Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Logistics Manager
What logistics managers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a logistics manager?
Review overnight shipments. From there, the day usually includes manage warehouse operations, manage carriers and fleets, and plan labor. Full time, often long hours during peak seasons.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a logistics manager working full time.
- Review overnight shipments.
- Lead the shift meeting.
- Call a carrier about a delay.
- Review labor plans.
- Plan peak season staffing.
- Review safety incidents.
- Report KPIs.
Where logistics managers work
Logistics managers work in warehouses, distribution centers and offices.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often long hours during peak seasons.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Manage warehouse operations
- Manage carriers and fleets
- Plan labor
- Track costs
- Track on-time delivery
- Ensure safety
- Improve processes
Tools you’ll use every day
- WMS
- TMS
- ERP systems
- Excel
- Dashboards
- Yard management systems
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- Good pay
- Experience can matter more than a degree
- Fast-paced problem-solving
What’s hard
- Long peak seasons
- Constant disruptions
- Staffing challenges
- On call
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like fast-moving operations
- I solve problems quickly
- I can lead large teams
- I like data
- I handle pressure
- I can work peak hours
Not sure? Take the free Logistics Manager fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Enforce forklift safety
- Keep docks safe
- Prevent ergonomic injuries
- Run safety meetings