I know companywide we are highly underpaid.
I am in charge of 12 plants for all logistics and have a budget of more than most of the plants, yet I am paid less than the plant manager.
Women are greatly underpaid in this industry. They are also overlooked more than men are with advancement opportunities.
Currently satisfied with position and salary; however, I’m always looking for the potential to make a difference in the operation. Continuing education and performance are at the top of the list.
I think I should be paid more and receive a bonus at the end of the year. I am also thankful that I have a job.
I still think the value we bring to the bottom line is not respected by the corporation.
Hopefully, one day, the salary differences within the transportation industry will more appropriately reflect the skill and performance of the individual and not the gender.
There is a large swing in moving experience to IT supply chain and hiring "off the street" data input clerks, but when the chips fall, there is no one around with the experience to resolve the problems in a timely manner, thus causing more problems to occur. I foresee a huge void occurring in the future and I do not see any training of young people to fill this void.
I believe it should pay more, taking into account of rising prices.
Although base compensation is a major factor in employment, other primary interests include: job stability, career advancement/development, executive recognition, flexible scheduling as well as benefits (health/dental/retirement).
Logistics is probably the least understand department in most companies. More recognition has been placed on the department due in part to rising fuel costs that impact the freight costs. I don't think as much importance has been placed on the department and its function within the company. Purchasing and R&D tend to disregard the transportation costs when selecting a supplier for parts. This makes my job more challenging.
I have a great bunch of drivers that I supervise. They know what is expected of them and do their jobs well. I wish that the upper management knew more about the transportation end of my job.
Have pretty much hit the "glass ceiling". Have new people in our Senior Management Team that are of the philosophy that future company leaders must have a 4 year degree. So much for the employees that have put in almost 20 years with the company as well as having worked in this industry prior to joining the company ~ no let's instead give a managers position to a 22 yr old college grad.
I do not have a degree, I went to the school of hard knocks. I have been doing logistics for 29+years and do not feel fully compensated for what I am responsible for. A 400 Million Dollar company should have a transportation dept of more then 1 and a half people in my opinion. And prior to 4 years ago it was just myself doing all the transportation work and logistics.
With the advances in technology over the past 10 years, it is an exciting time to be in logistics management and enjoy automation!
The biggest challenge we are currently facing is the Trucking Capacity Issues in an ever changing Transportation Industry. Increased fuel expense and liability insurance, combined with a shortage of qualified drivers have driven freight rate increases higher than the national cost of living average increase. That additional transportation cost is then passed along to the customer, and it becomes more difficult to remain competitive.
Management expects a lot from the traffic dept - as far as meeting shipment schedules/getting the best prices - but does not give us the information/support that is needed to do that in the best way possible.
My job today did not exist 6 years ago. HR is way behind in appropriate compensation in personnel that handles decision making in hazmat shipments and import/export compliance functions. They tend to still treat these positions as clerk (hourly) positions.
High stress level with little rewards.
I'm making much less than I did four years ago in the Midwest in operations management. It's a big disappointment, but I'm job searching because this industry doesn't reward education, experience or dedication.
I consider Materials Management and Operations as my true profession, and have been asked to temporarily manage logistics.
Even though we control over 70% of the dollars at a company, Purchasing/Logistics remains an under appreciated function.
Logistics can be fairly frustrating at times, everyone wants products shipped anywhere in the country but they are not willing to pay much for the high level of service that is needed to do the job properly.
Most of my work involves international shipments; senior management does not understand what all is involved or that international freight does not move overnight. Some of my managers are more interested in what it cost in time and dollars than Customs Compliance.
Company buy-outs continue to put excellent employees at the risk of loosing their jobs due to "restructuring". I think the company realizes the importance of logistics until it is thought they could possibly save a salary or combine jobs or cut employee costs that aren't themselves.
My main focus at this time is indirect purchasing for our entire facility. However, I am the "resident expert" regarding transportation and logistics issues at this time. My next assignment will focus much more on transportation as I will be concentrating on a 250,000.00 cost reduction effort over the course of 2006.
We are in the QSR distribution business. The locations we service are all franchisee owned and operated, as is the distribution system. It is difficult at times getting the franchisee base to understand the complexity of the distribution system and what it takes to get product to the store level.
For the past few months, our CFO has been trying to get a 3PL company to take over our transportation needs (I’ve been with the company 14 years). We manufacture and distribute computer forms. I run the January '99 Czar-lite rate base with anywhere from a 78-82.5%, FAK 50 (actual class is 55), and almost all accessorial charges are waived. If a carrier won't waive accessorials, they are negotiated down to minimums. I have also implemented several line-haul & distribution programs which work great for the company. I pride myself on the savings I get for the company.
After working at another multi-billion dollar company for 15 years, my position was out-sourced to another company here in the states. After 6 months of unemployment, I landed another job closer to home and am happy with this job, but hope for change.
In today's competitive environment, job stability is the hardest benefit to achieve in a company. With the same token, it can be difficult to retain the best in class employees due to that environment.
I feel that if I would have completed my college education, I would have been more successful in my career.
My company is much more aware of the importance of logistics than they used to be. However, this does not extend to the point where salary is concerned because we are not a money-making area of the company. Yet how can sales be made if the logistics team did not function efficiently?
It seems that everyone in companies now are out to skin the customers and employees for profit in the owner’s pocket. What happened to the old values of quality and service? I personally have not had a raise in over 3 years and we are still a very profitable company, where is the profit going?
I am true transportation professional, I have a vast knowledge of the industry and so do my colleagues. However, I believe that most of us are looked upon as cavemen because there is little recognition. A lot of people talk Logistics and it is a popular buzzword. However very few actually understand want it takes to move a product from point A to point B.
The main focus of my job at the present time is the percent of transportation cost to sales. I spend most of my day analyzing the past instead of focusing on the future and ways to improve transportation spending. I also feel that the company is looking at reducing our fleet. For this company, that would be a mistake because giving out shipments to truckload and LTL carriers increases the risk of shipments not being delivered on time and increases the costs to have deliveries “time sensitive.”
My company does not understand the challenges out there in the transportation industry right now!
This firm has a solid reputation for low pay; however, this is offset with an unofficial “come and go as you please” formula, mostly because the company is 66% management. As a full-time evening grad student and full-time white collar worker, the situation is livable but with an ROA of 4.65%, the party can’t last long.
I believe women are still struggling in the transportation field for equal salary, and compensation benefits of their male counterparts. As a traffic manager responsible for rates and carrier selection, transpiration used to be fun. Now every day is a struggle to keep product moving to our customers at a “reasonable” cost – not over-inflated by carriers/drivers who continue to raise their price per mile at a whim.
I do not believe that logistics, as a service discipline, is understood by many people, including those who call themselves a logistics provider. Too often, I find people who market their services as a logistics provider, only to be found out that they are really nothing more than a transportation provider with some warehouse storage capabilities. I also find logistics providers who come close to providing the service as defined, but they have no support or networked system developed to assist them in providing the wide range of services that they should be prepared to market. In the past two years the number of potential customers who have expressed concerns about finding true candidate to outsource to has climbed dramatically, and many have resigned themselves to in-house processes to overcome what they perceive as a very limited vendor base that can be encouraged (and are capable) to come forward with programs that conform to the customer requirements. It's disappointing to see companies who have adopted the logistics name more as a marketing buzzword than a true capability.
I am very pleased with my job situation other than the salary... it should be more.
It is important for Executives to understand the importance of logistics as it relates to the supply chain. It is rare for a company to understand this and back the professionals that manage the process. Finally, I have found the company that embraces logistics and realizes the opportunities for savings and need for compliance. It is refreshing.
Lack of acknowledgement by the company for a job well done for many years with only a base cost of living increase.
Unless one majors in logistics or some transportation field, there seems to be no clear career path. It seems to be so generalized under the "Supply Chain Omnipotence" that you can get lost. I wish there were more defined paths that people could research before just ending up in this field.
I have varying responsibilities with our small company. My job title is "Scheduler"; however, I do the work of a traffic manager as well.
Good job, pay is little low for my status with the company, however, I sacrifice that for job flexibility. I like my job and the company, they are people friendly and take care of their employees in ways not see by others, easy to work for, not always looking over your shoulder.
I feel the biggest fault of management is that they don't view logistics as a service, only as an expense. You can almost always find a better price than what you currently pay, but is switching only because of price worth the risk of losing the service level of the company you've been partnering with? Did you really save money going to that lower cost carrier, or did it actually COST more in the end?!?
At my organization logistics has become and is seen as an important part of the organization as a whole. Merchant driven retailers such as we are here the merchants themselves are beginning to see the value of the logistics group and as such salaries should rise for those people that can deliver fast replenishment of merchandise at a lower cost to margins.
I see the industry as a whole are over worked, over stressed, under appreciated AND NO ONE knows what we do...
My bonus is tied to the companies profitability. We are an ESOP company so I try to do everything I can to hold down costs.
I don't believe any companies in the area value the importance of good logistics personnel in their facilities. Most are extremely under paid and over worked.
A financial incentive program that rewards accomplishments is long overdue here. My success is driven by my personal work ethic rather than by reward from company incentives.
This should have been a question in the survey: Do you think you are fairly compensated for the contribution you make to your organization? Answer NO
In the future even more than now it will take the very brightest people to meet the coming challenges and advances in technology that will guide our industry.
Even though I feel I have the qualifications, I still feel that I am underpaid.
I went to college, graduated from the College of Advanced Traffic, became an ICC Practitioner, yet I am considered the lowest level of Management. Upper level Management has hinted about how previous Traffic Managers were suspected of being on the take, and I better not. It is nice to be recognized for your accomplishments. I would discourage anyone from entering this profession.
Been in this industry 26 years. Salary is not the highest but security is something that means a lot.
As this is a small firm, the job title I picked does not fully encompass my list of responsibilities as well as the salary is less than market value.
For the amount of details and importance of this job, for both imports and export, the salary is far below what it should be. There are other jobs here that pay more with less responsibility.
As a warehouse manager I wear many hats. Being compensated for actually what I do and the real time I put in is just not there. I know I deserve more. I t would probably take at least five full-time hourly employees to replace me and all five wouldn't care as much as I do. Why do I continue? I guess I really enjoy the daily challenges and I am a workaholic.
In my opinion the media (especially print) tend to grab onto hot topics or catch words like RFID and run with it ad nauseum rather than focusing on topics and concepts that most logistics professionals actually use. We spend so much time babbling about the "what if" items of the future that we lose sight of the items that need to be addressed today. When more than 1/10th of 1% of the firms in this country start to use RFID in actual practice, then we can open it for discussion. Until that time, can we please talk about something else that has value today? Please.
The job is rewarding and I love the people that I work with and that work for me. However the lack of understanding by management involving the job and lack of acknowledgement for a job well done is maddening. The saying goes that Property/logistics is not a problem until its a problem. If we all do our job and do it well you will never hear about it, but let someone complain or something not get to destination on time and then the world is ending. That is the single most annoying facet of the job!!
My boss found out I was a candidate for his job before he was hired and has made life hard on me.
Companies replacing wholesale distributors with company DCs and selling larger customers direct.
I transitioned away from a high-pressure job that paid me twice what I am making now. While I do experience financial frustrations at times, the small-company, team-orientation of our culture, the actual company living out of "family first," and a flexible schedule are all significant improvements, which I would not trade for any amount of money.
I feel that I am underpaid but love the job and the people
Although we have a flexible work schedule and great benefits, the vacation package could be better. Companies need to look at past experience and consider that toward vacation time, just not starting everyone off with 2 weeks.
Regulatory compliance is my basic responsibility. There is not enough emphasis placed on prevention and savings through the utilization of safety and training programs in the industry.
My position involves both outside & inside intl. sales, as well as coordination of domestic, import, and export shipments. (I should really be paid two people's salaries!)
My company has implemented a new salary policy based on comparing salaries with salaries of companies with employees doing similar duties. Doing this has virtually frozen my salary for three years.
Base salary does not keep pace with cost of living in geographic area.
I am underpaid compared to similar positions within my organization.
I have been with this company coming on 19 years next month, we only get 3 weeks vacation and that max is reached at 5 years - I would like to see another week given at 10 to 15 years – very poor retirement program available, no bonus program in place at this time, no stock options available at this time, low salary, not enough compensation for time on job
West Virginia salaries are notorious for being underpaid vs. the rest of the country. I know working in a larger company elsewhere in the USA I would make a lot more, and have fewer total responsibilities....here I help in sales, manage inbound freight, manage all yard personnel and issues, and do the purchasing as well. too much at times that is for sure, and not compensated the way I feel is adequate for the amount of time and work put in!
This is a career choice that is not suitable to all individuals. Anyone looking for a 9 to 5 job, need not apply. However, if you enjoy hard work, long hours and being on call 24 hours every day, then this can be a very fulfilling field. This year has been especially challenging with the shortage of equipment.
The career choice is a challenging one and is far from a routine day to day job. It is a demanding and high pressure career that should have a salary increase.
I do other accounting and Human Resources duties also, I honestly don't think I'm paid enough for 1 of these duties, but not all 3.
Currently semi-retired. Work approx. 2 days/week on specific projects as needed.
Transportation is very hot right now. While I believe Upper Management understands the cost factors in the market place and the importance of having Logistics Professionals, I'm not sure that I'm getting paid what I'm currently worth. I still wouldn't leave the company because now I'm getting more exposure than I ever would have before, and I feel my future opportunities within are very good.
Base employment package also includes a company provided vehicle in addition to the salary listed earlier in the survey.
I desire to be challenged and stimulated on the job.
Due to changing markets, job responsibilities have become more challenging. We are expected to do much more without raises or bonuses.
I feel that companies need to advance people from within when possible.
I am president and sole proprietor of a small logistics firm that specializes in movements and supply chain management mainly from and to Europe and Asia. We have 26 dedicated agents located strategically in all the areas we service. Every one including myself are on a salary plus incentive bonus program.
Management is trying to increase our salary to be just over the area median income. We have continued to face challenges from our customers about the ever increasing, as well as new, surcharge fees for ocean shipments.
Moved into the position from an entry level corporate position. OJT for logistics specialist knowledge. Limited advancement opportunities.
They should have some kind of off work participation to a gym so we can work out stress mgt.
I am reading, changing and signing more and more difficult contracts. I think the organization is expecting us to know more about legal terms and conditions than we actually get training to understand
I feel that I'm well paid for my level of education. I feel that upper management might feel that I'm under utilized for my experience and continued excellent work product. However, when they hire new people that are flaky at my salary level, I feel correctly placed.
It is a challenge to start in logistics after working in other industries but it is such interesting work!
There are other things that are as equal in this job as base salary such as, vacation time, job satisfaction, and educational opportunities are just as important.
There continues to be a lack of TCO understanding when it comes to cost per unit or COGS. Many corporate expenses are left out of these calculations. When evaluating outsourcing or 3PL services, not having TCO for CPU is apples to oranges and thus 3PL services have more difficulty justifying their pricing models.
This job situation is unique for me because there was no traffic department when I came on board. we had 23 stores and about 200,00 sq feet if DC we now have over a million sq feet of DC and 80 stores. Being a part of this gives me a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. I enjoy what I do and take pride in being what I consider a major success in the retail industry. I agreed to work for what I was paid and have had an annual raise sometimes acceptable sometimes not. I am in a position in life where with the job there is an acceptance and confidence level in my ability to complete my job functions in a somewhat comfortable work arena. This out far out weights a higher salary with in a much less manageable stress factor.
I do not feel its nearly enough for the hours and demands of the job
Logistics has yet to establish good base line salary compensation that matches with role's & responsibilities. We also have a long way to go in equalizing salaries in regions & gender gaps. Best People Best Practices is a ways from reality along with Best Salaries.
While our company understands the “role” logistics plays in our overall success or failure as a company. I believe they loose sight of the difficulties that we face, fuel prices and driver shortage to mention a few. It makes you wonder sometimes, “Is all this hard work worth the effort?”
I feel that my salary would be higher if I were a male.
I feel that I am underpaid based on the responsibilities of the job.
New options, new growth, better management are now my reality. I am at the core of one of my mega-corporation’s largest businesses.
Leadership that not only acknowledges the importance of but is also experienced in logistics is key. My company recently changed most of the leadership in parts distribution, and it has made a day-and-night difference. Backorders have dropped dramatically (> $7M reduction), fill rates are up 5%, suppliers are more in line with demand, operations are back under control, but most importantly, employee morale has soared. There's no substitute for competence in this area.
Logistics need to be infused into several other departments. In a manufacturing company, logistics should begin with the customer's order placement, continue in the inventory and production process – not just before the shipping label is applied to the crate! With real-time inventory survival tactics, understanding other suppliers and their functional pace is necessary to maintain a more or less intimate association to achieve your customer's confidence in your product and services. I really get tired of that “When it hits the floor, it’s out the door!” epithet.
I am in the Marine Corps and love what I do – supporting aircraft logistics.
Promoted to supply chain manager in August of 2005. Basically this means that I continue to have all the responsibilities I held as traffic manager, in addition to the additional work load of planning and materials department. No additional salary was given for the increased responsibility however, I look at it as an opportunity to learn another portion of the process while increasing my value to the company.
Logistics and transportation careers seem to be paid less than others with the same responsibilities.
Very stressful work environment for a family-owned business.
Benefits keep me here, but job satisfaction would be much higher with more enlightened management, as would productivity, if we could move out of the past!
Increased workloads and responsibilities are constantly added to jobs without reviewing or adjusting salary levels. Each job or position should be re-evaluated every 5 years to see if the position requires a salary adjustment.
Logistics is the “real stuff” – successful execution is all about managing relationships. It is based more on experience, knowledge, and hard work versus new information or technology. Collaborative relationships take time to mature but payoff in the long run, especially when times get tough. A true competitive advantage!
I work in the northern suburbs of New York City and due to over taxation by local government a once manufacturing powerhouse area has been reduced to almost nothing. This leaves very few opportunities available in the area and the salary I receive is disgusting for my experience and background. I'm moving south to better opportunities.
Logistics is seen as an expense to the company with very low or no recognition.
I think we are in the midst of another major overhaul since deregulation. New laws, HOS, fuel surcharges, shortage of drivers, mergers and acquisitions. How long before we go full circle?
I wish that the government agencies regulating our company would work more as a partner, than as a tax collector or adversary.
I have always felt that logistics positions have been underpaid for the last 25 years.
While I am satisfied with logistics as a career, I am frustrated by the number of available opportunities where I am at geographically. I became committed to Northeast Ohio once my children entered school but will probably relocate once they graduate; not for increased salary but to be located in a region that is rich with logistics opportunities. I believe I have a great deal to offer but it is of little value in a region who's intellectual capital is fleeing at an alarming pace.
It has always been an ongoing effort to make upper mgt understand the importance and effect of logistics on the overall success of the companies objectives. That was not possible in my prior job and that my change of companies last year. In my present company, it is recognized and the support is there.
Salary is great. Job is exciting. Attracting new business seems to be a challenge
The wants of the customers are getting demanding and complicated. Some times I really wonder it all that information is needed or even used.
Management looks at logistics strictly as an expense...their focus on labor, pay, advancement, etc leans heavily towards sales.
Salary and benefits are excellent for the area. Lack of qualified director-level management expertise, especially in strategic planning, in distribution is most apparent.
Performance and reward must go hand-in-hand, up and down.
Females in logistic field are underpaid.
I love my job and the people that I work with.
I probably make less salary than I would with another company, but I'm reasonably assured of continued employment, early retirement, and pension benefits with my current firm. In today's environment, it may be foolish to trade stability for cash.
Trucking is a complete rip-off. The only people making money are the ones that own the companies, and they’re becoming millionaires.
Upper management has no clue what effort goes into trying to get the product from receiving inspection through the shop, assembly/test, final inspection, and out the door! They think it’s as simple as I just made it sound. They don’t think about the acquisition of Mil-Spec packaging materials, lead times associated with them, special marking instructions we usually don’t get unless we ask for them, etc. We are like magicians in that we get the job out by their projected dates.
On the whole I love my job, but sometimes it is hard to get the bosses to understand that trucks go in cycles. Sometimes you can find trucks, sometimes you can’t unless you want to pay very, very high prices.
In the world, the importance of logistics is very evident. Yet individual companies still fail to see how logistics effects their own operation. Generally unless upper management has some type of logistics back ground or has learned from a previous employer the importance of logistics, management will put a very low priority on their own logistics. I find it very difficult to persuade investments in tools, (software, scanners, training, etc.) despite the positive effect that investment would have on productivity and accuracy. Over all I think the logistics field is not appreciated. Instead, we are looked upon as an added cost. Actually logistics should be viewed as a value added service that can be used to not only service your customers, but also have a positive effect on the bottom line.
The company does not recognize the value to it of experienced, knowledgeable logistics people.
Our company bases our logistics salary on the Hay Method. We need to be recognized (salary, benefits, bonuses, praise, etc.) for the $$$ we bring to the bottom line. Not currently good enough.
Salary is low. Driver retention and new hires huge problem and effects service stability, growth and consistency.
In the question regarding executive levels understanding of the importance of logistics I could only answer yes or no; however, truthfully the correct answer is somewhere between yes and know. Our logistics managers just had a discussion on why is it every other department such as accounting thinks they know logistics better than those of us who have made a career of logistics. It is an interesting topic to discuss.
I would like to see more income due to more responsibilities that I have taken on this year but I am very satisfied with the company I work with, it has been very rewarding.
My most pressing issue is finding stable, quality and reliable workers.
The second challenge is getting the ownership of the company to recognize and respond to my requests for technology to enter, track, and manage inventory and shipping.
Government bureaucracy is the biggest challenge to getting the job done cost effectively.
I don’t get paid enough, and my bonus is very weak and I work like a slave here.
Working for a non-profit organization means that my salary is not what it could be in the secular workplace. But, I really enjoy the challenges of managing the logistics department, and the challenges of being a part of a non-profit organization.
Within our small company, we all have to share duties. Most of us wear several hats on any given day. Sometimes the challenge is very rewarding for taking on several tasks.
Upper management thinks of logistics as a necessary evil. There is no attempt to minimize the losses nor maximize the revenue for the distribution department. Decisions that I make go through a seemingly endless chain of command before final approval is given.
My duties as process leader does not have direct line authority over any of our manufacturing/warehousing sites but rather to keep the distribution process on a continuous improvement path with consistency and integrated with the electronic business system.
My situation: I love my job but I unsatisfied with my salary and benefits. I am hesitant to test the job market because of the lack of job stability out there.
As our executive management continues to ignore the importance of our company’s logistics efforts I would like to suggest we outsource their positions, Directors through CEO, and see how much we can save on those salaries and benefits. After all, reduced head count is a good thing, no matter how empty those heads are!
I do not have a true scale to judge if I am under or overpaid. Hopefully your article will help. Of course I feel I am underpaid, mainly because my position also includes some warehouse operations. I am thinking about requesting a salary review/adjustment, but it is difficult to know what to ask for. I, like some other managers, need a survey or a scale to see where we stand in terms of salary.
I believe I don't make enough money for all the different hats I wear for this job.
Recently went through a merger. Two cultures that are totally different. Logistics went from a high profile dept to being pushed in a closet.
Mediocre salary, job is close to home, I have no direct supervision, do what I think is best. The challenge is dealing with top four company executives who do not communicate with anyone., until they are in trouble.
I took this job to help out a serious problem that the company had. I agreed to the low salary with the understanding that after one year I would be evaluated on my performance. they brought in a new director of operations who does not know what I have done and as of yet (17 months) no evaluation.
This can be a stressful career sometimes, with an uncertain future for any one company. However, there will always be a need for logistics coordinators somewhere, someplace. I like that about this business, and you are making new contacts every day.
Making a difference in the world through what I do is most important.
I work for a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) which is responsible for allocating federal transportation trust funds (from SAFETEA-LU, formerly TEA-21) to regional transportation infrastructure (highway, bridge, transit, etc.). These funds are often blended with state transportation to build or maintain infrastructure. I am the freight coordinator responsible for identifying and targeting transportation funds to infrastructure that best supports freight movement. I work extensively with state, federal, regional government agencies (including a port authority) as well as private sector companies and service providers. We have developed an extensive stakeholder group that regularly meets, including trucking companies, stevedoring companies, class one railroads and shortlines, professional associations, community groups, etc. We try to stay abreast of logistics industry innovations and needs. We appreciate your work.
Get promises of raises – still $10,000 away from what I was told was topping out. Have had only two raises, rest is promises of a raise! At my age it is hard to change jobs! No one wants to hire me and I over educated myself for this area of the country and for my female gender. I am over-qualified and had to play down my education to get this job!!!!
Salary, job situation is very good but still middle class life style. The housing market today still makes it very difficult to purchase a home on a single persons salary, unless you go to the Midwest and Southeast. The industry is constantly changing and challenging and this makes it all a very interesting career.
It currently is a very rare time where the employer is in the best negotiating position since the 80's. They employee production is at an all time high. Companies are not looking for leaders as they had in the 90's; It appears the employers are looking for the perfect fit for each position and those positions are being filled with a person who is willing to stay put for several years.
Although their is a lot of work to do and I am very busy, I am still comfortable with and enjoy the work. My pay is below industry standards but I am with a small division with only about 70 million annual sales.
Logistics is gaining increasing importance in our organization, but it is still not well understood by senior management. Transportation services in particular are still seen by too many merely as a commodity - the less we spend on it, the better. There is a tremendous opportunity to differentiate our product offerings through improved logistics, but we are having a hard time selling that message to the right people.
Pay rate for what I do is very low in this area. Healthcare professionals in general do not yet understand the concept of supply chain. Manufacturers have been very slow in upgrading the technology needed for automating supplies in healthcare (bar coding products in particular).
Basically, ensure that pay is commensurate with tasks performed. Also, raises allocated equitable based on responsibilities of the position.
The company doesn't care and there is nowhere to go except out.
Transportation costs are generally one of the top three highest costs to a company. Accordingly, it needs to be continually emphasized that experienced transportation personnel and training in the field are vital to a company and the country as a whole.
My job is a little unique. I started out as the parts manager. Then I took on the logistics responsibilities at my company. Around a year after that the service manager position came open and I absorbed that responsibility. I also handle all of our technical literature (manuals and spare parts list) for all of our equipment.
Logistics is fast paced and no two days are the same. But I wish upper management had a grasp of what it really takes to deal with our day to day challenges especially in printing where everything is due tomorrow. But at the same time I like having no interference from up above.
I feel knowledge in logistics is a commodity and will be treated as such in the future as experience has shown less and less experts in the logistics field. More diversity of mode interaction both domestically and more specifically internationally will lead to a short list of people who will be considered experts in years to come.
It appears to me that the majority of new logistics management hires are recent graduates with little or no record of success in building an organization. They work with industry models that everyone is promoting or relying on automation for solutions, and very few are creating new logistics solutions.
Since I have no confidence that senior management will ever place the correct level of importance on the Logistics organization I place more emphasis and job satisfaction on the relationship of my work force. Developing the work force is my biggest strength and where I receive the most job satisfaction. The salary will follow successful work groups accomplishments.
The professional challenge is to present the requirements to the larger user community and have them understand the importance and to use the new process and procedures.
Although some corporate executives are starting to understand the importance of the supply chain, most only care if there is an issue.
Pretty happy with my current salary. I enjoy the challenges of logistics and in my current position. I am unsatisfied with the current management at my company and the career opportunities for me.
My current company manages nothing less than chaos!
Always concerned about layoffs or staff reductions. The economy is not doing well and our sales are off from last year which puts additional stress on all employees.
This is a second career – I have already completed one in military logistics. Private sector struggles with giving the same level of responsibility that the military expects and gets.
I am well pleased with my employer, and the service we provide. I would like to become more than I am now. I look forward to any lectures and study that I can make or attend in the transportation field. I was not school trained for this profession, but grew into it as time passed.
I have found that the job hopping of management tends to lead to mediocrity company performance at best. The ability to focus on successful strategies is hampered by too many "reorganizations" that lead to no real lasting improvements.
I have been doing systems and project work for most of my career, all of it involved with Logistics/SCM. It's always changing and things are getting better. It's a constant challenge, and rewarding at the same time.
After being downsized three years ago, I took a $38,000 annual pay cut. Also went from an operations manager to being a dispatcher. Leaves you frustrated when you see things that should be done to cut costs, and have no power to make changes.
Companies need to be made aware that Logistics can make a major contribution to the bottom line. Most companies do not understand Logistics and the role it can play in real cost cutting measures.
I'm in the wrong career. I'm only here for the money and the friends I've made working here. I could be much more productive, effective and happier doing something I truly love doing.
This is a small company and it has certain advantages and disadvantages. Advantages contain the ability to be a key component in some decision making. Disadvantages are the same. Combine that with lower compensation and the excitement goes away. Tuition reimbursement is a major issue with me and this company does do understand the benefit to them by assisting me with an MBA.
Transportation is so undervalued in today’s marketplace, its time that our country was made aware of the fact that without trucks everything stops! I've been in the industry long enough to realize that our contribution is invisible to the American people, it may be time to make them aware of our role. I've made a fair living in management but I personally know factory workers that are making a better income.
I know that I could earn more with another firm. My current situation is that I am totally happy and satisfied with my current position at my employer and my life.
Being very productive in a pleasant environment is important.
From my perspective money is not a driving force. I have worked for large organizations making more than twice my current salary. At this stage in my life being able to stay in North East Ohio and contribute to a small company's rise and success is more important. If I were younger and starting out, salary would certainly be more of a consideration.
We haven't had any raises in 3 years.
Satisfaction is received from adding value to customers and their business
Being part of the private fleet sector, where logistics is not looked at as a revenue stream, but as an expense, it is very difficult to teach executive management of the importance of logistics, the trends in the industry (driver shortages and reduced available capacity), and the growing importance of our role in future corporate profits.
This typically results in our wages being lower that our counterparts in the for hire sector.
Feel that I am underpaid for the position I hold, and that the company I work for does not realize how important exporting our goods is.
I am extremely well compensated. Money is not a primary motivator. Job satisfaction is everything! I could not work for a better Chairman/CEO. My performance is really the result of the great people in our Supply Management Group.
The importance of logistics is lost on most of the organization I work for even though it account for a significant portion of our expenses.
Routine job importance gets elevated during each military crisis management cycle.
Company has provided great opportunities for advancement so far. Great company to work for. Job is challenging yet rewarding as we have consistently performed well.
Local work force has great work ethic. They are a challenging group but perform exceptionally well.
I feel that the corporation overall does not fully understand the importance of the various aspects of logistics, and is not willing to.
I don't feel that most of Corporate American grasps the concept of “supply chain.” There are still too many silos operating without any concept of how their decision affects the total supply chain, whether it be freight costs or transit time.
In this jurisdiction, the salary does not commensurate with your education and experience. The most challenging factor is severe nepotism hence square pegs in round holes who blatantly ignores policies & procedures. When you try to enforce the corporation's policy & procedures, you become a victim and classified as an impediment. Taxpayers’ dollars are being misused and it appears that the governing body are limited in their ability to assist with enforcement which usually results in damage control.
Logistics is that place that has a rock on one side and a hard place on the other, to succeed you have to be able to think quick, act fast... and get things moving when they HAVE TO BE THERE!
At my advanced age benefits package is more important than salary. Overall job performance is very important to the company which is also beneficial to me. A secure job is very important.
Enjoying what you do is most important always. A salary is a bonus...a large salary is and added bonus. Always enjoy what you do!
I am stuck and have no opportunity to advance. But the pay is good and the benefits (including retirement) make staying worthwhile.
I enjoy the transportation challenges very much. I live in a small town, only drive 10 minutes to work, and am satisfied with my salary.
It is hard to convince collegiate types that logistics understanding and material infrastructure is can be applicable from one industry to the medical. (i.e. computer to medical)
I feel most corporations undervalue their logistics teams.
We are still behind here as far as advancing women to top executive positions nor do we have a woman on the board of directors.
I find it a constant challenge and look forward to work each day
My salary I feel is fair, the new leadership at HQ is inexperienced and unqualified, very ignorant about what is going on in the field (trenches or profit centers). The vacation for longevity employees with over 25 years of service have challenges using all vacation days (new policy use or lose vacation days)some employees involved in sales feel if their gone on vacation lose sales to competition or face consequences not getting all the work done to meet deadlines when on vacation.
Working for a "for profit" education company stinks!
When your executive managers acknowledge your experience and foundations that you bring to the organization it makes the total package complete!
I am looking to relocate due to economic problems with this company due to rash mismanagement.
At this point in life it is simply good to be working in the logistics arena. Logistics is finally proving to be the leader in business success predicted over 40 years ago.
I believe very strongly that anyone that hasn’t worked in logistics has an idea what it truly entails.
I believe it is up to good management to recognize quality employees and pay them accordingly. I believe everyone is a spoke in a wheel and everyone’s position is needed and as important across the board. If it was not, why is each position filled then?
I'm almost embarrassed to tell anyone what I make...this is a grueling business and I never feel caught up... not comfortable with the carriers because I think they all sit around and think of other ways to charge a lot for what they don't do.
Management does not understand the shortage of trucks and the wide difference of rates between companies.
I'm very satisfied with my compensation, however, while our company leaves its managers very independent it is extremely results oriented as indicated by the potential for high bonuses. My bonus is determined by numerous criteria.
Logistics is a new focus for our corporation. We are acquiring companies that will round out our portfolio of capabilities. We currently serve the Federal Government, State and Local municipalities.
Of course I'd like more money, however I'm very satisfied working here (I've been here over 32 years). I got boxed into the shipping department because nobody else wants the job! The flexible hours and friendly environment add to a good working relationship ... I hope to be here until I retire!
Thankless job, getting harder as time goes on due to driver shortage and number crunchers that have no idea about trucks and drivers
For the service I provide to our customers, it is not recognized by higher management. I’m taken for granted.
Some corporations are making decisions such as international outsourcing much too hastily, without putting the groundwork in place. As a result, purchasing departments are not prepared for common challenges like fluctuating fuel costs, variable ocean transit times, recordkeeping, and the impact of rules of origin on free trade agreement qualification. When corporations decide to source and sell internationally, they ought to involve logistics experts from the beginning, to advise terms, research duties, and forecast rational transit times, rather than handing off a mess for logistics folks to deal with at the end.
A college degree would increase the money. It's too late in life for college.
This field is so high vacuum I think my head will cave in.
I think that one of the biggest challenges for 3PL providers in today’s market, is keeping up with technology and figuring out how to use it to their advantage. More and more, the ability to work off site and give the employees flexibility is available, however employers are stuck in the last era keeping the employees in a traditional work environment. A lot of employees are unhappy with their jobs in the logistics industry because of this very thing. If employers were to be more flexible with hours and let the individual take more of an independent role in serving the customer, I feel like there would be more longevity with employees.
Staff level position, but not viewed as critical or prestigious as manufacturing and sales/marketing positions.
I’m the regional distribution manager responsible for managing 3PL relations for 10-15 warehouse locations in Southeast, Midwest, and on the West Coast. Additional responsibilities in managing transportation relations with approximately 25 contracted temperature controlled carriers. Position demands 30% travel.
Having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our associates, our customers and the motoring public is one of the most satisfying parts of my job. It is never dull and every day brings fresh challenges and opportunities to make a difference.
Comfortable with my current salary and the flexibility and freedom I have in my job.
The logistics career path that I have chosen has provided a great platform for education and advancement and has helped me to greatly increase the level of contributions to the organizations that have employed me.
A career with my branch of the Federal Govt may have seemed stable in the past. Job security in my line of work, AND the good old days are over. Politics often force management decisions beyond cost consideration through Competitive Sourcing activities and process review. Fleet Management, for example, tends to remain out of the limelight. As a result, the decision makers (who prefer things to be out of the limelight)make uninformed decisions about a process they know very little about (because they prefer it to stay out of the limelight). Resulting study findings and restructuring lead to reduced service and efficiency, often at a higher cost, when compared to the "old way of doing business." Folks from the good old days knew what they were doing! Today's political climate is not going to find better ways to perform already streamlined operations.
Although I feel my company does not pay extremely well, I also am disappointed with the advancement opportunities that seem to be consistently filled with personnel from a sister division even though they have no experience in logistics.
Logistics has changed dramatically over the last year with carrier and fuel costs out pacing the vendor allowances given to move freight. I believe vendors are always six months to a year behind what is going on in the freight industry and it is not looked at on a pro-active basis. There is enough information provided on a monthly basis that vendors should be able to keep up with the changing costs in a more timely manner. Some vendors are not realistic on the cost of what it takes to move freight especially on a state by state basis. It is more expensive to move freight in specific states compared to others and yet they tend to group it by regions. For example the cost of fuel is always higher in California then any other state. Other states like Colorado are more of a consuming state so carriers do not want to go there because of the difficulty in finding freight out of the state. These factors are rarely considered when allowances are figured and then vendors don't understand why they are losing so much money on freight in these areas.
Logistics is considered a major component of the value-add services we deliver our customers.
Salary has become stagnant over the last six years, with benefits decreasing. Job stability is good, but more work and hours are required to perform at the same or higher level than a few years ago. Transportation industry has become more difficult over the last three years.
I am well satisfied with the salary, bonus, company service truck I am allowed to drive to and from home, and however much I am paid, I would still like to have more discretionary capital. Would like to save for kid's college and my retirement.
I gave up a higher paying SCM consulting job for stability and no travel. With two young sons at home, many roles were just not consistent with my family needs.
If the company recognizes the importance of logistics and you excel in your position, the rest of the items in the previous question (i.e. education benefits, opportunity for career growth, individual recognition, salary, bonus, vacation, etc.) will follow.
Doing more with less has reached the breaking point and management still does not feel the need to do something. I think many people are just burned out in their jobs.
Logistics and transportation have been very rewarding and challenging as a career. Direct responsibility of a very large budget item in the company is always challenging but rewarding at the same time when savings obtained are recognized by upper management.
I manage four different warehouses, in three different states, as well as the logistics to and from each facility. I feel I am underpaid for the responsibility but do enjoy the myriad of challenges and the stability of our 114 year old company.
I worked my way up from a truck driver to warehouse manager. The most important thing to me is that the employees are happy, happy employees make us all look good the rest comes natural.
The credit goes to the top and the blame goes to the bottom. Hardly working, but bragging about working hard. Most CEOs (Chief Exploitation Officers) use you and lose you. I’m one of “America’s hard working disposable workers.”
I work for a family business. I wear many hats, including shipping, logistics, etc. Education in the field is very important. It can be either formal college education, or many of the CEU programs. Most of my education in this field was through the many years of experience.
It is difficult when pushed in a direction by upper management when they do not fully understand the needs of the end users. One feels as though they are being pushed down a particular path but the path is going the wrong way.
Base salaries are low. Logistics is not respected professionally. There is no SCM training in most companies, yet they ALL are looking for SCM professionals. Which begs the question, where do they think they come from?
I feel the salaries are too low for all that is done in this field. It seems the norm is a 3.0 % increase a year; we are taking a step back each year with the increase of living. The job stability is not very good and I think it goes back to the company's recognition of the importance of logistics. There is not much room for career advancement opportunities in the field of logistics. If you take advancement it usually takes you out of logistics.
Transportation often is the first to have capital reduced when financial challenges arise.
Job situation: The 3PL business environment is saturated in Asia, coupled with fact that company is consistently re-structuring & changing her strategic directions in face of the market dynamics. Increasing demands of customers put pressures on 3PL professionals to upgrade their knowledge, technical know-how and importantly pay dedicated attention to specific business needs.
I'm sure that if I were male, my earnings would be higher. I feel that I am respected in my position, but the male project managers tend to question my methods more that they did my male predecessor. Upper management has extreme difficulty in accepting that transportation costs have risen as much as they have.
Our industry normally pays below market so compensation is not a driving force. Continual challenges are what I like. There are a lot of adages concerning change - it always is but in logistics our product is time of service, how fast and that's change.
Supply chain management deals with more change, complexity, strategic and mission critical issues than most positions. It needs to be more recognized in pay, benefits, responsibility, authority, and recognition. Most senior managers are silo oriented and do not recognize the true importance of seamless flows across functions and geographies.
I am pleased with the company I currently work for and enjoy my position. I am currently in a regional role and miss being involved with global logistics companies. I was involved in global supply chain functions for 18 years.
Management does not appreciate the time needed to perform job duties and keep product moving in and out on a timely basis. Job duties are changing with proactive efforts to insure compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.
A plateau phase is prompting me to consider a lateral move, or a move out. The company has a confused view about its logistics, employing both an internal "service" orientation to our sister divisions, while also attempting to sell our services internally and also externally to other entities. We are not structured or incented to do both, so this added activity is a distraction and waste of resources. We do not have a cohesive plan or strategy to enter this 3PL or 4PL arena, nor has it been proven to be viable as a financial return.
