Logistics Manager

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AVG. SALARY

$105,250

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EDUCATION

High school (GED) +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

Suggested Steps to Prepare for a Logistics Manager Career (Grades 6-12)

Check out the recommended classes, activities and skills below for each grade level. These recommendations are very general -- discuss your specific course plan with your school counselors and teachers.

AI-assisted and curriculum-reviewed guidance. Talk with your counselor or teacher about your specific plan.
Grades 6-8

Helpful Classes

  • Math
  • Technology
  • Communication
  • Social Studies

Things to Try

  • Organize supplies for a class or team and track what comes in, goes out, and runs low, Practice counting, labeling, sorting, and checking records for accuracy, Compare two ways to store or move materials and explain which is more efficient, Interview a logistics manager about inventory, schedules, and keeping work organized

Focus Skills

  • Organization
  • Recordkeeping
  • Data analysis
  • Accuracy
  • Coordination

Helpful Classes

  • Business
  • Algebra I
  • Computer Applications
  • English
  • Logistics Basics

Recommended Learning Areas

  • inventory systems
  • receiving
  • purchasing
  • metrics
  • workflow planning

Things to Try

  • Use a spreadsheet to track stock, orders, or deliveries for a mock or school project, Practice creating labels, counts, pick lists, or receiving logs and checking for errors, Observe how warehouses, stores, or offices organize materials and movement, Shadow a logistics manager or logistics worker to see how records and timing are managed

Focus Skills

  • Organization
  • Recordkeeping
  • Data analysis
  • Accuracy
  • Coordination

Helpful Classes

  • Supply Chain and Logistics
  • Geometry
  • Spreadsheet Applications
  • English
  • Economics

Recommended Learning Areas

  • inventory systems
  • receiving
  • purchasing
  • metrics
  • workflow planning

Things to Try

  • Plan how supplies should be stored, counted, and reordered for a school or club activity, Compare shipping, receiving, purchasing, or stock-control steps and identify delays, Practice documenting item counts, shortages, damaged goods, or order updates, Use data to explain trends in inventory levels, demand, or delivery time

Focus Skills

  • Organization
  • Recordkeeping
  • Data analysis
  • Accuracy
  • Coordination

Helpful Classes

  • Inventory Management
  • Statistics
  • Business
  • Logistics
  • Technical Writing

Recommended Learning Areas

  • inventory systems
  • receiving
  • purchasing
  • metrics
  • workflow planning

Things to Try

  • Complete a logistics project tied to inventory systems, purchasing, or supply flow, Track metrics such as fill rate, stock levels, order timing, or receiving accuracy, Observe how workers coordinate suppliers, shipments, storage, and records, Interview professionals about quality checks, forecasting, and workflow planning

Focus Skills

  • Organization
  • Recordkeeping
  • Data analysis
  • Accuracy
  • Coordination

Helpful Classes

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Accounting
  • Data Analysis
  • Business Writing
  • Logistics

Recommended Learning Areas

  • inventory systems
  • receiving
  • purchasing
  • metrics
  • workflow planning

Things to Try

  • Build a portfolio with stock logs, process maps, receiving records, and supply metrics, Complete a capstone tied to inventory control, procurement, or operations coordination, Compare pathways in warehousing, purchasing, transportation, and supply chain analysis, Practice using data and documentation to improve speed, accuracy, and availability

Focus Skills

  • Organization
  • Recordkeeping
  • Data analysis
  • Accuracy
  • Coordination

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

High school (GED), plus on-the-job training

Educational requirements usually vary with the size of the organization although large transportation companies may prefer applicants who have taken formal training.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Educational requirements vary, but a bachelor's degree in business administration or management will increase employment and advancement possibilities. Whatever the manager's educational background, related work experience is very important.

Students should take introductory courses in transportation and physical distribution management. Electives then provide an in-depth examination of how goods and services reach their destinations. Logistics managers interact with managers from various departments, so students should also concentrate on finance or marketing.

Extra Requirements

Voluntary certifications are available from the the Association for Supply Chain Management and the National Private Truck Council (NPTC).

For additional information, visit these websites: