How Can I Find a Job in a Transportation Logistics Company?
Would you like to help companies create efficient and innovative solutions to transport products? Completing a degree program in transportation and logistics provides a solid foundation for this career. Read on to find out more about the tools and training you need to help businesses deliver their goods and services more quickly and effectively. Schools offering Global Operations & Supply Chain Management degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Type of Training Will I Need to Work in Transportation Logistics?
For entry-level transportation positions, such as general labor or truck driving, a high-school diploma and appropriate licenses and technical skills may be adequate for gaining employment. If you're interested in managerial positions or those involving considerable computer and technological expertise, you may want to complete a postsecondary degree program in logistics. A bachelor's degree program provides thorough knowledge regarding essential computer science, accounting and marketing skills, while a master's degree program offers a broader array of expertise in analyzing logistical systems--and likely, more profitable opportunities. At each level, you study courses such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, supply chain management, inventory systems and transportation strategy.
On-the-job logistical experience is vital in addition to postsecondary education, and you may also want to consider certification through organizations such as the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL). Continuing education toward more specialized and in-depth logistical strategies can enable you to find advanced jobs and become more selective about your employment.
What Job Duties Will I Have?
Some logistics positions rely on manual and physical aptitude. For example, truck-driving requires you to invest long hours on the road, navigating new territories and moving supplies between various locations. And general labor in warehouses or other storage venues often consists of heavy lifting and the use of fork lifts or other packing machinery.
In contrast, managerial or consulting positions require leadership and analysis skills. You are responsible for analyzing various aspects of the process of transporting goods to seek the most efficient use of company time and money. You provide guidance regarding the most productive ways to oversee inventory, ensure product quality, maintain order efficiency and enable the shipment and delivery of goods in the most practical and cost-effective manner.
How Much Can I Expect To Earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment within truck transportation and warehousing is expected to grow by 11% between 2008 and 2018. The field of management, scientific and technical consulting is expected to be the fasting-growing logistical field of the same decade; however, competition for highly sought consulting positions is still expected to be very high.
As of May 2009, the BLS states that truck drivers earned a median annual income of $37,730, and shipping, receiving and traffic clerks earned a median annual income of $28,250. Most transportation, storing and distribution managers earned between $45,720 and $131,740 annually with a median annual income of $79,490 (www.bls.gov).
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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