The Transport and Storage Industry

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The transport and logistics sector is a significant employer in Scotland.

• About two per cent of all Scottish jobs are in the passenger transport industry. (45,700). An additional 16,000 are estimated to be self employed. 
• The Logistics sector (Distribution) employs 59,900 people in Scotland - about three per cent of all Scottish jobs. 4,000 people are estimated to be self employed.
• Specialist companies are referred to as "third party logistics" (3PL); they carry over 70 per cent of UK Freight.
• 84% of freight is moved by road.
• The industry is available in all parts of Scotland.

Areas Included

The transport and logistics industry is a very diverse one that has an influence on all our lives. At it simplest, transport can be defined as the movement of passengers; logistics is the movement of goods and freight. The industry includes:

• Public transport – buses, trains, trams, underground
• Private transport – coaches, community transport and private hire and taxis
• Freight transport
• Air transport – airports and airlines
• Sea transport – ferries, cruise liners and merchant navy ships
• Storage and warehousing

This is an industry where there are a number of jobs which do not need qualifications.

• More than a third of all workers are classified as machine and transport operatives. These are jobs such as bus and HGV drivers and rail transport operatives and reflects the nature of much of the employment in the sector.
• Over a fifth of the jobs in logistics are also routine, practical jobs such as packer.

For a full list of jobs in transport and logistics see below.

What’s it like working in the Transport and Storage Industry?

• This industry will appeal most to those with an interest in practical, active work.
• The majority of jobs are full time. (Passenger Tranport 82%; Logistics 86%).
• 80% of the workforce is male.
• Prospects for school leavers are poorer compared to other sectors. The minimum age for LGV drivers is 21; making it difficult for young people to enter the industry.
• As the industry employs less 16-24 year olds; the average age workers in Passenger Transport (44) and Logistics (41) is higher than the average of 36 for Scotland as a whole.

Future Trends

• Although passenger numbers and freight traffic are both growing; employment is expected to remain stable over the next ten years.
• More young people need to be recruited to replace those retiring from the industry.
• There will be an increase in the number of part-time jobs.
• The number of females in the workforce will increase to around 30%.

Find out more about where the jobs are in your area.

Useful Information

Go Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the passenger transport industry. Their Careers section contains basic information on the different industries and careers in passenger transport.

The Virtual Work Experience website has detailed advice and guidance on careers in Passenger Transport.

Skills for Logistics is the Sector Skills Council for freight logistics and their Careers Website has detailed information on the industry and the different jobs available.

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Occupations

Airline Pilot
Airport Baggage Handler
Airport Information Assistant
Bus/Coach Driver
Bus/Rail Passenger Transport Clerk
Chauffeur/Chauffeuse
Cleaner - Industrial
Clerk
Distribution Manager
Driving Instructor
Flight Attendant
Forklift Truck Operator
Freight Forwarder
Furniture Remover
Lorry Driver
Merchant Navy Catering Officer
Merchant Navy Deck Officer
Merchant Navy Engineer Officer
Merchant Navy Rating
Motorcycle Courier
Postperson
Railway Station Assistant
Road Transport Clerk
Road Transport Manager
Taxi Driver
Train Conductor
Train Driver
Van Delivery Assistant
Van Driver
Warehouse Assistant
Warehouse Clerk
Warehouse Manager