Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
SOC Code: 11-3071
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers carries a 53% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $102,010 and +6.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 216,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers (SOC 11-3071) carries an AI exposure score of 53%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 216,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $102,010, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus 5 years or more of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Transportation, storage, and distribution managers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing, and shipping products or materials.
- 2. Plan, develop, or implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities.
- 3. Inspect physical conditions of warehouses, vehicle fleets, or equipment and order testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
- 4. Plan, organize, or manage the work of subordinate staff to ensure that the work is accomplished in a manner consistent with organizational requirements.
- 5. Determine appropriate equipment and staffing levels to load, unload, move, or store materials.
- 6. Manage activities related to strategic or tactical purchasing, material requirements planning, controlling inventory, warehousing, or receiving.
- 7. Collaborate with other departments to integrate logistics with business systems or processes, such as customer sales, order management, accounting, or shipping.
- 8. Select transportation routes to maximize economy by combining shipments or consolidating warehousing and distribution.
- 9. Define performance metrics for measurement, comparison, or evaluation of supply chain factors, such as product cost or quality.
- 10. Implement new or improved supply chain processes to improve efficiency or performance.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
- Customer and Personal Service
- Production and Processing
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Sales and Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Transportation, storage, and distribution managers?
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers has an AI exposure score of 53%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Transportation, storage, and distribution managers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Transportation, storage, and distribution managers is projected to grow by 6.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 216,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Transportation, storage, and distribution managers?
Key skills for Transportation, storage, and distribution managers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Transportation, storage, and distribution managers earn?
The median annual wage for Transportation, storage, and distribution managers is $102,010, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Transportation, storage, and distribution managers?
The typical entry-level education for Transportation, storage, and distribution managers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect 5 years or more of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Transportation, storage, and distribution managers?
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).