Transport and Logistics

This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in storage, distribution and transport.

What is Logistics?

Logistics is the procurement, maintenance, distribution, and replacement of personnel and material. The UK logistics sector is worth £74.45bn to the economy. It currently employs approximately 2.3 million people spanning some 196,000 companies.

Recruiting women into the profession still proves to be a difficult task (Skills for Logistics). Logistics currently suffers from a misguided perception that it is a poor industry in which to develop a successful career path.

Skills for logistics

Skills for Logistics is the Sector Skills Council which works alongside companies involved in moving, handling or storing goods. The organisation's job is to raise awareness of skills issues within the sector and to offer support and practical advice on all aspects of improving skills and training.
www.skillsforlogistics.org/

Prospects

Prospects is a graduate careers website with job profiles, including distribution/logistics manager, freight forwarder, warehouse manager.
www.prospects.ac.uk/links/transstordist

Targetjobs

Targetjobs is a graduate careers website with the following job sector information.
Logistics and Transport

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

This website has the following sections:
Why choose a career in logistics?
Main areas of opportunity

Inside Careers Guide to Logistics

Whether you've already decided on a career in logistics or you're just looking for more information before you make your mind up, Inside Careers has the most in-depth and structured information and advice available.
www.insidecareers.co.uk/logistics

How do I get into it?

Although a degree in a directly related subject such as Logistics will give you an advantage, the career is open to graduates of all backgrounds. Business degrees or similar are particularly relevant.

Logistics currently suffers from a misguided perception that it is a poor industry in which to develop a successful career path.

There are many career opportunities available at a variety of levels within logistics which is a message that needs communicating to potential employees.

The Institute of Logistics and Transport have produced a booklet (downloadable in pdf format) on careers in supply chain management entitled 'Life in the fast lane'. This includes profiles of graduates who have entered the profession, giving details of their backgrounds and how they entered the sector.
www.ciltuk.org.uk/pages/careerlog

Transport Planning Society

The careers section of this site includes links to all Universities and colleges which run courses in transport planning and related topics.
www.tps.org.uk

Finding a job or employer in this sector

Logistics and Transport Focus

This is a free publication for members of the Chartered Institute of Logisitcs and Transport. The are 10 issues each year and vacancies are included.
www.ciltuk.org.uk/pages/ltfocus

Careers in Logistics

The first UK website dedicated to logistics jobs and careers. The site also has information on training and funding.
www.careersinlogistics.co.uk

Informa Maritime and Transport

You will find market-leading, essential information on key areas of transportation, freight, shipping movements, maritime insurance. Site is also the international exchange point for jobs in the maritime industry.
www.informamaritime.com

Logistics Manager

This is a monthly magazine which provides news and resources, as well as job vacancies, for logistics professionals. www.logisticsmanager.com

Justrail.net

www.justrail.net/

Further Information and Useful Links

British International Freight Association

Training information, job vacancies & general information on the sector.
www.bifa.org/

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

www.cilt-international.com/

The Department for Transport
The government department for transport.
www.dft.gov.uk/

Freight Transport Association (FTA)

www.fta.co.uk

The Institute of Operations Management

www.iomnet.org.uk

Institute of Export

www.export.org.uk

Institute of Transport Administration

www.iota.org.uk

Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation

This provides a forum for the exchange of technical information and views on highways and transport policy. Advises government and other bodies.
www.ciht.org.uk

Rail Freight Group (RFG)

www.rfg.org.uk

Real World - Logistics and Transport

Online magazine with links to employers, online vacancies, case studies and articles.
www.realworldmagazine.com/logistics-and-transport

Road Haulage Association
www.rha.net

Royal Town Planning Institute

This site includes a careers, education and CPD section.
www.rtpi.org.uk

Key points 

  • Logistics is the procurement, maintenance, distribution, and replacement of personnel and material.
  • The UK logistics sector is worth £74.45bn to the economy.

Resources