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The differences between transportation 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 transportation manager, becoming a distribution supervisor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a transportation manager has an average salary of $77,378, which is higher than the $62,458 average annual salary of a distribution supervisor.
The top three skills for a transportation manager include customer service, DOT and supply chain. The most important skills for a distribution supervisor are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.
| Transportation Manager | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Yearly salary | $77,378 | $62,458 |
| Hourly rate | $37.20 | $30.03 |
| Growth rate | 28% | - |
| Number of jobs | 25,248 | 42,619 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A transportation manager is an individual who is responsible for directing and managing tasks that involves all the transportation activities within the organization. Transportation managers must ensure that goods and passengers have reached their destination safely by inspecting and providing maintenance to the organization's vehicles. During the hiring process, transportation managers must make sure that drivers and operators have the correct and up to date qualifications. They must also avoid passenger overload and should keep accurate records of passengers and goods that are being transported.
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 managers and distribution supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Transportation Manager | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Average salary | $77,378 | $62,458 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $111,000 | Between $40,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, NJ | Reno, NV |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Accenture | Agilent Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a transportation manager and a distribution supervisor in terms of educational background:
| Transportation Manager | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between transportation managers' and distribution supervisors' demographics:
| Transportation Manager | Distribution Supervisor | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% | Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.5% 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 Percentage | 5% | 5% |