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The differences between distribution managers and transportation 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 transportation manager takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a distribution manager has an average salary of $89,264, which is higher than the $77,378 average annual salary of a transportation manager.
The top three skills for a distribution manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a transportation manager are customer service, DOT, and supply chain.
| Distribution Manager | Transportation Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $89,264 | $77,378 |
| Hourly rate | $42.92 | $37.20 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 28% |
| Number of jobs | 39,061 | 25,248 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| 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 transportation manager is an individual who is responsible for directing and managing tasks that involves all the transportation activities within the organization. Transportation managers must ensure that goods and passengers have reached their destination safely by inspecting and providing maintenance to the organization's vehicles. During the hiring process, transportation managers must make sure that drivers and operators have the correct and up to date qualifications. They must also avoid passenger overload and should keep accurate records of passengers and goods that are being transported.
Distribution managers and transportation managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Manager | Transportation Manager | |
| Average salary | $89,264 | $77,378 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $53,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Levi Strauss & Co. | Accenture |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a distribution manager and a transportation manager in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Manager | Transportation Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between distribution managers' and transportation managers' demographics:
| Distribution Manager | Transportation Manager | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% |
| 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, 18.5% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |