How to become a 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.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
What transportation, storage, and distribution managers 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.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Is transportation, storage, and distribution managers a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 110% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Delaware $145,000
- Washington $136,500
- Colorado $132,610
- District of Columbia $132,180
- New Jersey $130,610
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.