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Career Progression
Think logistics is just trucks and warehouses? That’s what people used to believe. But today, it’s the invisible engine behind everything you order online, every grocery delivery, every new phone that shows up on your doorstep. If you’re wondering whether logistics is a good industry to be in, the answer isn’t simple - but it’s not a no either. In 2026, logistics isn’t just surviving; it’s evolving fast, and the people who know how to ride that wave are landing solid careers with real growth.
Logistics isn’t what it used to be
Twenty years ago, a logistics job meant driving a van, loading pallets, or typing shipping labels. Today, it’s about data, automation, and problem-solving. Companies like DHL, Amazon Logistics, and even regional players like Yodel and Evri are hiring software engineers, data analysts, and sustainability specialists - not just drivers and warehouse staff. The industry now runs on algorithms that predict delivery times, robots that sort packages in minutes, and AI that reroutes shipments when storms hit. If you’re looking for a job that’s stuck in the past, logistics isn’t it.
It’s growing - and hiring
The UK’s logistics sector added over 120,000 jobs between 2020 and 2025. That’s not a blip - it’s a trend. E-commerce exploded, global supply chains got more complex, and businesses realized they can’t afford to mess up deliveries. In 2025 alone, logistics companies in the UK spent £3.2 billion on automation and digital tools. That kind of investment doesn’t happen without hiring. You don’t need a degree to start, but you do need to be willing to learn. Entry-level roles like warehouse operative or delivery driver still pay £12-£15/hour in most areas, with overtime and bonuses pushing some over £30,000 a year. And those aren’t dead-end jobs. Many managers started on the floor.
Salaries? Better than you think
Let’s talk money. If you’re in a warehouse or driving a van, you’re making decent money for the entry level. But if you move into planning, tech, or management? The pay jumps. A logistics coordinator in Manchester or Birmingham makes £32,000-£40,000. A supply chain analyst? £45,000-£58,000. Senior roles like logistics manager or operations director? £65,000-£90,000, sometimes more. And here’s the kicker: those roles aren’t just in London. Cities like Liverpool, Leeds, and Nottingham have major distribution hubs, and companies are offering relocation bonuses to attract talent.
The skills you actually need
You don’t need to be a tech genius, but you do need to be adaptable. The top skills employers are looking for right now:
- Basic digital literacy - using warehouse management systems, tracking software, or mobile apps for deliveries
- Problem-solving under pressure - a truck breaks down, a customs delay hits, a customer is furious. Who fixes it? The logistics pro.
- Attention to detail - one wrong label, one missed scan, and a whole shipment gets delayed.
- Communication - you’re talking to drivers, customers, warehouse staff, and sometimes international partners. Clarity matters.
Many of these skills can be learned on the job. Companies like DB Schenker and DPD offer in-house training programs. Some even pay for certifications in supply chain basics or forklift operation. You don’t need to go back to university - just be willing to show up and learn.
The downsides aren’t small
Let’s be real. Logistics isn’t all high pay and cool tech. Some roles are physically demanding. Warehouse shifts can be 10-12 hours, often early or overnight. Drivers face long hours, traffic, and weather. Stress levels are high during peak seasons - think Black Friday, Christmas, or when a port strike hits. And yes, automation is replacing some manual jobs. Robots don’t need coffee breaks. But here’s the thing: automation is creating more tech jobs than it’s eliminating. The UK government’s 2025 workforce report showed that for every 3 warehouse roles lost to automation, 2 new tech support or maintenance roles were created.
Who thrives here? Real people, real stories
Take Sarah, 29, from Stoke-on-Trent. She started as a warehouse picker at £11.50/hour. Two years later, she trained in inventory software and became a junior planner. Now she’s managing stock for a major online retailer, making £38,000. She didn’t go to uni. She just kept showing up, asking questions, and taking free online courses offered by her employer.
Then there’s Marcus, 34, a former delivery driver. He got tired of the 6 a.m. starts and the pressure to hit targets. He enrolled in a part-time logistics certificate through his local college. Within 18 months, he moved into route optimization support. He works 9 to 5 now, uses data tools to cut delivery times, and earns £47,000. He says: “I didn’t change industries. I just moved up the chain.”
It’s not for everyone - but it’s wide open
If you hate routine, crave variety, and don’t mind a little chaos, logistics could be a great fit. You’ll never be bored. Every day brings a new problem to solve. If you want a 9-to-5 desk job with no stress, maybe look elsewhere. But if you’re okay with a little grind - and you want to be part of something that keeps the world moving - this industry is hungry for people.
The barriers to entry are low. The path to growth is real. And with the UK investing billions in green logistics, digital ports, and regional distribution hubs, the demand won’t slow down anytime soon.
Where to start in 2026
Here’s how to get your foot in the door:
- Look for entry-level roles on Indeed or LinkedIn with keywords like “logistics assistant,” “warehouse operative,” or “delivery driver.”
- Apply to companies that offer training - DHL, FedEx, Amazon, and regional carriers like XPO or SF Express all have apprenticeship programs.
- Take a free online course on Coursera or FutureLearn: “Introduction to Supply Chain” or “Logistics Fundamentals.”
- Network. Go to local logistics meetups in your city. Liverpool has a growing supply chain hub - attend a chamber of commerce event.
- Don’t wait for the perfect job. Start anywhere. Learn the system. Then move up.
You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room. You just need to be reliable, willing to learn, and ready to work. That’s all it takes to build a solid career in logistics today.
Is logistics a stable career choice in 2026?
Yes. Logistics is one of the most stable industries in the UK right now. Even during economic downturns, people still need food, medicine, and online orders delivered. The sector has grown every year since 2020, and with global trade and e-commerce continuing to expand, demand for logistics workers is expected to rise through 2030. The UK’s National Skills Fund is even funding training programs specifically for logistics roles.
Do I need a degree to work in logistics?
No. Many people enter logistics with no degree at all. Entry-level roles like warehouse operative or delivery driver require no formal qualifications. For higher roles - like supply chain analyst or logistics manager - a degree can help, but it’s not required. Certifications from CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport) or online courses often carry more weight than a degree in this field. Experience and skills matter more than paper.
Are logistics jobs being replaced by robots?
Some manual tasks are, but robots are creating new jobs, not just taking them. For every warehouse job lost to automation, a new role opens up in robot maintenance, software oversight, or data analysis. In 2025, UK logistics firms hired 18% more technicians and data specialists than they did in 2022. The industry isn’t shrinking - it’s shifting. The people who adapt to tech are the ones thriving.
What’s the best entry point into logistics?
Start with a delivery driver or warehouse operative role. These positions give you firsthand experience with how the system works. From there, you can move into planning, inventory control, or operations. Many companies promote from within. If you’re tech-savvy, look for roles that involve using logistics software - those are the fastest-growing paths up the ladder.
Can I work in logistics without driving?
Absolutely. While driving is one path, most logistics jobs don’t involve driving at all. Think warehouse coordinators, inventory analysts, procurement officers, route planners, and software support staff. Even sustainability officers are in demand now, helping companies cut emissions from transport and packaging. If you prefer office work, data, or problem-solving, there are plenty of roles that don’t require a driving license.
Is logistics a good industry for older workers?
Yes. Many logistics roles value experience, reliability, and calm under pressure - qualities older workers often have. Warehouse supervisors, dispatch coordinators, and quality control inspectors are often filled by people in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s. Companies are actively recruiting mature workers because they bring stability and institutional knowledge. Physical roles may be harder, but office-based logistics jobs are very accessible at any age.
