Career profile · 11-3071
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.
What the work can involve
- 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.
Selected core tasks from O*NET 31.0. Responsibilities vary by employer, specialization and experience.
Preparation and entry routes
This O*NET group commonly calls for substantial preparation, often including a bachelor’s degree or considerable relevant experience. An introductory vocational course alone may not provide an entry route.
Check the route for the specific occupation where you plan to work. Education, employer experience requirements, occupational licensing and industry certification can be separate steps.
Understand the different credentials →Skills used in this occupation
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Knowledge to build
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Common work activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Getting Information
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Working with Computers
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Training subjects to investigate
The federal education-to-occupation crosswalk connects this role to the subjects below. These links do not endorse a school or guarantee that any particular award qualifies a graduate for the job.
Software used in the workplace
Use these O*NET examples to ask how a course builds practical digital skills. They are workplace examples, not a required shopping list or confirmation of a school’s curriculum.
- Accounting software: Argos Software ABECAS Insight FMS, Automated expense reporting system software
- Analytical or scientific software: Eaton Fleet Advisor, Freight Rail Crew Optimization Scheduling FRCOS software, IMSure Solutions SHIPflex, Integrated Decision Support Match Advice
- Backup or archival software: Veritas NetBackup
- Business intelligence and data analysis software: Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
- Calendar and scheduling software: Scheduling software
- Compliance software: Scanlon Associates LogPak, Shipping Solutions
- Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation
- Data base reporting software: SAP Business Objects
- Data base user interface and query software: Airline global distribution systems GDS software, Bentley Transportation Data Manager, Database software, Labelmaster Software REG-Trieve
- Electronic mail software: Email software, IBM Lotus Notes, IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software: Infor ERP Baan, Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP
- Enterprise system management software: IBM Power Systems software
Selected categories and examples from O*NET 31.0 Software Skills. Products and employer requirements change. These examples are not endorsements; check the complete official occupation profile.
Physical demands and schedule evidence
BLS surveyed jobs in the broader occupation Transportation, storage, and distribution managers (SOC 11-3071). These preliminary 2025 estimates describe work requirements across surveyed employers. Individual workplaces, adjustments and duties differ.
Explore 49 occupational requirement estimates
| Requirement | Share of workers | Standard error |
|---|---|---|
| Workers that had work schedule variability required | 32.9% | 11.9 percentage points |
| Workers that had the ability to pause work Estimate is greater than 95 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >95% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that had the ability to telework | 14.4% | 7.1 percentage points |
| Workers that required on-the-job training This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 57.9% | 9.7 percentage points |
| Workers that required prior work experience Estimate is greater than 99.5 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >99.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were not exposed to extreme cold Estimate is greater than 95 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >95% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were not exposed to extreme heat Estimate is greater than 99.5 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >99.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, seldom Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to quiet noise | 9.1% | 4.1 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to moderate noise This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 90.9% | 4.1 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to loud noise Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to very loud noise Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were not exposed to outdoors This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 51.6% | 13.1 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, seldom | 20.8% | 11.5 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, occasionally | 10.2% | 5.7 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors | 48.4% | 13.1 percentage points |
| Workers that were allowed the choice of sitting or standing This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 95.2% | 1.1 percentage points |
| Workers that were not allowed the choice of sitting or standing | 4.8% | 1.1 percentage points |
| Workers that required climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, seldom Estimate is less than 10 percent. | <10% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required climbing ladders, ropes, or scaffolds Estimate is less than 10 percent. | <10% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required driving | 41.9% | 10.3 percentage points |
| Workers that required low postures, seldom | 11.0% | 5.1 percentage points |
| Workers that required low postures, occasionally Estimate is less than 10 percent. | <10% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required low postures, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required low postures, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required work in low postures | 13.7% | 5.5 percentage points |
| Workers that could choose to crawl when in low postures Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that could choose to kneel when in low postures | 7.1% | 2.7 percentage points |
| Workers that could choose to crouch when in low postures | 7.9% | 2.3 percentage points |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, seldom Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead with one hand Estimate is less than 5 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead with both hands Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required a sedentary strength level This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 51.1% | 14.6 percentage points |
| Workers that required a medium strength level | 3.4% | 2.4 percentage points |
| Workers that required a heavy strength level Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required a very heavy strength level Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
Use this evidence to ask about the actual work environment and available accommodations. It is not a medical assessment or a reason to rule yourself out of an occupation.
BLS Occupational Requirements Survey, preliminary 2025, released January 16, 2026; samples collected August 2023–July 2025. Source bounds such as “less than” are preserved. Categories are not necessarily additive. Understanding standard errors.
Pay & employment outlook
Salary estimates for transportation, storage, and distribution managers
The median divides workers into two equally sized groups by pay. It is not a starting salary, a school’s graduate outcome or a promise of employment. Lower percentiles are not automatically new graduates.
National outlook: 2025–2035
- Typical education for entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related work experience
- 5 years or more
- Typical on-the-job training
- None
BLS national employment projections, 2025–2035. Openings include people leaving occupations or the labor force; these are not advertised vacancies. Education categories describe typical entry, not legal eligibility or a guarantee that any specific program is sufficient.
Compare wages across 51 state/DC estimates
| State | Annual median | Hourly median | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $118,320 | $56.88 | 1,250 |
| Alaska | $103,080 | $49.56 | Not published |
| Arizona | $98,750 | $47.48 | 3,390 |
| Arkansas | $89,200 | $42.89 | 1,440 |
| California | $123,780 | $59.51 | 30,540 |
| Colorado | $132,610 | $63.75 | 2,310 |
| Connecticut | $114,210 | $54.91 | 2,410 |
| Delaware | $145,000 | $69.71 | 310 |
| District of Columbia | $132,180 | $63.55 | 610 |
| Florida | $101,570 | $48.83 | Not published |
| Georgia | $123,330 | $59.29 | 6,700 |
| Hawaii | $101,480 | $48.79 | 830 |
| Idaho | $93,920 | $45.15 | 1,040 |
| Illinois | $120,250 | $57.81 | 11,030 |
| Indiana | $108,720 | $52.27 | 4,190 |
| Iowa | $99,010 | $47.60 | 1,850 |
| Kansas | $106,130 | $51.02 | 1,150 |
| Kentucky | $100,340 | $48.24 | 2,340 |
| Louisiana | $93,650 | $45.03 | 2,840 |
| Maine | $102,110 | $49.09 | 370 |
| Maryland | $105,180 | $50.57 | 3,550 |
| Massachusetts | $123,830 | $59.53 | 4,310 |
| Michigan | $99,100 | $47.65 | 8,180 |
| Minnesota | $118,180 | $56.82 | 4,030 |
| Mississippi | $85,770 | $41.24 | 2,410 |
| Missouri | $102,870 | $49.46 | 3,650 |
| Montana | $108,180 | $52.01 | 300 |
| Nebraska | $97,380 | $46.82 | 1,420 |
| Nevada | $99,860 | $48.01 | 2,250 |
| New Hampshire | $129,470 | $62.25 | 530 |
| New Jersey | $130,610 | $62.79 | 9,120 |
| New Mexico | $101,420 | $48.76 | 660 |
| New York | $127,180 | $61.14 | 6,740 |
| North Carolina | $106,100 | $51.01 | 6,650 |
| North Dakota | $100,720 | $48.42 | 390 |
| Ohio | $101,550 | $48.82 | 9,480 |
| Oklahoma | $96,830 | $46.55 | 1,660 |
| Oregon | $103,520 | $49.77 | 2,860 |
| Pennsylvania | $105,240 | $50.60 | 8,540 |
| Rhode Island | $117,600 | $56.54 | 450 |
| South Carolina | $106,860 | $51.37 | 3,460 |
| South Dakota | $107,410 | $51.64 | 370 |
| Tennessee | $100,740 | $48.43 | 4,910 |
| Texas | $100,700 | $48.41 | 28,710 |
| Utah | $102,180 | $49.13 | 3,010 |
| Vermont | $101,850 | $48.97 | 390 |
| Virginia | $119,140 | $57.28 | 3,380 |
| Washington | $136,500 | $65.62 | 2,490 |
| West Virginia | $98,230 | $47.23 | 530 |
| Wisconsin | $95,900 | $46.10 | 5,410 |
| Wyoming | $112,310 | $53.99 | 130 |
Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan wages
Search the 478 published local-area estimates for this occupation. Metropolitan areas can cross state lines; a city’s postal name is not necessarily the statistical area’s name.
Sources: BLS May 2025 OEWS public downloads and 2025–2035 employment projections, retrieved September 9, 2026. Unpublished estimates stay unavailable. “+” means BLS’s upper reporting threshold ($239,200 annually or $115 hourly). Wages exclude self-employment and nonwage benefits. How to interpret these figures.
Compare the route and prepare for work
Questions to test the fit
- What does an entry-level working day look like, and how does it differ from the experienced role described here?
- Which tasks, work environments and schedules would I enjoy or find difficult?
- What education, supervised practice and credentials do local employers actually request?
- Can I speak with someone in the occupation or arrange a suitable workplace visit?
- How does the complete training cost compare with my realistic budget and available routes?
Related occupations to compare
Related through shared training-subject mappings. Entry requirements can differ substantially.
Sources and attribution
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. Trade School Guides selects and organizes the material and adds explanatory guidance. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. Occupation code: 11-3071.00.
Training connections: CIP 2020–SOC 2018 crosswalk. Snapshot: September 8, 2026. See the methodology.