Ever wonder how your online orders magically show up at your door? Or how your favourite snacks make it to the store shelves just in time? That’s all thanks to the world of logistics and transport; two industries that keep everything moving (literally)!
If you love solving puzzles, working with people, or want a career with endless opportunities, logistics might just be the perfect fit for you. So buckle up, because we’re about to break it all down with the help of DHL, one of the biggest names in the logistics and transport game!
What is a Logistics Career?
Think of logistics as the brains behind the operation; ensuring products are sourced, stored, and delivered efficiently. Logistics professionals work in warehousing, inventory management, supply chain planning, and even cutting-edge tech roles that keep everything flowing.
If you love organising, planning, and optimising processes, logistics could be the perfect career path for you! Plus, since every industry needs logistics, there are endless job opportunities worldwide.
What is a Transport Career?
Transport careers are all about getting things from Point A to Point B—fast and efficiently! Whether it’s driving trucks, operating cargo planes, managing shipping routes, or scheduling deliveries, transport workers keep the world moving.
This field is perfect for those who love hands-on work, problem-solving on the go, and making sure customers get what they need. With global e-commerce booming, transport careers are more important than ever!
What is the Difference Between Logistics and Transport
Despite the logistics and transport industry being such a prominent part of our world, there are many of us that don’t quite understand the difference between the two terms. To help clear things up, we enlisted the help of DHL, and their detailed explanation is bound to clear things right up:
“If you find yourself wondering ‘what is the difference between logistics and transport,’ you’re not alone! In fact, logistics and transport are terms that are often used interchangeably.
However, there are some (very important) key differences. Transport careers focus specifically on the movement of goods or people from one location to another, whereas logistics careers encompass a broader range of activities beyond transportation. The latter includes planning and managing the entire supply chain process, from sourcing materials and inventory management to warehousing, order processing and delivery. Where transport is the physical movement of goods, logistics aims to optimise the flow of the goods, information, and resources to meet the needs of the customers.”
Why Transport and Logistics Careers are so Important
So, now that we’re clear on the difference between logistics and transport careers, it’s time to dive into why they’re so important! To kick things off, let’s look at some impressive stats and figures that show just how massive this industry really is:
- The transport and logistics sector employs over one million people.
- The global warehousing and supply industry reaches over $500 billion dollars (that’s right, we said billion).
- In Australia alone, our supply chain reaches over $100 billion dollars.
Essentially, transport and logistics careers keep Australia moving, so it’s time to get involved! However, if you need more info, check out what DHL has to say on the subject:
“Transport and logistics careers are super important, as they ensure the efficient functioning of global economies. Essentially, they keep the economic world spinning!
Those working in transport careers and logistics careers ensure the smooth movement of goods between suppliers and customs. This works both on a domestic and international level (that’s right, logistics and transport are a world-wide industry)! What’s more, transport and logistics careers keep a key promise to customers; to provide a fast and reliable delivery service. Without efficient logistics, purchasing items from other countries would be near impossible, meaning that all your online orders wouldn’t even show up at your door!
An additional area that people don’t often think about is the role logistics and transport play in disaster relief. Next time you see a major natural disaster such as an earthquake or flooding, logistics is the backbone to delivering critical supplies such as food and medical aid. In short, jobs in logistics and transport can save lives!”
Logistics Industry Insights
While there are so many things that make the logistics and transport industry to important, it also holds some challenges. Luckily, DHL are actively working to improve the industry and fight against these barriers, and they can’t wait to tell you about how they’re doing so:
“As with any industry, logistics and transport has its challenges. There is a growing demand for skilled workers such as drivers, warehouse managers, data analysts, and customs brokers. However, DHL Express effectively addresses this challenge by ensuring our workplace is an inspiring and enjoyable place to work! We also help develop the skills and knowledge of those who want to enrich their careers and grow within the business so there’s always room for growth. In fact, we quite often employ people who start their logistics and transport career at DHL as a delivery driver and progress their way through to a facility manager running the warehouse!
Another challenge that comes with logistics is sustainability. Thousands of litres of fuel is used to power the hundreds of delivery vans, trucks, and planes over the year. As you can imagine, this would have a significant impact on the environment. A way organisations such as DHL Express address this issue is the commitment to introduce electric vehicles, optimised delivery routes, and the use of sustainable aviation fuel. This means that you can take on a transport career or a logistics career and know you’re part of real, positive change!”
Why Choose a Logistics and Transport Career
Now that we’ve done a deep dive into the industry, you might be asking why you should choose a logistics and transport career. Luckily, there’s no shortage of good reasons, and DHL is covering some of them below!
“Every business needs logistics to move their products, so there are always a lot of job opportunities. It’s an industry that offers good pay, career growth, and job security. Plus, you don’t always need a university degree to get started; many organisations such as DHL Express even offer training to help you launch a rewarding logistics and transport career!
If you enjoy planning, teamwork, and making things run smoothly, logistics could be a perfect fit for you. Logistics is a global industry which means you could work with people from all over the world.”
Launch a Logistics Career With DHL
DHL Express is one of the largest and most varied organisations in the world! This means there are jobs in transport and logistics for just about anyone. However, if you want to dive deeper into the main logistics and transport careers within DHL Express, they are:
- Operations, who deal with the planning, delivery, and movement of packages,
- Sales, who work to generate new business
- Finance, who manages budgets and accounts
- Customer Service, who works hard to resolve any issues
- IT, who manages the software and technology systems for logistics
- Human Resources who is responsible for recruitment, staff development, and many other activities
The opportunities are endless and, as you can see, the logistics and transport industry is so much more than just the delivery of parcels!
Discover Early-Career Opportunities
DHL Express is an ideal workplace for students and graduates to develop skills and launch jobs in transport and logistics with one of the most international organisations in the world!
They have so many experienced employees with years of experience in logistics and transport, making their workplace a perfect environment for students to learn. What’s more, there are tonnes of exciting entry level roles available for students; there are Warehouse Agents who directly work to distribute the parcels, Customer Service Advisors who solve any problems our customers may have, and sales roles for those who love the thrill of generating new business.
Logistics and Transport FAQ: DHL’s Career Advice
Despite all the exciting new ground we’ve covered, we’re sure you still have some questions about launching a career in the transport and logistics industry.
Question: What advice would you give to students to help them work in this industry in the future?
Answer: To get into the logistics and transport industry, start by learning problem solving and time management skills. Being good at teamwork and communication will help too. Learn how companies use technology like warehouse systems and data tools. Keep up with trends like eco-friendly transport and delivery automation. Earning certificates in supply chain management or project management can give you an edge.
Question: What can students be doing now to set themselves up for a successful future?
Answer: If you are interested in a logistics career you can start by getting part-time jobs or internships in warehouses, retail, or delivery services. Developing problem-solving and communication skills is key so you can practice by organising events, managing schedules, or leading group projects at school. Learning basic data analysis and using Excel will also be useful. Lastly, consider logistics-related courses or certifications online to build knowledge early.
Question: Are there particular personality traits or skills that make someone suited to logistics careers?
If you’re organised and good at keeping track of details, you will be a great fit for logistics careers. As this industry is all about making sure products get from one place to another smoothly, problem solving is key. This is because delays and unexpected issues happen all the time. Being a strong communicator helps too, since you’ll work with drivers, suppliers, and customers. If you like fast-paced work and thinking on your feet, logistics could be exciting for you. If you enjoy planning and making things run efficiently, this could be a great career path.
Start Your Logistics Career Journey Today!
If you’ve made it this far, it’s safe to assume that a career in logistics and transport is calling, and it’s time to pick up the phone. To launch your career, head to the DHL employer profile and find out more today!
