7 Careers in Logistics That You Should Consider

Without the logistics industry, commerce as we know it wouldn’t exist. From ship to rail to truck and, eventually, right to the consumer’s doorstep, the logistics industry makes the wheels of commerce turn. Demand for logistics is strong in several key sectors, including a tight market for trucking and an ever-expanding boom in warehousing. If you’re searching for a rewarding career that will remain relevant for many years to come, the logistics industry provides some great options. Many don’t require a college degree, making them extremely accessible to anyone with the right skills and a desire to learn. It’s time to take a peek at seven awesome careers in the logistics industry.

1. Freight Broker

Freight brokers are the middlemen (and women) who keep the logistics industry running smoothly. They arrange transportation of freight by connecting cargo owners with shippers, then coordinating the shipment all the way to its destination point. Because they take on such a big responsibility, they need freight broker bonds to keep them accountable to their customers and government regulators. Aside from their requirement for surety bonds, freight brokers also need to get their freight broker license from the US DOT. Freight brokers rarely need a college degree, although it doesn’t hurt, and their salaries average from around $45,000 to almost $60,000 per year. Most freight brokers’ experience comes from either attending a freight broker training school or starting as a freight agent working for another broker.

2. Truck Driver

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Are you the type who enjoys the open road and you constantly want to see new places? Becoming a truck driver might be a great career move. Trucking is one of the most popular careers in the U.S., thanks to a median salary of $47,130 that places it among the most accessible ways to earn a middle-class income with a high school diploma. With the trucking industry experiencing a critical driver shortage for several years, it’s an excellent time to get in the cab. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the minimum qualification for most truck drivers. Many people get their CDL through truck driving schools, businesses that offer classes in driving heavy trucks, and prepare you to take a commercial driving test. In fact, some trucking companies need drivers so badly that they’ll pay for new drivers to take classes and get their CDL.

3. Supply Chain Manager

Do you enjoy seeing the big picture? Supply chain managers are responsible for understanding an entire supply chain from a bird’s-eye view, making it a good career for those with a good grasp of strategy. The supply chain manager tracks a business’s supply chain processes and works to harmonize procurement, transportation, compliance, and many other important aspects of modern supply chains. Supply chain managers usually have a bachelor’s degree in business management or even an MBA. Pay for a supply chain manager is high, with a median salary of $111,073. These logistics professionals need strong business fundamentals like long-term planning skills and contract negotiation. They also should understand how technologies like EDI and automation are changing the logistics game.

4. Warehouse Manager

Warehouses and distribution centers are where some of the most fast-paced action happens in today’s logistics industry, and warehouse managers are responsible for keeping operations humming at these critical assets. A warehouse manager oversees warehouse workers in their daily tasks, which might mean hundreds of people for some of today’s large eCommerce warehouses. Running a warehouse requires excellent organization and people management skills. It also requires the technical skills to use warehouse inventory systems, automated conveyor belts, and increasingly, even warehouse robots. A warehouse manager’s median salary is $86,633, and the job is expected to continue to be in high demand as warehouses process more and more of the world’s daily commerce.

5. Fleet Manager

Fleet managers are the ones who keep the wheels of commerce greased—literally. These professionals maintain and repair many different logistics vehicles, such as semi-trucks and delivery vans. With businesses’ ever-increasing dependence on large fleets of delivery vehicles, fleet managers are in high demand and make a median salary of $89,000. To become a fleet manager, you’ll need mechanical experience in maintaining vehicles such as vans or tractor-trailers. But it’s also important to have a good grasp of business principles so you can help your team identify ways to streamline its vehicle fleet, as well as the ability to juggle many different concerns at once and manage critical situations like roadside breakdowns.

6. Procurement Manager

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A procurement manager takes responsibility for purchasing the supplies and equipment that businesses need for their daily functions. That can include everything from ballpoint pens to heavy construction equipment to raw materials for manufacturing. Thus, any procurement manager must understand the logistics landscape inside and out. Almost every industry needs procurement services, so becoming a procurement manager also provides a wide range of options for working in different fields. It’s also a career with good potential for a healthy income—most procurement managers earn between $78,000 and $100,000 per year. You’ll usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in a business-related subject, and a more specialized degree such as a degree in supply chain management or an MBA will improve your chances.

7. Logistics Customer Service

The logistics industry relies on thousands of dedicated customer service representatives to support customers using shipping, packaging, and distribution services. These customer service reps answer questions, troubleshoot problems, and connect customers to the people who can help. Logistics customer service reps typically get paid in the range of $31,590 to $39,754. It’s a great career for anyone who loves to solve problems and work with people, and it’s an ideal stepping stone into the world of logistics. Furthermore, it’s another strong choice for a steady job that requires only a high school diploma.

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