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Traffic manager vs distribution supervisor

The differences between traffic managers 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 traffic manager, 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 $61,734 average annual salary of a traffic manager.

The top three skills for a traffic manager include project management, traffic management and account executives. The most important skills for a distribution supervisor are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Traffic manager vs distribution supervisor overview

Traffic ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Yearly salary$61,734$62,458
Hourly rate$29.68$30.03
Growth rate-3%-
Number of jobs14,99742,619
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4545
Years of experience46

What does a traffic manager do?

The main job of a traffic manager is to make sure that account service marketing collateral works and flows efficiently to production and creative departments. Traffic managers take responsibility for keeping everyone in the team on task and the projects on deadline. They manage the logistics tasks and keep the parties up-to-date on the recent progress. It is their job to coordinate work among the account managers, staff members, and advertisers. Also, they develop and maintain procedure transportation and distribution for delivery efficiency maximization.

What does a distribution supervisor do?

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.

Traffic manager vs distribution supervisor salary

Traffic managers and distribution supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Traffic ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Average salary$61,734$62,458
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $102,000Between $40,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CitySan Carlos, CAReno, NV
Highest paying stateVirginiaNevada
Best paying companyAbbVieAgilent Technologies
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between traffic manager and distribution supervisor education

There are a few differences between a traffic manager and a distribution supervisor in terms of educational background:

Traffic ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Traffic manager vs distribution supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between traffic managers' and distribution supervisors' demographics:

Traffic ManagerDistribution Supervisor
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 47.9% Female, 52.1%Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 Percentage5%5%

Differences between traffic manager and distribution supervisor duties and responsibilities

Traffic manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage and schedule all FM commercials for national affiliates.
  • Manage and schedule all FM commercials per customers' contract drive times.
  • Manage all inbound material which include part shortages, EC changes, QC inspection parts and sequence material.
  • Train and supervise coordinators and junior AE s. create job number tracking system for print/broadcast events.
  • Provide oversight to all computer functions relative to the importation of vessels and the release and shipment of vehicles.
  • Perform continuous analysis of TMS, operation and business process for continuous improvement.
  • Show more

Distribution supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Begin the implementation of standard work and lead kaizen event to standardize pack stations.
  • Manage warehouse technology including RF, packing systems, shipping systems, and forklift operations.
  • Develop the WMS training program and lead the team in the design of WMS process rules.
  • Have led cost saving initiatives including staffing, a DC expansion, and customization of WMS.
  • Manage all logistics including ocean and air imports, exports and domestic distribution via TL, LTL, and small parcel.
  • Comply with cleanliness standards, government regulations, and safety requirements, including OSHA, FDA, and HACCP.
  • Show more

Traffic manager vs distribution supervisor skills

Common traffic manager skills
  • Project Management, 10%
  • Traffic Management, 6%
  • Account Executives, 5%
  • FAA, 4%
  • PowerPoint, 4%
  • Traffic Logs, 4%
Common distribution supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Logistics, 10%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 4%
  • Shipping Receiving, 4%

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