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The differences between shipping supervisors and distribution supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a shipping supervisor, becoming a distribution supervisor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a distribution supervisor has an average salary of $62,458, which is higher than the $48,598 average annual salary of a shipping supervisor.
The top three skills for a shipping supervisor include customer service, safety procedures and logistics. The most important skills for a distribution supervisor are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.
| Shipping Supervisor | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Yearly salary | $48,598 | $62,458 |
| Hourly rate | $23.36 | $30.03 |
| Growth rate | -3% | - |
| Number of jobs | 26,138 | 42,619 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 37% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A shipping supervisor is responsible for monitoring the goods and services, ensuring its quality and quantity before packaging and shipment processing to avoid delays and possible client complaints. Shipping supervisors manage the shipment schedule, including verification of the location and determining correct charges. They also keep track of the incoming and outgoing deliveries by maintaining an organized record in the company's database. A shipping supervisor must have excellent communication and leadership skills, especially on handling customers' concerns, conducting item replacements, and overseeing the warehouse staff to meet maximum productivity goals.
A distribution supervisor is in charge of overseeing all distribution processes in a warehouse or similar setting, ensuring accuracy and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating deliveries and shipment, managing schedules, delegating tasks, assessing the performance of the workforce, and maintaining records of all transactions. Should there be any issues or concerns, it is essential to resolve them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a supervisor, it is vital to lead and encourage the employees to reach goals and deadlines, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Shipping supervisors and distribution supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Shipping Supervisor | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Average salary | $48,598 | $62,458 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $66,000 | Between $40,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | New Brunswick, NJ | Reno, NV |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Schneider Electric Industrial Services | Agilent Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a shipping supervisor and a distribution supervisor in terms of educational background:
| Shipping Supervisor | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 37% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between shipping supervisors' and distribution supervisors' demographics:
| Shipping Supervisor | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8% | Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 6.8% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |