Warehousing and Distribution

Directors in logistics, warehousing and transport plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the activities and resources necessary for the safe, efficient and economic movement of passengers and freight by road, rail, sea and air transport, and the receipt, storage and warehousing of goods and the maintenance of stocks at an optimal level.

Managers in logistics plan, co-ordinate and organise the supply chain of goods and services between the point of production and consumption, including their efficient transportation, storage and retailing.

Managers in storage and warehousing plan, organise, and co-ordinate the activities and resources necessary for the safe and efficient receipt, storage and warehousing of goods and for the maintenance of stocks at an optimal level.

Managers in transport and distribution plan, organise, and co-ordinate the activities and resources necessary for the safe, efficient and economic movement of passengers and freight by road, rail, sea and air transport.

Importers and exporters buy commodities from overseas for the home market and sell home-produced commodities to overseas markets.

Merchandisers ensure that stores are supplied with goods, liaise with suppliers, decide on pricing and promotions and advise retailers on the optimum display of merchandise.

Buyers and procurement officers organise and undertake the buying of raw materials, equipment and merchandise from manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and other sources for distribution, resale or for own internal use.

Stock control clerks and assistants receive orders from customers, prepare requisitions or despatch documents for ordered goods, maintain and update records, files and other correspondence in relation to the storage and despatch of goods.

Transport and distribution clerks and assistants perform various clerical functions relating to the transport and distribution of goods and freight.

Ambulance staff transport sick, injured and convalescent persons and give first aid treatment in emergencies and check ambulance vehicles are roadworthy, cleaned and have all the necessary equipment.

Fork-lift truck drivers operate fork-lift trucks in factories, warehouses, storerooms and other areas to transfer goods and materials.

Job holders in this unit group drive other transport vehicles in roles.

Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers collect, receive, sort and deliver mail, documents, correspondence or messages, either between or within establishments.

Warehouse operatives load, unload and convey a variety of goods, equipment or other items in warehouses and depots, prepare requisitions or despatch documents of stocks held, and perform other elementary goods handling and storage related tasks.

Delivery drivers and couriers collect, transport and deliver goods using a range of vehicles, including bicycles and motor vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes in weight.

Job holders in this unit group supply berthed ships with water, oil and petroleum, load and unload cargo from ships, boats and barges, and perform other elementary goods handling and storage related tasks.

Elementary storage supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the activities of those working in warehouses, docks and other storage facilities.

Delivery operatives load and unload goods from removal vans and delivery vehicles, convey household and office furniture, goods, equipment or other items, accompany drivers of road vehicles, and perform other elementary goods handling tasks.