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Transportation Managers

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • navy logo
  • Coast Guard logo

Work Environment

Transportation managers work in cargo and passenger terminals and depots.

  • Military Status

    Officer

  • Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

    $66,514

    Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.

    $22,627 - $502,205

Overview

Transportation managers oversee all procedures related to the movement of military-related personnel and material. They plan and coordinate all functions involved in the successful movement of material, personnel, or personal property via water, air, highway, rail, and multi-modal transport systems. They direct procurement efforts and assess transportation capabilities.

Military Training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Training length varies depending on specialty. For example job training for transportation officers requires completion of the Transportation Basic Officer Leader Course where they learn leadership skills tactics maintenance and operational aspects of weapons and vehicles. Like other officers all transportation managers also complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities military structure and etiquette traditions and leadership development. Transportation managers in the Military will gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training topics relate to transportation management and may include:

  • Ways to work with civilian and other military service carriers
  • Freight classifications
  • Applicable military policies and federal/local laws
  • Handling of special items such as medicine and explosives

Helpful Attributes

  • Ability to work under tight schedules
  • Interest in planning and directing the work of others

Related Civilian Careers

  • Shipping, Receiving and Inventory Clerks
  • Cargo and Freight Agents
  • Production, Planning and Expediting Clerks
  • General and Operations Managers
  • Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
  • Airfield Operations Specialists