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Transportation director vs distribution supervisor

The differences between transportation directors 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 transportation director, 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 $51,314 average annual salary of a transportation director.

The top three skills for a transportation director include DOT, logistics and CDL. The most important skills for a distribution supervisor are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Transportation director vs distribution supervisor overview

Transportation DirectorDistribution Supervisor
Yearly salary$51,314$62,458
Hourly rate$24.67$30.03
Growth rate--
Number of jobs23,62242,619
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4545
Years of experience46

What does a transportation director do?

Transportation Directors are responsible for managing an organization's transportation operations. They are involved in supervising transportation projects, monitoring performance, research workflow processes, conduct strategic meetings with stakeholders, administer the budgeting process, and ensures programs comply with state and federal regulations. Besides that, transportation directors also work with the human resources department in employee recruitment as well as implementing training and orientations. Other duties include performing financial reports analysis and software tools testing.

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.

Transportation director vs distribution supervisor salary

Transportation directors and distribution supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Transportation DirectorDistribution Supervisor
Average salary$51,314$62,458
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $86,000Between $40,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYReno, NV
Highest paying stateNew YorkNevada
Best paying companyZulilyAgilent Technologies
Best paying industryHealth CareManufacturing

Differences between transportation director and distribution supervisor education

There are a few differences between a transportation director and a distribution supervisor in terms of educational background:

Transportation DirectorDistribution Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Transportation director vs distribution supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between transportation directors' and distribution supervisors' demographics:

Transportation DirectorDistribution Supervisor
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 76.0% Female, 24.0%Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.1% 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 transportation director and distribution supervisor duties and responsibilities

Transportation director example responsibilities.

  • Manage RFP process to outsource truck maintenance resulting in headcount reduction of 32, and total savings of $880K annually.
  • Manage inventory of inbound ocean containers, coordinate and schedule TL operations, supervise yard hostlers and manage outbound trailer traffic.
  • Perform OSHA forklift and domestic HAZMAT shipping training per regulatory guidelines.
  • Convert fleet on-board computer system from Cadec to GPS base Xata.
  • Install time-management Synovia GPS tracking and cameras on all school buses provide constant security to passengers.
  • Develop routing procedures for LTL, truck load, air freight, partial package, and inter modal shipments.
  • 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

Transportation director vs distribution supervisor skills

Common transportation director skills
  • DOT, 18%
  • Logistics, 11%
  • CDL, 7%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 6%
  • Transportation Services, 5%
  • Transportation Operations, 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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