shipping modes, logistics networks, and support services to understand how automotive components move through the supply chain. Emphasis will be placed on zero-emissions technologies, sustainability practices, cargo security, and emerging disruptive innovations including AI, blockchain, and automation reshaping the future of logistics. Students will also acquire the skills needed to manage the transportation of automotive components, raw materials, and finished goods, both globally and across the diverse regions of Canada. Throughout, the focus remains on strategic decision-making, guiding students to select the safest, most cost-effective, and time-conscious transportation options—or combinations of options—to optimize automotive logistics.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the importance of transportation to the economic vitality of Canada and other countries and regions
- Distinguish between the different types of ships, railroad cars, vehicles, and jets used in transportation, and explore the criteria for selecting each
- Compare the efficiencies of diverse transportation modes (rail, road, air, water, and pipeline) along with the requisite procedures and documentation for each
- Examine how transportation, including zero-emissions vehicles, affects the price of goods, services, and market areas
- Examine the importance of transportation to globalization and global supply chains and how zero-emissions vehicles and traditional transport methods contribute to the effective flow of commerce among close and distant regions
- Recognize the important role of equipment technology, particularly zero emissions vehicle advancements, in transportation sustainability, safety, and cargo security
- Identify disruptive technologies, including AI, blockchain, automation, and zero emissions vehicle innovations, that will drive innovation in transportation services
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Methods of assessment may include a challenge exam, submission of a product or portfolio for review, or a practical demonstration. Please contact the Department for details.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Lectures, case studies, groupwork.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
10-20 |
|
|
Project |
10-20 |
Individual project |
|
Midterm Exam |
10-20 |
|
|
Final Exam |
20 |
|
|
Project |
30-40 |
Group project, including presentation |
Course topics
- Canadian Transportation System; Transportation by Water, Rail, Air, and Pipeline; Small Package Transportation; Intermediate Transportation Agencies; Transportation of Dangerous Goods; Movement, Transportation, and Location; The Demand and Supply for Transportation; Transportation and Government Policy; International Economics, Policy, and Trade; Transportation and Environment; Regulatory Compliance; Transportation Claims; Contracts of Carriage
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.