Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between distribution managers and terminal 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 terminal manager takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $74,237 average annual salary of a terminal manager.
The top three skills for a distribution manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a terminal manager are customer service, DOT, and OSHA.
| Distribution Manager | Terminal Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $89,264 | $74,237 |
| Hourly rate | $42.92 | $35.69 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 39,061 | 16,792 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| 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.
Terminal managers are professionals who are responsible for managing workers and direct dispatching activities of logistics vehicles. These managers are required to develop relationships with corporate and operational departments so that they can ensure the company logistics standards are met. They must resolve customer service complaints by implementing satisfactory solutions to retain customers. Terminal drivers must train new drivers so that they can be licensed, tested, and certified according to federal and state laws. They are also required to maintain a clean and safe working condition of their facility and equipment.
Distribution managers and terminal managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Manager | Terminal Manager | |
| Average salary | $89,264 | $74,237 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $55,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | San Leandro, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Levi Strauss & Co. | Hub Group |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a distribution manager and a terminal manager in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Manager | Terminal Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between distribution managers' and terminal managers' demographics:
| Distribution Manager | Terminal Manager | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% | Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6% |
| 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, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |