Is a Career in Shipping Right for You?

Are you’re looking for a career that’s in high demand, a career that’s essential to the functioning of most economies? One field that’s often overlooked is logistics and transportation. While most of the focus for college-bound students has been on STEM degrees, some of the largest transport companies in the world are looking for sharp people who can help their clients move merchandise from point A to Point B safely and efficiently. There are more STEM graduates than available positions, but jobs in shipping and transportation remain unfilled or understaffed. Here are five solid reasons to consider a job in shipping and transportation.

1. Career Flexibility. Variety may be the spice of life, but it is also the backbone of the transportation industry. Even after you consider the breadth of occupations within this sector, there is also great deal of flexibility within each different career path in logistics and shipping; you will rarely experience the same work day twice.

2. Stability. Even though technology may make shipping more efficient, it will never replace the need and ability to have people to coordinate physically moving things from one place to another. There are no countries in the developed world where shipping goods is an unnecessary occupation.

3. Location, Location, Location. Flexibility isn’t limited to the types of jobs available in shipping; this job can also take you anywhere in the world. Many of the certifications necessary for a career in shipping are uniform world-wide, and that means you may have to opportunity to move to any location on the globe. If you decide to make your career at sea, you’ll see the world and build skills that are transferable to any other operation.

4. Great Pay. Entry level pay varies depending on the position, but its still higher than for most other occupations overall. There’s also plenty of opportunity for advancement as many career paths in transportation are expected to experience a shortfall as older workers retire. Average pay for someone in transportation is $40,000 – $70,000 per year.

5. Inclusiveness. If you’ve wanted to work as part of a team with people from all walks of life and education levels, this is the career for you. You’ll also gain a high degree of job satisfaction that comes from solving problems at any level, whether you’re managing freight, organizing a large delivery or you’re moving the merchandise yourself.

By some estimates, 90% of what we have in our homes, offices and schools was shipped to us, whether from across town or across international borders. If you’re ready to be part of an organization that moves the world, check into what it takes to become part of the shipping industry. There are hundreds of different options that range from warehouse personnel to operations planning, supplying superior paint for boats and from marine law to environmental protection. You can talk to an admissions representative at your local college about career preparation for transportation logistics or check into job prospects and opportunities at various shipping companies.