Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

What you'd actually do

• Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing, and shipping products or materials.
• Plan, develop, or implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities.
• Inspect physical conditions of warehouses, vehicle fleets, or equipment and order testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
• Plan, organize, or manage the work of subordinate staff to ensure that the work is accomplished in a manner consistent with organizational requirements.
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate logistics with business systems or processes, such as customer sales, order management, accounting, or shipping.
• Analyze all aspects of corporate logistics to determine the most cost-effective or efficient means of transporting products or supplies.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; you're around people constantly; time pressure is a real part of the job. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 1.7% of transportation, storage, and distribution managers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are take-charge, organized and detail-focused and hands-on.

Related careers

• Facilities Managers
• General and Operations Managers
• Education Administrators, Postsecondary
• Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
• Administrative Services Managers
• Construction Managers

Quick questions

How much does a transportation, storage, and distribution manager make?

The median pay is $51.55 per hour — roughly $107,000 a year, with the real range running from about $31.31/hr (10th percentile) to $93.70/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a transportation, storage, and distribution manager?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a transportation, storage, and distribution manager actually do all day?

Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing, and shipping products or materials. Plan, develop, or implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities. Inspect physical conditions of warehouses, vehicle fleets, or equipment and order testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements.