CAREER

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Overview

Salary Median (2020)

$96,390

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)

+3.5% (slower than the average)

Most Common Level of Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Career

What Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers Do

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

Other Job Titles Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers May Have

Distribution Center Manager, Distribution Manager, Fleet Manager, Global Transportation Manager, Logistics Director, Logistics Operations Manager, Shipping Manager, Supply Chain Logistics Manager, Transportation Manager, Warehouse Supervisor

How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work

Director ,

Nevada Department of Transportation

My day includes a lot of meetings and preparation. The issues being discussed are largely big picture policy items and not the tactical day-to-day decisions, though some of those happen too. The focus is on how to best spend the limited resources we have (primarily human and funding) to ensure that the state's transportation system is best meeting the needs of everyone using it.

Superintendent of Corridor Operations ,

BNSF Railway

I oversee dispatchers coordinating nonstop logistics between terminals under tight timing rules, much like air traffic controllers. We’re one big, fast-paced conveyor belt. When there’s a breakdown, I lead our emergency response to safely reset the network, getting boots on the ground no matter the hour. It’s demanding, but those problem-solving wins keeping customers’ freight rolling make it rewarding. I also manage shifts, balancing work-life in a job that’s always on in the background.


Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

  • 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.

This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.