If you’re considering a career in logistics, you probably have many questions. What type of work will you do? What does the future look like for this career path? What kind of skills do you need to be successful? If you’re just coming across this career path for the first time, you may wonder how the industry works in the first place.
Below, we answer all of these essential questions and more as we explore what it’s like to start and build a career in the logistics and transport industry.
The logistics industry is an essential part of our global economy. This industry facilitates the movement of goods from suppliers to consumers. After a product is manufactured and assembled, it’s stored in a warehouse. Then, it’s transported via various methods to a final location, such as a retail store.
These processes require careful planning, coordination, and management. The key areas of logistics include procurement, inventory, warehousing, transportation, and customer service.
Exploring different logistics job opportunities can help you understand where you might be interested in working and where you can apply your talents. Here are some common career paths in logistics and transportation:
Logistics coordinators oversee the transportation and distribution of goods. They coordinate shipments, communicate with suppliers, track inventory, and resolve other logistical challenges. At a retail level, the logistics coordinator may manage the movement of a store’s products from warehouses to the stores. They aim to ensure everything runs smoothly while optimizing routes and minimizing costs.
Warehouse managers manage a team of workers who process shipments. They also implement safety protocols, optimize storage layouts, and oversee inventory control. Their job is to ensure they enhance warehouse efficiency while reducing wastage.
Logistics specialists are part of the entire supply chain process. They may also work with other team members to solve challenges with storage, product availability, and other related concerns.
Inventory analysts focus on managing day-to-day inventory operations. They plan and set goals for the inventory based on the latest data. They also involve relevant companies in the supply chain process to look for areas of improvement.
Transportation planners focus on optimizing transportation routes, choosing carriers, and ensuring on-time deliveries. This job involves negotiating contracts with carriers, monitoring shipment progress, and resolving any transportation challenges that may arise.
Careers in the logistics and transportation industry are versatile. To succeed as a professional in this industry, you need a few key skills:
There are many advantages to choosing the logistics career path. Some of the most notable include:
Just one look at the above-listed job examples reveals the wide range of career paths the logistics industry offers. This diversity means that people with different skills, personalities, and interests can find something that suits them and their career goals.
The logistics industry is essential for various business sectors, leading to a high demand for skilled supply chain professionals. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the industry is projected to grow by 19% from 2023 to 2033. This growth is faster than the average for all occupations, indicating increased job opportunities and security.
This industry provides opportunities for continuous learning and growth. Trends shift, consumer wants and needs change, and the overall supply chain constantly evolves. You’ll need to keep enhancing your skills through training programs and certifications, which is a major benefit for those who want to continue learning.
While salary alone doesn’t impact overall job satisfaction, jobs in this industry can come with competitive salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying careers in this industry are in the federal government, followed by the manufacturing industry.
Looking at the future of logistics can help you learn more about the industry and how your career path might unfold. Here are a few key opportunities to be aware of:
E-commerce has changed the logistics landscape, and businesses are innovating ways to stay competitive and meet customer demands. For example, some companies are investing in technologies like drones and autonomous vehicles to improve delivery efficiency. To streamline the development of these new tools, the logistics space may offer opportunities for developers and other tech-related positions.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly critical worldwide. In the logistics industry, the focus is on reducing carbon emissions, waste, and environmental impact. More companies are adopting green logistics practices, such as optimizing routes for fuel efficiency, incorporating eco-friendly packaging, and using electric vehicles, so there will likely be various job openings for sustainability-related positions moving forward.
With the adoption of technologies like the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and blockchain, logistics and transportation companies are making changes to digitize and automate their processes. Understanding this technology would be valuable for anyone wanting to transition to this space in a logistics setting.
The logistics industry is an exciting career path with many opportunities for those eager to explore it. If you’re ready to start your career in logistics, Keller Logistics Group is always on the lookout for new team members. With decades of experience in third-party logistics, we serve numerous manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers across the U.S.
Explore our available job openings today. If you’re just starting out in your career journey, we also provide an internship program that offers the professional experience and academic coursework needed to thrive in this industry. You’ll work on projects tied to your coursework and train with a helpful, friendly team to help you build skills for success. Contact us today to learn more and start your career in logistics!
Learn more about what makes Keller Logistics Group and its affiliates the best choice for your company’s 3PL logistics needs. Contact us to learn more about our services and request a no-obligation quote. Call 419-780-3767 or return our online contact form today.