You may not be familiar with the supply chain and logistics industry, let alone with a career in logistics sales—but it has a massive impact on your everyday life. Everything from your clothing, to the food you buy in grocery stores, to your vitamins and medicine, to the phone in your hand was moved by the logistics industry to get to you.
In 2022, the size of the worldwide logistics market stood at $9,833.8 billion, and it is expected to climb to $16,794.7 billion by 2032, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2023 to 2032. With this continued growth comes a variety of fast-paced logistics careers that truly are the backbone of the world economy. If you’re interested in starting a career in logistics services or transportation management, you might be a perfect fit for one of these jobs—read on to learn more.
How to know if you’re a good fit for a logistics sales career
The global logistics industry offers a variety of job opportunities ranging from truck drivers to warehouse employees to customer service representatives to operations to IT to finance and more. One of the more exciting career options is being a logistics sales executive. In this position, employees work to develop relationships with customers and carriers, negotiate rates, meet budget and margin targets, and provide proactive communication to transport goods efficiently and effectively for customers anywhere in the world. This career in logistics offers an energetic and fast-paced environment, with competitive compensation and commission, and plenty of room for growth. If this type of work environment sounds exciting to you, you might consider pursuing a career in logistics. Here is a list of characteristics that can make you an ideal candidate in this field of work.
1. You want high earning potential in a growing, global industry
Logistics is a vital industry that plays a huge role in day-to-day life around the world and it continues to grow at a rapid pace. A logistics sales career gives its employees the unique potential for high earnings and success while supporting this massive industry. In the United States, 10.23 billion tons of freight were transported by trucks in 2020, generating $732.3 billion in revenue.
2. You enjoy a challenging, fast-paced environment
A logistics career path offers challenging work in a fast-paced environment that can be extremely rewarding. If you enjoy a high-energy and fun workplace with high expectations and rewards—this is a great career for you! Logistics sales executives start their days early, ensuring that all scheduled deliveries and appointments are on track to be met, loads are picked up, and tracking information is available to customers. They also effectively work with your sales team to get quotes to potential customers and to scope out new business opportunities.
3. You’re willing to put in the work in order to succeed
As we mentioned before, this is an exciting career opportunity that greatly rewards you for your hard work and effort. This includes financial compensation that is directly tied to your work performance, continued logistics sales training to help build and improve your skillset, and the ability to excel in your career through internal promotions.
4. You’re competitive and like teamwork
People who succeed in this industry often have a highly competitive spirit, balanced with the ability to work with others as a team. You will have to work with other employees across all departments, from the sales process to procurement to operations, to achieve a common goal.
5. You want to work for Fortune 500 companies
With a job in logistics sales, you could play a part in the rollout of the latest Tesla Model, make sure avocados arrive in stores in time for the Superbowl, help outdoor enthusiasts get the latest gear from Patagonia, help get raw materials to industry-leading manufacturers or ensure that people are able to get their morning coffee from Starbucks. Logistics plays a critical role in each of these scenarios, and you could help this happen for people and companies around the globe.
6. You’re outgoing and able to build strong relationships with your coworkers and customers
Did you know making friends could be considered a prerequisite for a job opportunity? In logistics sales jobs, building relationships with customers and coworkers is a key to your success. It allows you to negotiate with customers more effectively, grow your carrier pool, and build strong connections with your team members—all of which can lead to great success in this industry.
7. You have a degree in marketing or business
A bachelor’s degree in marketing or business administration offers foundational education and preparation that lends itself well to a career in logistics sales. From building customer profiles to developing buyer personas to audience research to business management and the understanding of a supply chain, these skills will give you a great background for success in the logistics industry.
8. You’re a former college athlete
A logistics sales career is built and operates on the same key principles that makes someone a successful athlete: competitiveness, teamwork, trust, and quality character on and off the field. Former college athletes have the ability to work within a team environment to achieve a shared goal, even if they don’t have previous sales experience. Many former college athletes have built incredibly successful careers in logistics. For example, more than 20% of ITS logistics sales employees are former D1 athletes. Learn more about why logistics sales is a great job for former athletes.
9. You have a military background
Transitioning into the professional world and finding a job after serving in the military can be challenging. A lot of former military service members have found a great career in logistics. Jobs in the military often require logistics and supply chain management skills, from the movement of people and distribution of supplies to working with multiple modes of transportation—often in high pressure situations and condensed timelines. This experience lends itself perfectly to success in a career in logistics and supply chain.
Ready to get started with a career in logistics? Contact ITS Logistics today!
Currently ranked #19 in the country out of more than 20,000 asset-lite transportation firms, ITS Logistics is a third-party logistics company that provides transportation services for Fortune 500 companies and small businesses across North America. We provide a unique, fast-paced work environment that gives young professionals the opportunity to springboard their careers in a quickly growing global industry.
We are currently hiring for a variety of logistics sales jobs in Reno, NV. A logistics sales executive at ITS is responsible for developing and maintaining carrier relationships, offering custom transportation solutions, and delivering exceptional service. If you are interested in working with us, take a look at our open positions and apply today!