Finding Success in the Logistics Industry

The logistics industry is, quite literally, what keeps the economy moving. Without this crucial sector, resources could not be moved from place to place. It’s an enormous industry and one that is full of opportunities – but is it the right sector for you?

What is Logistics?

At its most basic, logistics is the organising and implementing of a plan or operation. In the business world, this sector is mainly concerned with the movement of things from place to place in accordance with the demands of customers or corporations. There are many fields and specialties within this vast industry, including production, inventory, packaging and transportation. From self employed courier jobs to warehouse management positions, this vast and varied industry has a place for you.

Why Join the Logistics Industry?

New Opportunities Are Opening – Logistics is a massive, 24/7 industry. With economies becoming more and more globalised and connected, good organisation and execution is more important than ever. In the UK, the industry is worth £74.45 billion and employs 2.2 million employees in 196,000 companies. National Careers Services estimates that jobs in transport, including self employed courier jobs, will skyrocket between 2015 and 2020, adding approximately 24,000 positions.

Careers are Paying More than Ever – As the logistics industry’s worth has grown, so has the worth of those working within it. Salaries for average courier jobs, for example, start between £12,000 and £14,000, but can easily rise to £15,000-£20,000 with experience. A lorry or HGV driver makes about £24,000 on average, and this can rise if the driver puts in more hours. For supply chain staff, who plan and organise the production, handling and distribution of products, salaries can start at £20,000 but rise to over £40,000 for management roles.

Jobs for Every Education Level – Because its enormous breadth and depth, it’s possible for people of any education level to enter and excel in the logistics industry. Individuals in warehouse positions, lorry drivers, or those taking on self employed courier jobs can find great success here, as can those in mid-level or upper management.

What’s more, this sector has plentiful opportunities for advancement, thanks to its multi-layered, multi-faceted structure. Promotions are common within the industry, as many firms prefer to promote and train low-level employees rather than hire from the outside.

You Can Start Your Career Anywhere – Some careers might require you to pack up and move to another town or region, but logistics workers are needed almost everywhere. For example, self employed courier jobs can be taken on from anywhere, as there is always demand for efficient delivery services. This means you can begin a brand new career without uprooting yourself or your family. By researching the huge range of jobs in this sector, you'll be able to find the perfect fit for your skills and specifications.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day self employed courier jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.