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Transportation director vs logistics manager

The differences between transportation directors and logistics 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 transportation director, becoming a logistics manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a logistics manager has an average salary of $74,702, 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 logistics manager are customer service, supply chain, and continuous improvement.

Transportation director vs logistics manager overview

Transportation DirectorLogistics Manager
Yearly salary$51,314$74,702
Hourly rate$24.67$35.91
Growth rate-6%
Number of jobs23,62231,437
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
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 logistics manager do?

The person in charge of coordinating, purchasing, and distributing products in a supply chain is called logistics manager. Logistic managers are supply specialists that are responsible for the overall supply chain management. They supervise employees to maintain safety in the workplace, resolve customer's issues and complaints, and develop strategies for operations. Also, they are responsible for collaborating and negotiating with manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and consumers. These highly-detailed professionals maintain precise records of inventory and ensure that supply chain processes are regularly operating.

Transportation director vs logistics manager salary

Transportation directors and logistics managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Transportation DirectorLogistics Manager
Average salary$51,314$74,702
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $86,000Between $52,000 And $106,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNew YorkWashington
Best paying companyZulilyApple
Best paying industryHealth CareTechnology

Differences between transportation director and logistics manager education

There are a few differences between a transportation director and a logistics manager in terms of educational background:

Transportation DirectorLogistics Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Transportation director vs logistics manager demographics

Here are the differences between transportation directors' and logistics managers' demographics:

Transportation DirectorLogistics Manager
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 76.0% Female, 24.0%Male, 77.9% Female, 22.1%
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, 11.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between transportation director and logistics manager 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

Logistics manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage budget, staffing, workload distribution, and training and development of PMO.
  • Manage annual RFP for the selection of new carrier contracts for FCL/FTL rates and services.
  • Lead cross-functional team integrating the distribution system with a new database merchandising system with RF device.
  • Manage all FDA medical device listings for all accume foreign and domestic facilities, and assist foreign suppliers with the same.
  • Manage all negotiations with carriers including freight forwarders and various other providers of transportation relate services.
  • Lead organization's governmental and regulatory compliance office which result in no violation findings during federal oversight inspections.
  • Show more

Transportation director vs logistics manager skills

Common transportation director skills
  • DOT, 18%
  • Logistics, 11%
  • CDL, 7%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 6%
  • Transportation Services, 5%
  • Transportation Operations, 4%
Common logistics manager skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Supply Chain, 12%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • On-Time Delivery, 5%
  • Process Improvement, 4%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 3%

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