Warehousing employment and distribution employment opportunities require a specific set of skills and training, depending on the position. Most warehousing and distribution jobs require an employee to have safety training, forklift training and possibly certification to drive shipment vehicles.

Careers in distribution and warehousing are available through many companies, some of which offer in-house training opportunities. Other training opportunities come from government and industry organizations. There are many positions a person can train for, including logistics and data warehousing jobs. To get the best training, look for warehousing and distribution jobs education and training through:

1. Certification programs that provide skills for jobs in distribution.

2. Safety training to work in a warehouse or distribution plant.

3. Online training opportunities.

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Train to get the necessary certifications for logistics and warehousing jobs

There are many types of training programs available for specific machinery related to warehouse and distribution. Most warehouse and distribution jobs can provide on-site training and certification opportunities, but those looking for a job in distribution can also train with other organizations that offer machine training.

I recommend: SafetyIsUs offers forklift certification for employees, plus options for training a forklift operator to serve as a company's forklift in-house trainer. Safety Trainers offers Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance certified instructor training. Send one person who can come back to the warehouse and teach other employees.

Explore safety training opportunities for a warehousing job

All employees working in warehousing and distribution need to complete some type of safety training that applies to their particular job. Anyone working with warehousing vehicles, such as forklifts, needs vehicle safety training. At warehouses that provide services to the food or hazardous materials industries, employees need to have materials handling safety training. Many of these programs are available in DVD format for customized on-site training.

I recommend: J.J. Keller & Associates provides a video training program for loading dock and warehouse safety. The Training Network offers DVD training programs that include topics on warehouse vehicle safety, materials handling and operations safety.

Take advantage of written resources for warehousing and distributor jobs

Online training opportunities are another way to find materials for employees who work in warehousing and distribution. Resources may include training courses, videos and user guides to operating specific machinery. The focus of the materials may be safety, operations or prep courses for certification tests.

I recommend: Therapak provides materials handling training for warehouses and distribution centers that work specifically with medical supplies. InventoryOps rates many book titles used to educate and train those who work in warehousing and logistics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many distribution careers require employees to certified to operate vehicles, or in materials handling practices. Make sure your employees stay up to date with certification and attend recertification classes as needed.

Warehousing and distribution jobs are necessary for the flow of commerce to run smoothly. All businesses need to get their supplies and products from somewhere and they are usually stored in a warehouse. Warehousing employment helps businesses to get their goods where and when they need them.

Careers in distribution and warehousing are likely to afford you steady work. There is usually a need for quality workers to fill these positions.

If you are interested in jobs in warehousing:

1. Take on an entry-level warehousing job to gain experience. This will help you to decide if you like the work and if it's the right career for you. You may also gain connections and prove yourself within that particular warehousing company, which can make you eligible for advancement.

2. Take courses to help you move up in careers in distribution and warehousing. While a college degree may not be necessary, it is certainly impressive. If that is not feasible, be sure to take shorter courses that will help advance your career.

3. Read industry magazines to stay up to date on current techniques. This will give you an edge over other employees.

Action Steps
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Find the distribution and warehousing jobs in your area

The Internet allows you to search for a wide variety of jobs in your area, including jobs in warehousing. It is a convenient way to start your job search. Many companies also allow you to upload your resume, which makes applying for the jobs that interest you a breeze.

I recommend: JobsInLogistics.com lists available logistics and warehousing jobs. Alternatively, you may find what you're looking for at Vedior.

Start a great career with data warehousing jobs

It's not just physical goods that need a warehouse. Many companies are also looking for a place to store their data. If you are technically-inclined, a data warehousing position may be right for you.

I recommend: Search for data warehousing positions on Computerwork, a popular site for finding computer jobs. The IT Toolbox also lists available positions. Either site may have the perfect job for you.

Use an executive recruiter to find top-level warehousing and distribution jobs

If you feel stuck in a rut with your job search, it may be time to hand things over to a professional recruiter. This person may be able to get you the executive position you deserve without a lot of effort on your part. They will match your skills with companies that meet your needs.

I recommend: Logistics Recruiters may be able to find the logistics and warehousing job that you have been looking for. On SearchFirm.com, you can perform a search to find an executive recruiter that both lives in your area and specializes in distribution employment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you've been applying to various jobs in warehousing and haven't been getting a positive response, have a professional resume writer review your resume and give you pointers. With a few small changes, your phone could be ringing off the hook.

Jobs in warehousing and distribution require a specific set of training and skills. There is a career path you can follow that takes you from an entry level worker to management. These jobs have a number of different terms that you will find in job postings and descriptions. They include freight agent, logistics agent or transportation agent. The field of practice is also referred to as logistics management, supply chain management, third party logistics and distribution. There are a lot of resources on the Internet where you can get in-depth information on this profession. One thing they all have in common is the management of movement of materials and products in or out of warehouses. There are also a number of professional organizations associated with the field where you can learn more about careers in warehousing and distribution.

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Distribution manager

A distribution manager or warehouse manager is responsible for tracking equipment, products or parts through a warehouse from the time they come into the facility to when they go out. This is one step in a career in supply chain management.

I recommend: TechTarget offers a good definition of distribution. Jobs.net has a list of jobs in this field.

Supply chain manager

Supply chain management (SCM) is the management of movement and storage of materials from their raw state all the way through manufacturing and distribution until they are purchased by the consumer. Warehouse and distribution managers know this is a key part of their job.

I recommend: For a comprehensive definition you can find one at Rockford Consulting Group. One professional association for this field is the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals or CSCMP.

Logistics manager

Logistics is the management of the flow of products between its origination to its point of consumption. Warehouse and distribution managers are also known as logistics managers.

I recommend: LogisticsWorld has several definitions. For current information about logistics management go to Logistics Management.

Logistics agent

A logistics agent is an employee of an enterprise who is responsible for overseeing the flow of goods between the point of origin to the point of consumption. Logistics agent is one level in the career ladder of the warehouse and distribution field. Those agents who have third party forwarding experience can sometimes even work from their home.

I recommend: For more information on what a logistics agent does go to Enterprise Integration Laboratory.

Freight agent

A freight agent is an employee of a freight carrier who acts on behalf of the organization and directs the receipt and delivery of goods. This is part of the career ladder for a warehouse and distribution manager.

I recommend: OnPedia has a succinct definition of this job. If you want a good forum on these jobs you can find one at Indeed.

Third party logistics providers

Third party logistics providers (3PL) is an outsourced solution for an enterprise that has a varied and extensive supply chain. They want another firm to plan and manage the flow of goods and materials that are needed in their facility. 3PL companies are a great source for warehouse and distribution jobs.

I recommend: BusinessDictionary.com has a good definition of these types of companies. For a list of the top 100 third party logistics providers go to inboundlogistics.com.

When it comes to learning about warehousing and distribution jobs for beginners, there are many resourceful websites that will point you in the right direction. Topics such as potential pay, responsibilities and industry health are all things that will be discussed.

Take the time to do some cursory research about warehousing jobs and distribution jobs so that you'll understand what they entail. Here are some of those resourceful websites to help provide you with additional information.

1. Learn about various job descriptions for warehousing and distribution jobs to see how the work force is structured.

2. Find out about the potential compensation distribution employment might bring.

3. Go to job bank websites that provide lists of distribution jobs and warehousing jobs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about the various job types associated with warehousing employment

When it comes to working in a warehouse or distribution center there are many jobs that have various functions. For instance, there is everything from supervisors who oversee shipments to packers who actually pack the boxes. Take the time to learn about the various careers in distribution to see what might be a good fit.

I recommend: Visit the website for Salary Source for additional information on what is required of people who perform various jobs in the warehouse and distribution sector. Employment Guide.com also offers descriptions of various warehouse jobs.

Learn how much money distribution jobs and warehousing jobs might pay a prospective employee

There are many websites that are dedicated to providing employment data about various industries within the United States. These tools exhibit the average salary one might expect to make as well as the overall growth of the industry. They will provide statistics as to whether a particular industry is actually expanding or contracting. Utilize these websites to learn the basics about warehousing and distribution jobs.

I recommend: Visit the website for Pay Scale for more information on the amount of money jobs and warehousing might offer an potential employee. Salary Expert also offers a wealth of information in regard to potential compensation for someone working in a warehousing job.

Go to websites that advertise distribution jobs

When it comes to careers in warehousing and distribution careers there are many websites that provide comprehensive job lists. Peruse these job lists to learn about the potential responsibilities and compensation that is being offered in the market place.

I recommend: Go to the website for Learn4Good.com for a listing of jobs in the distribution field. Also check out the website for Home Power.com for a comprehensive list of job openings in the distribution field. Simply utilize their search engine to return results.