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?
• How do I get into it?
• Finding a job or employer in this sector
• Further information and useful links

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.

• AGCAS Industry Insights - Transport and Logistics (pdf 152kb)
• The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
  Information on career options, making job applications and the advantages of CILT membership.
• Prospects
  Prospects is a graduate careers website with job profiles, including distribution/logistics manager, freight forwarder, warehouse manager.
• 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.
• Targetjobs Career Sectors - Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain
• Inside Careers
  Logistics and transport
  Purchasing and supply
  Created in partnership with The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (UK) and The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply.

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.

• 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.

Finding a job or employer in this sector

• Careers in Logistics
  The first UK website dedicated to logistics jobs and careers. The site also has information on training and funding.
• 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.
• Jobs in Logistics and Transport
  Job listings board from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
• Logistics Manager
  This is a monthly magazine which provides news and resources, as well as job vacancies, for logistics professionals. www.logisticsmanager.com

Further Information and Useful Links

• British International Freight Association
  Training information, job vacancies & general information on the sector.
• Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
  Information on job opportunities, routes into the industry and graduate careers advice.
• The Department for Transport
  The government department for transport.
• Freight Transport Association (FTA)
  Freight Transport Association (FTA) is one of the UK’s largest trade associations and represents the transport interests of companies moving goods by road, rail, sea and air.
• The Institute of Operations Management
  The Institute of Operations Management (IOM) membership keeps you informed of the latest news and provides for continuous professional development - training, events, networking, career service; information services.
• Institute of Export
  Established in 1935, the Institute of Export is the professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade.
• Institute of Transport Administration (IoTA)
  IoTA supports and encourages efficient transport best practice and is committed to the ongoing growth and development of its members through specialist knowledge sharing and the provision and promotion of educational programmes.
• Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CHIT)
  The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) offers routes to qualifications such as Chartered and Incorporated Engineer status and also Transport Planning Professional and is dedicated to providing support and networking opportunities to members with a calendar of cutting edge technical seminars and conferences, and exciting social events.
• Rail Freight Group (RFG)
  RFG works to serve the interests of its members by improving the political, legal and planning environment in which the rail freight industry operates, to attract new investment and to promote the development of the industry through the organisations which use, supply and deliver competitive quality rail freight services.
• Road Haulage Association (RHA)
  The RHA lobbies on behalf of its members at Government, European and local level as well as with other industry bodies.
• Royal Town Planning Institute
  The Royal Town Planning Institute is the UK's leading planning body for spatial, sustainable and inclusive planning and is the largest planning institute in Europe with over 23,000 members.