6 Careers in the Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Industry To Explore
Thanks to the rise of e-commerce, evolving infrastructure, and nonstop demand for goods movement, the transportation industry offers some of the most accessible, stable, and scalable career opportunities today.
From air traffic controllers to forklift operators, the sector is vast, with many opportunities for nearly every skill set.
To help you start your career in transportation and logistics, we’ve curated six career options with low entry barriers you can pursue. Each offers clear paths to growth, competitive earnings, and the chance to thrive in a fast-evolving industry.
1. Freight Broker
The job involves connecting businesses that need to ship goods with carriers who can transport them. They negotiate rates, schedule shipments, and manage communication between both sides to ensure freight gets delivered on time and at the right price.
Potential earnings
Income comes from the 10% to 30% profit margins on a shipment, depending on the mode of transportation, the complexity, and the distance. The national average salary in the United States is $62,105 per year, with earnings ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000, depending on volume and network.
Why it’s a good option
It’s one of the few occupations in the transportation sector you can start from home, with low upfront costs and no physical freight to handle. It’s in high demand, especially with the growth of e-commerce and just-in-time delivery models.
It also opens the door to several career opportunities in transport and logistics. You can expand into agency ownership, hire a team, or scale your business to handle regional or national accounts.
Training or licensing required
You don’t need a college degree, only a high school diploma, but you must meet several legal and setup requirements to operate independently.
- Broker registration through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- A USDOT number and MC number, issued by the FMCSA during registration.
- A $75,000 surety bond (or trust fund) to financially protect your clients.
- A broker training (optional, but strongly recommended). Our 90-day freight broker course will walk you through the setup, compliance, and day-to-day operations, including booking loads, working with shippers and carriers, and building your client base.
2. Truck Driver (CDL)
CDL truck drivers transport freight along designated routes, ensuring timely deliveries while maintaining accurate load records. Some drive locally and return home daily, while others handle long-haul routes across states that span multiple days.
Potential earning
Most new CDL drivers earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, with opportunities to earn more based on experience, miles driven, endorsements, and the type of freight. The average is $92,677 in the US, however, owner-operators and specialised drivers, like hazmat or flatbed, can earn upwards of $100,000.
Why it’s a good option
This is one of the fastest ways to start earning in the transportation industry. Drivers are always in demand, and there’s steady work across retail, manufacturing, construction, and logistics.
You can choose from local, regional, or over-the-road (OTR) routes, depending on your schedule and lifestyle.
With experience, you can move into higher-paying routes or become an owner-operator.
Training or licensing required
To legally drive a commercial truck, you’ll need:
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Specific endorsements if required (e.g., for tanker, hazmat, or doubles/triples).
- A clean driving record.
Some employers sponsor CDL training in exchange for a work commitment, which can lower your upfront costs.
3. Logistics Coordinator
Logistics coordinators keep shipments on track. They schedule pickups and deliveries, track freight, communicate with carriers and customers, and resolve issues if something goes off-plan. It’s a support-heavy role that helps keep the supply chain running smoothly behind the scenes.
Earning potential
Salaries typically range from $30,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, company size, and location. You can earn more by moving into planning or supervisory roles.
Why it’s a good option
This is a great entry point if you want to get into logistics without a licence or certification. It builds valuable skills like communication, problem-solving, and supply chain knowledge, paving the way for careers as dispatchers, supply chain analysts, or freight brokers.
Training or licensing required
Many coordinators learn on the job or come from related roles in admin, warehouse operations, or customer service. Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms is a bonus, but not mandatory.
4. Supply Chain Analyst
A supply chain analyst uses data to improve how products move from suppliers to customers. They look for patterns, spot inefficiencies, forecast demand, and help companies reduce costs and delays.
Earning potential
Most analysts earn between $60,000 and $130,000.
Why it’s a good option
Nearly every large company relies on supply chain analysts to keep operations efficient. It’s in demand, offers career stability, and often comes with hybrid or remote options.
Training or licensing required
Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, or a related field. Experience with data analysis tools or supply chain software is a plus.
5. Warehouse Manager
A warehouse manager oversees day-to-day operations in a storage or distribution facility. That includes inventory management, managing staff, ensuring orders are fulfilled accurately, and maintaining safety and efficiency across the warehouse.
Earning potential
Salaries typically range from $70,000 to $100,000, depending on location, size of the facility, and scope of responsibilities. Larger or high-volume sites may offer performance-based bonuses.
Why it’s a good option
It’s a practical leadership role for those who’ve worked their way up in warehousing or logistics. You manage both people and processes, with clear KPIs and opportunities to improve operations. The job offers day-to-day variety, problem-solving, and a path into senior logistics roles.
Training or licensing required
You don’t need a college degree, but most employers look for:
- 3–5 years of warehouse or distribution experience
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Team leadership or supervisory background
- Familiarity with WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) and basic inventory practices
6. Supply Chain Manager
Supply chain managers oversee the full flow of goods through supply chain processes, from sourcing raw materials to final delivery.
They coordinate purchasing, production, warehousing, and transportation to meet deadlines and budgets.
Earning potential
The average supply chain management salary in the US is $148,000, and the prospects can go up to $200K, depending on experience, industry, and company size. Senior roles at global companies or high-complexity supply chains can earn significantly higher wages.
Why it’s a good option
It’s one of the most strategic roles in logistics. You get a seat at the table in key business decisions, and your work has a direct impact on margins, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. For experienced professionals in logistics, planning, or procurement, it’s a natural next step with high responsibility and a strong career upside.
Training or licensing required
Most employers expect:
- A bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, operations, or engineering
- 5–10 years of relevant experience
- Familiarity with ERP systems, logistics platforms, and supply chain analytics
- Additional certifications like APICS CPIM or CSCP can strengthen your profile, especially for global or enterprise-level roles.
FAQs
1. Is the transportation industry booming?
Yes, there’s immense demand. The movement of goods is essential for companies to operate. There are stable job opportunities across the board, many with on-the-job training and clear paths to advancement. Roles range from hands-on work to remote, tech-enabled positions. With a CDL, trade certification, or broker authority, even entry-level jobs can lead to six-figure careers or business ownership.
2. Are there remote transportation jobs available?
Yes, especially in planning, brokering, supply chain analysis, and operations support. As logistics systems become more digitised, many companies are hiring remote teams to manage freight, analyse data, and coordinate shipments. Freight brokering is a particularly flexible path if you’re looking for remote or home-based work.
3. What’s the fastest way to start earning in the TDL industry?
If you want to start earning quickly, the most direct paths are getting your CDL to become a truck driver, starting in a warehouse or dispatch role, or training to become a freight broker.
- CDL training can be completed in as little as 4–8 weeks, and many schools offer job placement.
- Warehouse jobs often require no experience and provide on-the-job training.
- Freight brokering doesn’t require a license to learn, just the right training, and you can start your own business from home.
4. Where to start in the TDL industry?
- If you’re hands-on and like to be on the move, driving or warehouse work can get you in quickly.
- If you’ve got admin, customer service, or coordination experience, consider dispatching or brokering.
- If you’re more analytical or want a desk-based role, logistics planning or supply chain analysis could be a strong fit.
Final Thoughts
The transportation industry is full of career paths that are accessible, practical, and built for growth. Whether you’re looking for hands-on work, remote flexibility, or long-term leadership roles, there’s no shortage of careers in the transportation sector to explore.
If you’re ready to start a transportation career, now is the perfect time to take your first step into this thriving field. To set up and start running your freight brokerage in 90 days or less, sign up for our 90-day freight broker course today!