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.
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
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This 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
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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (29%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Business, General
Head Logistics Expert
Suggested Path
High School
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
There is a lot of on the job learning that happens in this field. Additionally, I found that engaging in my community through professional associations and local non-profits helped me to develop additional understanding of how the system is used as well as leadership and communication skills I may not have developed as quickly in the office environment.
Organizational skills are very important. I manage many different stations and personnel, so being able to organize, prioritize, and stay on a schedule is key.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Head Logistics Expert
Learn to organize and be the best. Develop a determination complex so you will be more confident, select the perfect company, and work your way up the levels to understand the problems the company faces. Everything should be better and better as you organize- the way you do things gets easier as you get new ideas, processes go smoother as you learn about them, and with the right company, life will just get easier and easier.
A college degree is helpful if you want to work in management because it can give you the skills and knowledge to be successful. At Amazon, the type of degree doesn't really matter. I'd suggest picking a major that fits you best. Amazon also offers the option to start as a tier one associate and work your way up. This is still a good option because who better to lead associates than someone who was an associate themself? So, while I recommend a college degree, it's not necessarily a requirement.
College Students
Everyone
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.
