Logistics and Distribution Management

<h2 id="section---IsLogisticsAndDistributionManagementForMe">Is Logistics and Distribution Management for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_Popular_Careers_in_Logistics.html">Logistics</a> and distribution involves the transportation, warehousing and packaging of products. Logistic analysts examine transportation costs and delivery methods to determine what changes need to be made. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Logistics_Management.html">Logistics managers</a> oversee employees and daily operations. If you are a logistics manager, you might be responsible for purchasing products, helping customers, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Supply_Chain_Logistics_Management.html">managing the supply chain</a> or negotiating with suppliers. </p> <p>If you're employed by a freight trucking company, you'll oversee how products are transported from plants or warehouses to retail stores. In your position as a warehouse and storage manager, you'll be responsible for making sure the product is kept in good condition prior to shipping. Transportation managers and other logistics office workers typically work a standard 40-hour week. Some travel may be required in order to meet with clients, employees and other distribution managers. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that employment of logisticians was expected to increase by 22% nationwide, or much faster than average, from 2012-2022. By comparison, opportunities for transportation, storage and distribution managers were projected to grow by just 5%, or slower than average, through 2022. In May 2013, the BLS reported that transportation, distribution and logistics managers earned a median annual salary of $83,890, while logisticians made $73,400. Top-paying industries for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Transportation_Logistics_Management.html">transportation managers</a> included those involved in oil and gas extraction, crude oil transportation and automobile dealerships (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInLogisticsAndDistributionManagement">How Can I Work in Logistics and Distribution Management?</h2> <h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3> <p>Postsecondary <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Logistics_Major_Your_Salary_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html">logistics programs</a> are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. An associate degree program in business logistics can help you develop your critical-thinking abilities and learn how to work as a member of a team, essential skills for obtaining an entry-level position in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Careers_in_Distribution_and_Logistics_Management_FAQs.html">distribution and logistics management</a>. While it's also possible to acquire many of your skills on the job, most employers prefer to hire managers who have a bachelor's degree in business, logistics or a related field. In a 4-year program, you'll take <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Core_Concentration_Requirements_for_a_Logistics_Degree.html">core courses</a> in supply chain management, industrial relations and sales forecasting. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduatePrograms">Graduate Programs</h3> <p>If you aspire to a high-level management position in logistics, distribution and warehousing, you'll need to earn a master's or doctoral degree. Some <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Masters_Degree_in_Logistics_Online_and_Campus-Based_Program_FAQs.html">master's degree programs in logistics</a> are offered both on campus and online. If you decide to pursue a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/PhD_in_Logistics_Degree_Program_FAQs.html">Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)</a>, you may be able to concentrate on marketing, information systems or operation management. Degree requirements typically include a dissertation based on original research, as well as a practicum that focuses on teaching or solving practical problems in the industry, depending on your career goals.</p>