Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities.

Duties

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers typically do the following:

• Plan, organize, and oversee staff to ensure efficient operations
• Collaborate with other departments, such as sales, accounting, and human resources
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets
• Oversee purchasing and procurement activities
• Interview, hire, and schedule training for staff
• Evaluate the performance of staff or work groups and devise ways to increase productivity or improve operational efficiency
• Monitor operations to ensure compliance with safety policies and regulations
• Resolve problems related to transportation and storage, supply chains, or clients

Specific tasks may vary for transportation, storage, and distribution managers. For example, in some warehouse or transportation operations, a manager may spend more time overseeing workers within the warehouse and have fewer budgetary responsibilities.

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers monitor operations to ensure that staff and work practices comply with rules and regulations. For example, transportation managers may review driver logs to ensure accuracy and adherence to laws set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Supply chain and logistics managers may verify compliance with customs procedures.

The following are examples of types of transportation, storage, and distribution managers:

Transportation managers oversee the drivers and staff of an organization’s transportation department. They monitor the workers and resources that ensure efficient, safe operations for meeting all delivery and transportation needs. In addition, they sometimes need to plan, develop, and maintain a transportation network and may be assigned a specific territory or area. Their oversight responsibilities may include a fleet of trucks for delivery; a transportation system that includes rail, bus, and paratransit; or a school bus system.

Warehouse, storage, and distribution center managers oversee the operations of storage facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers. They coordinate incoming and outgoing shipments of products and materials. They also are responsible for maintaining facilities’ cleanliness and safety, as well as for monitoring and tracking inventory levels.

Supply chain and logistics managers oversee organizations’ strategy for sourcing, storing, and moving goods to clients. These managers establish the overall supply chain framework and monitor the logistics of its operation. They communicate with suppliers, distributors, and internal departments, such as sales and accounting. They also respond to and remedy disruptions that impede the flow of goods or services.

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers held about 216,700 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of transportation, storage, and distribution managers were as follows:

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers typically work in a variety of settings, including warehouses or offices. They may need to travel to inspect or visit other segments of the transportation or logistics network.

The work may be stressful because of the need to coordinate activities, often on tight deadlines, that must occur in a specific sequence or on a fixed schedule.

In some settings, such as railyards and warehouses, these managers may need to wear high-visibility vests, eye or ear protection, or other safety clothing and equipment.

Work Schedules

Most transportation, storage, and distribution managers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Work schedules vary and may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Some transportation, storage, and distribution managers must be on call in case of emergencies.

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers typically need a high school diploma, although some employers prefer or require a bachelor’s degree. They also need related work experience to enter the occupation.

The median annual wage for transportation, storage, and distribution managers was $102,010 in May 2024.

Employment of transportation, storage, and distribution managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 18,500 openings for transportation, storage, and distribution managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.