Professional Diploma in Freight Transport and Containers
This professional diploma gives you a complete and up-to-date view of global logistics and efficient supply chain management. You will work with container trades, mode selection, documents and Incoterms, rounded off with cost calculation and key indicators.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Professional Diploma in Freight Transport and Containers?
This professional diploma gives you a complete and up-to-date view of global logistics. It covers supply chain management from packaging and stowage to multimodal transport and customs clearance. It also addresses international regulations, cost optimisation and risk reduction, with the aim of preparing you for the challenges of international trade and improving the profitability of your operations.
What makes the programme different: a practical approach built on real case studies and simulations; management tools, including software and platforms for planning and tracking shipments; and up-to-date content covering recent trends and regulations.
Programme highlights
- Logistics optimisation: command of the supply chain and reduction of operating costs.
- Integrated container management: good practice in handling, storage and security.
- Regulation: up-to-date knowledge of national and international freight transport rules.
- Technology: solutions for tracking, tracing and managing cargo efficiently.
- Practical cases and simulations for strategic decision-making in real scenarios.
- Professional development as a specialist in freight transport and containers.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Freight Transport and Containers
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Maritime transport of goods
- 1.1. Importance in world trade
- 1.2. Types of trade: bulk, general cargo and containers
- 1.3. Main routes and ports
- 1.4. Players in the logistics chain
- 1.5. Market trends
- 1.6. Containerisation and globalisation
- 1.7. East-west and north-south routes
- 1.8. Major hub ports
The container and containerisation
- 2.1. Container types and dimensions
- 2.2. Refrigerated and special containers
- 2.3. Shipping lines and alliances
- 2.4. Liner services
- 2.5. Empty equipment management
- 2.6. Container inspection
- 2.7. Container repair
- 2.8. Open-top and flat-rack containers
Container terminals
- 3.1. Loading and discharging operations
- 3.2. Equipment: STS cranes, RTGs and straddle carriers
- 3.3. Yard planning
- 3.4. TOS systems
- 3.5. Terminal productivity
- 3.6. Terminal automation
- 3.7. Stowage planning at the terminal
- 3.8. Reefer management at the terminal
Stowage and cargo safety
- 4.1. Stowage plan
- 4.2. VGM weighing
- 4.3. Lashing and securing
- 4.4. Dangerous goods and the IMDG Code
- 4.5. Damage prevention
- 4.6. Stowage of heavy cargo
- 4.7. Lashing of special cargo
- 4.8. Prevention of container losses
Documentation and international trade
- 5.1. Bill of lading
- 5.2. Incoterms
- 5.3. Manifest and customs documentation
- 5.4. Documentary credit
- 5.5. Document digitalisation
- 5.6. Electronic documents and eBL
- 5.7. Certificates of origin
- 5.8. Cargo insurance
Customs and port logistics
- 6.1. Customs procedures
- 6.2. Import and export clearance
- 6.3. Single window
- 6.4. Inspections and controls
- 6.5. Free zones and bonded warehouses
- 6.6. Authorised Economic Operator
- 6.7. Container scanning
- 6.8. Customs taxation
Intermodal transport
- 7.1. Port–rail–road connection
- 7.2. Dry ports
- 7.3. Short-sea shipping
- 7.4. Last-mile management
- 7.5. Carbon footprint
- 7.6. Inland waterway container transport
- 7.7. Motorways of the sea
- 7.8. Empty container logistics
Costs, freight and management
- 8.1. Freight rate structure and surcharges
- 8.2. Contracting with shipping lines and freight forwarders
- 8.3. Management of incidents and claims
- 8.4. Logistics indicators
- 8.5. Freight negotiation
- 8.6. Bunker surcharges
- 8.7. Demurrage and detention management
- 8.8. Final project: logistics plan for a container shipment
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Freight Transport and Containers
It is 800 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Professional Diploma in Freight Transport and Containers
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Freight Transport and Containers
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Freight Transport and Containers
The container.
Yes. The pathway includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with port, ocean, fog, heavy-weather and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/internship placements through agreements.
Multimodal.
Functional SMCP is recommended. We provide support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime/port operations. The admission interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Partnerships and the Alumni Network.
Simulator exercises (rubrics), passage plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and an applied master's thesis.
More programmes in Cargo and logistics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Academic or professional profile: a higher vocational qualification in Transport and Logistics, International Trade or a similar field, or demonstrable professional experience in freight transport and/or container management.
- Specific knowledge: courses or seminars on land, sea or air transport, the supply chain and customs regulations are valued.
- Documentation: an up-to-date CV, a copy of your qualification or academic certificate (if applicable), an identity document and an optional letter of interest.
- Skills: analytical ability, organisation, communication and teamwork, and user-level IT skills (spreadsheet and word processor).
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.