Transportation and Distribution Management Jobs
Do you have a talent for organization? Can you see the big picture and also grasp the little details? Do you function well under pressure? Transportation and distribution management is one area where you might excel. Read here to learn about the career possibilities. Schools offering Supply Chain Management degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Are Education and Training Programs for Transportation and Distribution Managers?
According to O*Net Online (www.onetonline.org), a majority of distribution managers and transportation managers have bachelor's degrees, which can be earned in four years. Schools across the U.S. offer standalone distribution management and logistics management programs, as well as business administration or marketing programs with a logistics emphasis.
These programs explain supply chain management concepts, such as the flow of materials to manufacturer and goods from manufacturers. They also cover market segments and intermediaries in the distribution chain, distribution performance measures and project management. Some programs offer you the opportunity to work a logistics and distribution internship with a local company.
Where Do Professionals Work?
Companies in manufacturing, retail, wholesale and the trucking, rail and airfreight transportation industries are among your possible employers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that approximately 92,380 people worked as transportation, storage and distribution managers as of May 2009. However, O*Net Online expects employment of transportation managers and distribution managers to decline 3%-9% in the 2008-2018 decade, even as employment in trucking and transportation increases 11% over the same period.
What Will I Do During the Workday?
Your duties are largely administrative, but some are more directly connected to transportation and distribution than others. For instance, you may confer with other departments - production, purchasing or sales - to coordinate and create delivery schedules. You also choose delivery routes, issue shipping orders and supervise work teams that are responsible for the actual sending, receiving and handling of materials or products. Finally, you review demand forecasts and consumption reports to estimate delivery cycles, negotiate supplier contracts and respond to customer or client complaints.
Supporting duties might include preparing reports and manuals, designing and implementing safety and security programs, inspecting warehouses and vehicles, training new hires and preparing budgets. You need good oral and written communication skills, social skills, mathematical aptitude and problem-solving capability.
What Could I Expect to Earn?
As of May 2009, the BLS reported that you could earn an annual salary in the middle range of $59,970-$103,070 with a median of $79,490 as a transportation, storage or distribution manager (www.bls.gov). This is roughly in line with March 2011 figures from Salary.com that further break down this category and show that your earnings could fall within a middle range of $69,061-$94,426 as a distribution manager and $65,017-$90,962 as a transportation manager.
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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