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The differences between distribution managers and fleet managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a distribution manager, becoming a fleet manager takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $49,492 average annual salary of a fleet manager.
The top three skills for a distribution manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a fleet manager are customer service, DOT, and vehicle fleet.
| Distribution Manager | Fleet Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $89,264 | $49,492 |
| Hourly rate | $42.92 | $23.79 |
| Growth rate | 6% | - |
| Number of jobs | 39,061 | 14,157 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A distribution manager is responsible for managing the distribution of goods and services, ensuring the adequacy of merchandise in the storage, and monitoring the products' timely delivery to appropriate locations. Distribution managers process shipments and utilize software systems to track stock levels and order status, negotiate contracts with suppliers and third-party vendors, identify business opportunities to boost maximum productivity and performance, and develop supply strategies to minimize costs without compromising quality. A distribution manager must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to manage business performance by coordinating with different teams on achieving business goals and objectives.
A fleet manager is responsible for monitoring the delivery processes, including the maintenance and registration of delivery vehicles, recruiting delivery drivers, and regularly inspecting the vehicle's engine to boost optimal performance for efficient deliveries. Fleet managers purchase the vehicles, negotiating contracts with trusted manufacturers, and try to keep minimal costs without compromising quality. They also manage delivery schedules, respond to the receivers' inquiries and concerns, and resolve delivery complaints immediately. A fleet manager must have excellent communication and analytical skills, especially on strategizing profitability techniques and identify related business opportunities.
Distribution managers and fleet managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Manager | Fleet Manager | |
| Average salary | $89,264 | $49,492 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $31,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Anaheim, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Levi Strauss & Co. | VIA Motors |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a distribution manager and a fleet manager in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Manager | Fleet Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between distribution managers' and fleet managers' demographics:
| Distribution Manager | Fleet Manager | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% | Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 6.2% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |