Career Details
11-3071.00 - 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.
Key Facts

Tasks

Core
- 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.
- Resolve problems concerning transportation, logistics systems, imports or exports, or customer issues.
- Develop and document standard and emergency operating procedures for receiving, handling, storing, shipping, or salvaging products or materials.
- Monitor operations to ensure that staff members comply with administrative policies and procedures, safety rules, union contracts, environmental policies, or government regulations.
- Analyze the financial impact of proposed logistics changes, such as routing, shipping modes, product volumes or mixes, or carriers.
- Monitor inventory levels of products or materials in warehouses.
- Establish or monitor specific supply chain-based performance measurement systems.
- Prepare and manage departmental budgets.
- Monitor product import or export processes to ensure compliance with regulatory or legal requirements.
- Prepare management recommendations, such as proposed fee and tariff increases or schedule changes.
- Interview, select, and train warehouse and supervisory personnel.
- Advise sales and billing departments of transportation charges for customers' accounts.
- Analyze expenditures and other financial information to develop plans, policies, or budgets for increasing profits or improving services.
- Confer with department heads to coordinate warehouse activities, such as production, sales, records control, or purchasing.
- Implement specific customer requirements, such as internal reporting or customized transportation metrics.
- Maintain metrics, reports, process documentation, customer service logs, or training or safety records.
- Examine invoices and shipping manifests for conformity to tariff and customs regulations.
- Plan or implement energy saving changes to transportation services, such as reducing routes, optimizing capacities, employing alternate modes of transportation, or minimizing idling.
- Evaluate contractors or business partners for operational efficiency or safety or environmental performance records.
- Negotiate with carriers, warehouse operators, or insurance company representatives for services and preferential rates.
- Develop or implement plans for facility modification or expansion, such as equipment purchase or changes in space allocation or structural design.
Generic
- Direct inbound or outbound operations, such as transportation or warehouse activities, safety performance, and logistics quality management.
- Plan or implement improvements to internal or external systems or processes.
- Recommend or authorize capital expenditures for acquisition of new equipment or property to increase efficiency and services.
- Review invoices, work orders, consumption reports, or demand forecasts to estimate peak performance periods and to issue work assignments.
Knowledge

- 89%Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- 83%Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- 80%Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- 76%Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- 72%Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- 71%Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
- 70%Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- 65%Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
- 64%Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- 64%Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- 62%Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
- 62%Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- 62%Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- 59%Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- 56%Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- 54%Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
- 52%Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- 51%Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Tools

- Barcode scanners
- Radio frequency identification RFID devices
- Barcoding labels
- Cell phones
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
- Digital cameras
- Forklifts
- Global positioning systems GPS
- Laser facsimile machines
- Photocopiers
- Pallet jacks
- Personal protective equipment
- Radio frequency handheld terminals
- Radio frequency truck-mounted terminals
- Wireless communication and satellite positioning tools
Technology

- 3PL Central
- ABOL Manifest Systems
- Aljex Inventory
- Amber Road
- Cadre Technologies Accuplus Integrated Distribution Logistics System
- Cadre Technologies Cadence Transportation Management System
- Cadre Technologies Cadence Warehouse Management System
- Catalyst International CatalystConnect
- DSA Foxware Warehouse Management
- ESRI ArcLogistics
- FedEx Ship Manager
- Fleetware software
- Four Soft 4S eLog
- Four Soft 4S VisiLog
- Geometrix
- HighJump Software Warehouse Advantage
- IBM i2 Transportation Manager
- Infosite Technologies Dispatch-Mate
- Infosite Technologies DM Warehousing
- Integrated Decision Support Corporation Expert Fuel
- Integrated Decision Support Corporation Netwise Supply Chain
- Integrated Decision Support Corporation Swap Advice
- IntelliTrack 3PL
- IntelliTrack Warehouse Management System
- Inventory control software
- Iptor Supply Chain
- Logility Voyager WarehousePRO
- Logisuite Enterprise
- Logisuite Forwarder
- Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
- Materials resource planning MRP software
- Microsoft OfficeHOT
- Microsoft ProjectHOT
- MRA Technologies MRATrack Warehouse Management System
- Oracle E-Business Suite Logistics
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementHOT
- Radio Beacon WMS
- RedPrairie DLx Warehouse
- Sentai Pinpoint
- SSA Global Warehouse Management System WMS
- Summary Systems Fleet Commander
- Supply chain event management software
- TECSYS EliteSeries
- TECSYS PointForce Enterprise
- UPS WorldShip
- USPS.com
- Warehouse management system WMS
- Airline global distribution systems GDS software
- Bentley Transportation Data Manager
- CA Erwin Data Modeler
- Database software
- Labelmaster Software REG-Trieve
- Microsoft AccessHOT
- Microsoft SQL ServerHOT
- Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise EditionHOT
- SAP Business Objects
- Structured query language SQLHOT
- ALK Technologies FleetSuite
- ALK Technologies PC*Miler
- CoPilot Truck
- Integrated Decision Support Corporation Route Advice
- Intergraph GeoMedia Transportation Manager
- Argos Software ABECAS Insight Freight Management System FMS (accounting feature)
- Automated expense reporting system software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP softwareHOT
- Infor ERP BaanHOT
- Microsoft DynamicsHOT
- Microsoft Dynamics AXHOT
- Microsoft Dynamics GPHOT
- NetSuite ERPHOT
- Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneHOT
- SAPHOT
- SAP ERP OperationsHOT
- TMW PowerSuiteHOT
- Transtek Compass ERPHOT
- WorkForce Software EmpCenter Time and Attendance
- Argos Software ABECAS Insight Freight Management System FMS (calendar and scheduling feature)
- Graphics software
- Microsoft ExcelHOT
- Microsoft PowerPointHOT
- Microsoft VisioHOT
- Microsoft WordHOT
- Presentation software
- Scheduling software
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DHOT
- Bentley MicroStationHOT
- Eaton Fleet Advisor
- Freight Rail Crew Optimization Scheduling FRCOS software
- IMSure Solutions SHIPflex
- Integrated Decision Support Match Advice
- Integrated Decision Support Netwise Enterprise
- Integrated Decision Support Netwise Frontline
- Optimization software
- QUALCOMM QTRACS
- QUALCOMM ViaWeb
- Scanlon Associates LogPak
- Shipping Solutions
- Email software
- IBM Lotus Notes
- IBM NotesHOT
- Microsoft OutlookHOT
- Transportation management system TMS software
- Hewlett Packard HP-UX
- IBM Power Systems software
- Veritas NetBackup
Certifications

- Certified Service Executive12603 224th Avenue, P.M.B. #17, Bristol, WI 53104
- Distinguished Logistics ProfessionalPO Box 3363, Warrenton, VA 20188-3363
- Distinguished Logistics ProfessionalPO Box 3363 Warrenton, VA 20188-3363
- Storage Administrator35 Parkwood Drive, Hopkinton, MA 01748888-362-8674
- IPC EMS Program Manager3000 Lakeside Drive, 309 S, Bannockburn, IL 60015
- Supervisor of Pupil Transportation1840 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203518-452-3611
- Certified Automotive Fleet Manager100 Wood Avenue South, Suite 310, Iselin, NJ 08830-2716
- Certified in Transportation and LogisticsPO Box 3363, Warrenton, VA 20188-3363
- Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management8430 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 100 Chicago, IL 606311-773-867-1777
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management8430 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 100 Chicago, IL 606311-773-867-1777
- Certified Transportation Professional2200 Mill Road, Suite 350, Alexandria, VA 22314
- Associate Service Executive12603 224th Avenue, P.M.B. #17, Bristol, WI 53104
- Certified Cargo Security Professional2460 W. 26th Ave., Suite 17-C Denver, CO 80211
- Oracle Transportation Management 6 Essentials500 Oracle Parkway, Redwood Shores, CA 94065800-833-3536
- Oracle Retail Merchandising System 13.2 Foundation Functional Implementer Essentials500 Oracle Parkway, Redwood Shores, CA 94065800-833-3536
- Professional Certified in Materials Handling8720 Red Oak Boulevard, Suite 201, Charlotte, NC 28217
- Certified Associate in Materials Handling8720 Red Oak Boulevard, Suite 201, Charlotte, NC 28217
- Certification in Transportation and LogisticsPO Box 3363 Warrenton, VA 20188-3363
- Certified Classification Specialist174 Nassau St., Suite 328 Princeton, NJ 08542
Licensing

Related Programs

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
Management skills are broadly applicable and our graduates go on to a wide range of professions in both the public and private sector. The major is also designed to help those thinking of starting their own business or aiding a family business. Finally, many students find the broad business training of the management major a helpful foundation for future graduate study.
The major in public administration provides students with a general foundation in the nature of public policy, the public workplace and its political, legal and managerial environments. This major prepares students for professional employment and leadership in government and nonprofit organizations. The program consists of a core of courses offering general knowledge essential for understanding and working in the public arena. This core provides students with an appreciation of the political culture and economic environment of public work, measurement techniques and a basic understanding of the policy process.
Students are offered a choice between two concentration options: public policy or public management.
In the public policy concentration students acquire knowledge of the nature, dynamics, implementation and substance of public policy and its analysis. Courses address:
- Policy processes.
- Techniques for analyzing policy options.
- The dynamics and substance of particular policy issues.
The public management concentration emphasizes management and management-related skills. Courses address:
- The legal environment of public work.
- Organization theories.
- Management theories and applications.
- Management best practices.
In addition, courses in both concentrations heighten students' critical, analytical and communication skills through case studies, exercises and the intensive writing requirement. The public policy concentration requires a senior seminar experience that seeks to bring policy theory and analytical skills to bear on a practical issue of public policy. Public management students must complete the dual capstone requirements of a public management seminar and an internship, requiring an integration of knowledge from both general studies and major studies by focusing students on specific cases and workplace applications.
Because the public administration major develops techniques and skills applicable to varied career paths in public service, students are encouraged to choose a complementary minor with a narrower, substantive focus. The minors recommended for students' consideration include criminal justice, environmental information systems, environmental management, environmental studies, family studies, gerontology, health information systems, nonprofit studies, political communication, substance abuse intervention, telecommunications, urban and regional studies, communication studies, conflict analysis and intervention, sociology, technical and scientific communication, economics, human resource development, computer science, public health and integrated science and technology.
Interested students may apply to participate in the Fifth Year Master of Public Administration degree program, which allows qualified students to earn an M.P.A. degree with one additional year of study. Students should apply for this program in their sophomore year. See the Graduate Catalog for more information.
The curriculum is designed for persons who seek employment in the accounting field or for those presently in accounting who wish to increase their knowledge and update their skills. Job opportunities include accounting trainee, accounting technician, junior accountant, and accountant.
This degree is excellent for those interested in the organization and reporting of financial data. Upon completion of the program, students can take an additional three courses for the Accounting Career Studies Certificate, and then are eligible to proceed to the CPA exam, if other education requirements are satisfied. Contact the Virginia Board of Accountancy for all education requirements.
This curriculum is designed for individuals who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree program in business administration with a major in accounting, business management, decision science and management, information systems, finance, marketing, etc.
The curriculum is designed for individuals who seek employment in business management or for those presently in management who are seeking promotion. Job opportunities include administrative assistant, management trainee, department head, branch manager, office manager, manager of small business, and supervisor.
This curriculum is designed for individuals who plan to seek employment in contract management positions and for those presently in contract management positions who seek career advancement. The program is designed to create opportunities for positions in contract management for both government agencies and private industry. Instruction includes both the theoretical concepts and the practical applications needed for future success in the contract management field. This will provide a greater understanding of acquisition, life cycle management, and contracting processes. Job opportunities include project manager, procurement analyst, contract administrator, contract specialist, contract negotiator, contract price analyst, and contract termination specialist.
This program is a flexible associate degree. For students who plan to transfer, the degree can parallel the first two years of a four-year bachelor of science program if they choose courses that match the transfer institution's requirements. For those students who do not plan to transfer, the degree allows them to structure a program to suit their needs using accumulated credits from a variety of formal and experiential sources.
This program is designed for individuals who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor of arts (B.A.).
A major in business offers students the opportunity to explore theories and concepts from accounting, business, and economics. Students study in an active learning environment and begin to understand and appreciate the complex nature of business organizations through applied economic theory. A major in business prepares students for a career in all business environments and provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in such fields as business and law. The major in business requires a common core of courses plus one of three concentrations: Finance, Management, or Marketing. All courses in the core and in each concentration must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
A major in business offers students the opportunity to explore theories and concepts from accounting, business, and economics. Students study in an active learning environment and begin to understand and appreciate the complex nature of business organizations through applied economic theory. A major in business prepares students for a career in all business environments and provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in such fields as business and law. The major in business requires a common core of courses plus one of three concentrations: Finance, Management, or Marketing. All courses in the core and in each concentration must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
The study of accounting at Randolph-Macon College provides students with the opportunity to become fluent in the language of business within the unique setting of a liberal arts education. Students study accounting in an active learning environment incorporating theories and concepts from the fields of accounting, business, and economics. They learn to understand and appreciate the complex nature of business organizations. A major in accounting prepares students for a career in all business environments and provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in such fields as accounting, business, taxation, and law. All courses in the major and minor must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
A major in business offers students the opportunity to explore theories and concepts from accounting, business, and economics. Students study in an active learning environment and begin to understand and appreciate the complex nature of business organizations through applied economic theory. A major in business prepares students for a career in all business environments and provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in such fields as business and law. The major in business requires a common core of courses plus one of three concentrations: Finance, Management, or Marketing. All courses in the core and in each concentration must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
Students with a baccalaureate degree who wish to pursue the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination may use specific course work toward fulfillment of accounting educational requirements. Some course work also meets federal government guidelines for those interested in qualifying for positions or promotions in the federal government. Students should consult an accounting instructor to determine the courses that meet the educational requirements.
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree provides students with a strong foundation in accounting and business, along with general education requirements, enabling students to seek entry-level employment in accounting. In addition, the course work prepares students for certification exams.
The certificate programs provide course work that gives students the skills to sit for one or more certification exams administered by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT).
Students completing the A.A.S. in Management have opportunities to transfer to four-year universities to pursue B.S. degrees in Business Administration, Management, and related areas. See https://www.tcc.edu/programs/transfer/transfer-agreements/ for agreements.
Courses required for the Business Administration degree are available on all four campuses.
Courses required for the Liberal Arts degree are available on all four campuses.
Courses required for the General Studies degree are available on all four campuses.
Graduates of the maritime logistics program may enter or continue employment in the field of logistics management in maritime or traditional business environments.
Students planning to pursue a B.S. in Business Administration from a four-year college/university are advised to pursue TCC's general A.S. degree in Business Administration (plan code 213).