Industry Spotlight: Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics
By Teri Bisceglia, GCDF, CPRW
You go online to a retailer’s website and purchase a new pasta pot. Three days later, the package arrives at your door. We do this regularly and without much thought as to where and how it gets done. We’re just happy to have our product.
This process suddenly took on a whole new meaning over the last year as it became a lifeline for many during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ‘where’ and ‘how’ of your package’s journey is one of the top industries in Frederick County: Transportation, Warehousing, &Logistics.
WHAT IS THE TRANSPORTATION, WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS INDUSTRY?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this industry "includes industries providing transportation of passengers and cargo, warehousing and storage for goods, scenic and sightseeing transportation, and support activities related to modes of transportation. Establishments in these industries use transportation equipment or transportation-related facilities as a productive asset.”
On average, 63 tons of freight are shipped for every person each year in the U.S.! And it’s not slowing down. The growth of the Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics industry has created job and career opportunities from entry-level to senior management. The industry’s estimated growth is +5.4% in our area over the next five years. Job boards are full of openings.
WHO'S HIRING IN THIS INDUSTRY?
Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics companies offer job seekers and career changers opportunities for a variety of jobs and careers with over 150 industry employers just in our local area alone - and over 2,000 employers within 50 miles! Some employers in the Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics industry in our area include: Costco Wholesale, Builders First Choice, Food Pro, Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Capstone Logistics and Frederick County Transit. The Local Landscape highlights industry employers with direct links to their websites to learn more about the companies and their job opportunities.
WHAT KIND OF SALARY CAN I EXPECT?
Salary ranges are influenced by a variety of factors including company size, number of employees, and the economy, as well as the candidate’s experience, education, and training. The Local Landscape provides average salaries and corresponding education/training levels for some of the typical occupations in the Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics industry.
For example:
Stock & Warehouse Clerk, High School Diploma, Average Salary: $13.20 per hour
Heavy Truck & Tractor Trailer Driver (CDL-A), Post-secondary Certificate or License, $20.98 per Hour
Production Manager, Bachelor’s Degree or Above, $35 per hour.
The image below represents a sample career pathway in this industry. A warehouse clerk with an average salary of $11-$13 per hour and a high school diploma may advance to an operations manager with an associate’s degree and average salary of $18-$24 per hour to a supply chain manager with an average salary of $30-$35 per hour and a bachelor’s degree.
This example demonstrates the potential of going from entry-level to management. A career pathway is just a glimpse into the possibilities within an industry. You can enter a pathway at any point based on your own experience and training.
WHAT ARE THE SKILLS I NEED TO BE A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE?
When you are considering a new job or changing your career, it is vital to identify how your current skills may transfer to a particular industry. You’ll learn whether you already have the skills you need to be a successful candidate or if you’ll need training to upgrade your skills to industry requirements. The good news is that many of the skills you’ve acquired throughout your work life are transferrable and in demand! These include communication, dependability, and customer service. The Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics industry does have some skills that are unique to the industry, such as using and operating a forklift. You can check out The Local Landscape’s Top 10 Advertised In-Demand Skills for brief definitions and real-world examples.
Bottom line: This is an industry where career and job opportunities are in great supply.
So if you're thinking that a career in Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics might be right for you, then check out The Local Landscape: Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics page to learn more!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Over the coming weeks, we'll continue to feature high-growth industries in Frederick County. Be sure to check back for our next installment in this series, where we’ll focus on the Professional & Technical industry.
Sources:
The Local Landscape – Transportation, Warehousing & Logistics
Transportation and Warehousing Industry, ONet Online.
Transportation and Warehousing: NAICS 48-49, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics