Republished with permission of CareerOneStop.org
Curious about who’s hiring in your area? One of the strongest employment sectors nationwide—with a variety of types of jobs to consider—is transportation, warehouse, and delivery.
Even as more stores and restaurants open, and vaccinations allow for greater public mobility, goods delivery companies—from giants like Amazon to your local pet store—are extremely busy. And they need workers in their warehouses and on their delivery teams to help them meet that demand. Job openings in this industry range from entry-level warehouse and fulfillment jobs to logistics and operations manager positions.
Some facts about the industry:
- This industry employs over five million workers, about 3.6% of total U.S. jobs
- Trucks deliver nearly 70% of all freight in the U.S.
- The most commonly shipped items are food, clothing, furniture, and electronics
What kinds of jobs are available?
No matter what your level of education and experience, you can find a place in the transportation, warehouse, and delivery industry.
Jobs that require a high school education
A high school diploma or equivalent qualifies applicants for many entry-level jobs in transportation, such as material movers, highway maintenance workers, office clerks and administrative assistants, customer service reps, school and public transit bus drivers. Warehouses need forklift operators and stock movers, and distribution/warehousing workers.
Delivery driver jobs are in demand at this level of education; some businesses hire their own delivery drivers and some use services such as UPS, FedEx, or the postal service, creating a lot of openings at those organizations as well.
Some training, apprenticeship, or other preparation required
Careers that require some training, apprenticeship, significant on-the-job learning, or specific licenses include dispatchers and mechanics for buses, trucks, and aircraft.
One of the most in-demand careers that require some training is commercial driving, which requires a commercial driving license – or CDL – that can be earned in less than two months. Experts estimate that there are up to 50,000 truck driver jobs unfilled, and trucking-related jobs account for about one-third of the job openings in the industry.
You’ll need extensive experience or a bachelors degree
With several years of work experience, candidates may qualify for many management and supervision positions in this industry. Some careers, such as engineers, designers, logistics analysts, and supply chain managers, usually require a bachelor’s or advanced degree.
Is a career in this industry for you?
A number of careers in this industry share some characteristics that may make it more appealing – or definitely less so – for you. Consider that:
- Most careers in transportation and logistics pay wages that are higher than the national median.
- Many careers in this industry are best for people who like to be on the move themselves, or to be part of moving things around – locally, regionally, or even globally.
- Hours and schedules can be irregular, and time away from home may be required.
- Expect to do a lot of communication, record keeping, and observation of government safety regulations on the job.
Learn more
Like what you see? Learn more about this sector from these sources:
- Watch CareerOneStop’s Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics overview video, or explore Careers in Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics.
- Learn about earning a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and locate a local CDL training program.
- Search for positions on CareerOneStop’s Job Finder, using a company name or keywords such as “delivery” or “warehouse”.
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