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Industry Profile -- by Lisa Wieser
Your favourite CD has just been released in stores. You run out to buy it,
only to find it is sold out. "Don't worry," the sales clerk assures you,
"we will get a whole bunch more in next week." Disappointed, you realize
you'll have to wait until then to hear those sweet tunes. But why must you
wait until next week? What does it actually take to get that CD to the
store? Glad you asked.... It's all logistical.
Logistics is essentially the loading, moving and storing of goods. It is a
very broad industry that also includes seamless ties to transportation and
warehousing. For a CD, or any other item to get from point A to point B,
there is more involved than you may think. Warehouse technicians,
shippers, receivers, dispatchers, traffic managers, truck drivers, and
couriers may all be involved in getting your CD on the shelf. These
occupations are all part of the exciting field of logistics, which is
currently the fastest growing sector in the Calgary region, employing in
excess of 57,000 people, according to David Crowe with the City of Calgary.
Those not familiar with logistics may believe it a non-technical field,
based mainly on the manpower of warehousing and trucking. On the contrary, there has been an increasing use of information technology within the industry, making logistics quite high tech in some areas, for example, electronic parcel tracking. Those who possess computer, math and business skills may be recruited for management and specialist positions. Although there are several different aspects to the industry, some transferable skills are evident. These include good communication and organizational skills, the ability to think creatively to solve problems, customer service skills, and the willingness to work hard.
The entry-level standards for many jobs in logistics in Calgary have
minimum requirements usually including Math 12 and computer literacy. Some management positions in logistics are attractive to post-secondary students with education in areas such as engineering, science, or business
administration. Typically, on-the-job training is used to develop specific
skills and knowledge in this field. Needless to say, logistics offers solid
and exciting career possibilities. Here's a more detailed look at some of
the occupations that comprise this broad field:
Couriers/ Messengers are employed by delivery businesses, and are responsible for letter/package pickup and delivery, operating vehicles, and maintaining a stockroom. Most couriers work regular hours, cope with all sorts of weather, and use pagers or cell phones daily. Couriers often work
under minimal direction and supervision, but must be responsible and
conscientious. They must also have a valid driver's license, be bondable,
and have a good knowledge of the area where they work.
- Pay will range from $12,800 to 39,200 per year.
- Average occupational growth is expected to the year 2006.
Truck Drivers operate gas or diesel-powered trucks or tractor-trailers to
move goods either locally or internationally. Their duties include loading
trucks, performing routine inspections, and following highway and safety
regulations. Truck drivers must also keep records of the loads delivered
and picked-up. Driving a truck involves long trips, sleeping on the road,
and driving in all sorts of climates and conditions. Skills essential to
this job include the ability to remain alert, good reaction time/judgement,
and a high level of concentration. Good health and vision is a must. Truck
drivers may require air brake training and a Class 1 license.
- Pay will range from $20,800 to $132,500 per year.
- Average occupational growth is expected to the year 2006.
Dispatchers receive requests for service and relay that information to the appropriate people. Dispatchers prepare schedules and runs, advise personnel of schedules and hazards, monitor workloads, keep records, and document calls. Dispatchers may be required to work shifts and may have to sit for long periods of time. They must also be prepared to deal with stressful situations. Skills essential to this job include excellent communication, the ability to multi-task, good memory and judgement, and computer skills.
- Pay will range from $14,600 to 107,600 per year.
- Above average occupational growth is expected to the year 2006.
Postal Workers can be classified under a variety of jobs, two major ones
being mail sorters and letter carriers. Mail sorters collect, process, and sort mail for delivery. They are responsible for checking parcels, lifting and unloading mail, and separating. The ability to read quickly and accurately and a good memory are all key skills for this job. Letter carriers sort and deliver mail for established routes, record and deliver registered mail, and collect payments. Being a letter carrier may involve walking up to 10 km per day, carrying up to 15 kg, and working in all weather conditions. Needless to say, physical strength and stamina is required. Canada Post workers are expected to pass ability tests and have related experience for the job.
- Pay will range from $15,600 to 41,100 per year.
- Average occupational growth is expected to the year 2006.
Customs Brokers are employed by importers and exporters to clear goods
through customs for delivery. They must have a knowledge of trade related laws and regulations. The duties of a customs broker include preparing and processing import/export documents, providing advice about duty and restrictions, providing audit services, and representing clients in dealing with government officials. A minimum of high school diploma is required, but a post-secondary degree in economics, business, or international trade is an asset in some areas.
- Pay will range from $17,100 to 52,200 per year.
- Average occupational growth is expected to the year 2006.
Traffic Managers, also known as transportation or distribution managers,
co-ordinate the transportation of incoming and outgoing materials. They
are responsible for costs and budgets, scheduling the dispatching of goods,
tracking goods in transit, negotiating with various carriers, training and
supervising, developing systems for operations analysis, and evaluating.
The ability to analyze information, make decisions, and work efficiently with figures and computers is essential for the position. Problem solving and communication skills are also required. Traffic managers may possess post-secondary education in commerce or business administration.
- Pay will range from $12,800 to 156,400 per year.
- Above average occupational growth is expected to the year 2006.
Shippers/Receivers wrap, pack, store, ship, receive, and record the movement of materials. Duties may include assembling containers and crates, inspecting and counting items, directing delivery trucks, and keeping accurate records. Skills required for this job include organization, the ability to work on a team, and physical strength and stamina. Mechanical aptitude is an asset, as well as a courteous attitude. Education requirements will vary.
- Pay will range from $12,600 to 75,900 per year.
- Average occupational growth is expected to the year 2006.
Warehousing Technicians oversee and manage the movement of materials in a wide variety of industries. They are responsible for filling and packing orders, receiving shipments, handling and storing products, and cleaning/maintaining storage areas.They usually work indoors, in an office or warehouse environment. Heavy lifting, standing for long periods, and shift work are common. Good math, communication, and computer skills are required. They must also have excellent physical stamina and be able to work well both independently and as part of a team.
- Pay will range from $16,700 to 50,400 per year.
- Below average occupational growth is expected to the year 2006.
Transport Equipment Operators work for railway companies, canal ports and ferry terminals, harbour authorities, airline services, and the government. Depending on the mode of transport, duties include regulating traffic, switching tracks, maintaining and repairing tracks, operating canals, running ferries, operating small boats, operating ramp-servicing vehicles, and handling cargo or baggage. A transport equipment operator requires skills such as computer literacy, communication, organization, multi-tasking, and physical stamina. Special licenses or certificates may be required.
- Pay will range from $20,700 to 51,400 per year.
- Below average occupational growth is expected to the year 2006.
Each industry profiled in nextSteps includes several jobs found in other
industries. This industry profile is complementary to the Warehousing issue from October 2001 (warehouse supervisor, shipper/receiver, dock worker). Other jobs associated with this industry include:
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