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Terminal manager vs distribution center manager

The differences between terminal managers and distribution center managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a terminal manager, becoming a distribution center manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a distribution center manager has an average salary of $99,459, which is higher than the $74,237 average annual salary of a terminal manager.

The top three skills for a terminal manager include customer service, DOT and OSHA. The most important skills for a distribution center manager are logistics, customer service, and OSHA.

Terminal manager vs distribution center manager overview

Terminal ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Yearly salary$74,237$99,459
Hourly rate$35.69$47.82
Growth rate6%-
Number of jobs16,79275,501
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4545
Years of experience46

What does a terminal manager do?

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.

What does a distribution center manager do?

A distribution center manager is an individual who is responsible for managing all the daily activities of a centralized distribution center, warehouse, or another shipping facility. Distribution center managers are required to supervise the loading and unloading of all packages as well as ensure that all goods and products have the proper storage conditions. They must evaluate freight services and manage relationships with the chose vendors. Distribution center managers are also required to monitor the safety of the facility and make sure that workers properly store everything to prevent injuries.

Terminal manager vs distribution center manager salary

Terminal managers and distribution center managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Terminal ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Average salary$74,237$99,459
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $99,000Between $70,000 And $141,000
Highest paying CitySan Leandro, CAWoodland, CA
Highest paying stateVirginiaCalifornia
Best paying companyHub GroupBed Bath & Beyond
Best paying industryEnergyAutomotive

Differences between terminal manager and distribution center manager education

There are a few differences between a terminal manager and a distribution center manager in terms of educational background:

Terminal ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Terminal manager vs distribution center manager demographics

Here are the differences between terminal managers' and distribution center managers' demographics:

Terminal ManagerDistribution Center Manager
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 87.4% Female, 12.6%Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between terminal manager and distribution center manager duties and responsibilities

Terminal manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage all CDL drivers files, medical re-certifications, and random drug and alcohol testing.
  • Utilize company trucks and outside carriers to achieve proper and JIT deliveries of order goods.
  • Provide route profitability analysis as directed, manage transportation GPS process.
  • Manage all truckload and LTL warehouse operations including consolidation and distribution for several customers.
  • Coordinate logistics process, freight movement, and contractor activities managing inbound/outbound freight, customer service and administration.
  • Manage inventory of inbound ocean containers, coordinate and schedule TL operations, supervise yard hostlers and manage outbound trailer traffic.
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Distribution center manager example responsibilities.

  • Assist in implementing MRP program, BOM and manage inventory reorder points and forecasting.
  • Manage all DC relate building projects and small systems support department for 6 DCs.
  • Manage distribution center operations for industry leading LTL transportation provider.
  • Manage financial performance including operational expense control, damage reduction, capital expenditures and payroll.
  • Manage successful integration of new WMS system including voice pick technology and engineer labor standards.
  • Manage logistics operations issues that include branch logistics plan implementation, warehouse and delivery personnel management, inventory management and security/safety/housekeeping.
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Terminal manager vs distribution center manager skills

Common terminal manager skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • DOT, 13%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Payroll, 4%
  • Facility Maintenance, 4%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 4%
Common distribution center manager skills
  • Logistics, 13%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 4%
  • Process Improvement, 4%

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