A Guide to Transport and Logistics Careers
Transport and logistics are anything but boring. From your next-day Amazon delivery to organising worldwide supply chains and getting trains running on time, this fast-paced industry literally keeps the world moving. It’s not just about deliveries and transport either. The industry is using the latest technology and AI to help it evolve and innovate. So if you’re after a job in planning or looking for something hands-on, there’s a role just for you.
Read on to find out what types of transport and logistics careers are available and how you can find them.
What is Transport and Logistics?
Think about it: every time you go on holiday, catch a bus, or order something online, thousands of people come together to make that possible. A career in transport and logistics is all about planning, time management and working under pressure. Whether you're working alongside clients or customers, you'll turn ideas and operations into real-life projects that keep people, products and transport moving and maintained.
Ready to take on the challenge? Read on to learn how you can make that happen.
What types of jobs are there within Transport and Logistics?
The roles and opportunities within the transport and logistics industry are endless. According to Logistics UK, the transport and logistics industry is a major economic and labour-focused force, supporting approximately 2.7 million people and accounting for around 8% of the UK's total workforce.
Aviation
Managing flight operations, passenger services and airport logistics to keep people flying safely across the world.
Bus and coach
Driving scheduled routes or managing services that connect communities and get people where they need to go.
Tram and metro services
Operating urban rail systems that move thousands of commuters daily through cities efficiently and safely.
Rail
Running train services that connect towns and cities nationwide, from driving locomotives to managing stations and signals.
Taxi and private hire
Providing door-to-door transport on demand, getting customers to their destinations safely and on time.
Water transport
Operating ferries, river services and maritime vessels that move passengers and cargo across water.
Logistics/supply chain can be broken down into:
Commercial transportation
Maritime and port operations
Postal and courier activities
Warehousing, storage and handling
The best part? Many large companies also recruit placement and graduate roles in HR, marketing, finance and other areas. So there are loads of opportunities to be part of the industry without being a pilot or train driver, for example.
How do I get a job in the transport and logistics industry?
Gaining experience is competitive right now, so getting your foot in the door early gives you a real advantage. The best way to do that is through placements, internships or insight schemes.
Click to find out more about each path:
Here’s what one student said about their time at Transport for London as a Building Services Design Engineer
Building Services Design Engineer Transport for LondonI very much enjoy this programme. Every week I learn something new, I meet new people who share so much knowledge with me, and I generally feel more confident as an individual. There is so much support from everyone.
And another from a Management Intern at our Top Employer - Enterprise Mobility
Management Intern Enterprise MobilityI was supported throughout my whole placement - managers helped me with day-to-day activities and with the transition to working full-time for my placement, where beforehand I had only had part-time jobs.
Which employers could I work for?
Transport and logistics roles are incredibly diverse, and you can work literally anywhere. Whether it's freight forwarding companies, shipping lines, warehousing operations, aviation services, rail networks, supply chain consultancies, or even as an independent contractor, there's a space for you.
Who are the best companies to work for?
Here are a handful of companies that offer opportunities in roles related to transport, logistics and supply chain:
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Is a career in Transport and Logistics well paid?
Transport and logistics salaries are genuinely competitive. How much you earn depends on the type of work you're doing, your location and your years of experience. Let's break it down.
For entry-level roles, you could earn around £23,000 per year, which can grow to around £27,000 per year. Some of the highest paid roles (like supply chain managers, pilots and specialised engineers) can pay over £100,000 per year.
You'll also get a wide range of benefits depending on your role. For example, train drivers receive enhanced overtime rates during long shifts, while jobs in aviation offer travel opportunities to places like the Maldives, Italy and Singapore. There are also pension schemes and paid holidays.
One of the greatest advantages of working in transport and logistics is the job security. The sector is essential to keeping the country running, and with the growth of online shopping and supply chain demand, skilled workers are always needed. Once you're in, you're in. You'll find countless opportunities for long-term employment and career progression within the industry.
Apply for Transport and Logistics Roles
Supply Chain Leader Degree Apprenticeship - Ansty Park
- Degree Apprenticeship
- £18,000 - £19,999
- Ansty Park
Engineering Higher Apprenticeship
at Network Rail
- Higher Level Apprenticeship
- £20,000 - £21,999
- Aberdeen, Carstairs, Lanark, Cowlairs Industrial Estate, Glasgow, Dumfries, Dundee + 9 more.
