Logistics and supply chain management are critical needs for many businesses today and many companies are looking to schools to help workers obtain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.

Orders for new commercial trailers jumped 55% in August over the comparable month last year, and new orders for the year to date are now 71% above the first eight months of 2009, ACT Research Co. reported.

Following is a list of major logistics and supply chain education programs and what they offer.

Consumer confidence declined in September, according to the latest Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.

Intermodal traffic increased 17.3% last week from a year earlier, the highest volume in 2010, the Association of American Railroads said.

CSX Corp. said it would raise its quarterly dividend 8% to 26 cents per share, from the previous 24 cents.

Consumer confidence dropped in September to the lowest level in seven months, the New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday.

Commercial trailer net orders rose 55% in August from a year earlier, ACT Research Co. said.

As demand for people with transportation and logistics skills grows, many colleges and universities are finding it difficult to expand programs to meet the needs of shippers and freight carriers who are seeking trained workers and management personnel.