Transport & Logistics
Transport Manager
Transport managers plan and coordinate freight and transport operations on road and rail networks.
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Entry-level education
Bachelor’s degree
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Job outlook
What does a Transport Manager do?
Transport managers plan and coordinate freight and transport operations on on road and rail networks. They make sure that goods reach their destinations safely, on time and in the most cost-effective manner.
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Work activities
As a transport manager, you would:
- work with suppliers and customers, planning routes and scheduling delivery times
- plan for the most time efficient and cost-effective method of delivery
- manage the scheduling of a fleet of specialist trucks or vehicles
- schedule rail freight despatches
- manage a team of supervisors, administration staff and vehicle drivers
- coach and mentor staff to develop a culture of high performance
- monitor and manage performance metrics such as cost per km and labour costs
- make sure the operation meets its financial and operational targets
- arrange payments for vehicle maintenance, registrations and taxes
- manage contracts and develop new business
- make sure all operations comply with health and safety requirements.
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Key skills and interests
To become a transport manager, you would need:
- strong organisational skills
- budget and financial management skills
- the ability to think logically
- the ability to work flexibly and to make decisions quickly
- excellent communication skills
- the ability to deal with people at all levels
- IT skills.
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Working hours and conditions
Working Hours
You would normally work a standard number of hours per week, but this may include shiftwork and weekends to cover 24-hour operations.
Conditions
You would usually work in an office in a transport depot. You may need to travel to clients' offices or premises.
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How to become an Transport Manager?
Entry Level Education
To become a transport manager, you would usually need to gain a degree in logistics, supply chain management, or business management. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English and mathematics would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.
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Job outlook
Employment of transport managers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
Companies rely on transport managers to manage the movement of their products and supplies. Supply and distribution systems have become increasingly complex, with the aim of maximising efficiency while minimising cost. Therefore, employment is expected to grow rapidly as companies need more transport managers to move products efficiently.
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Transport & Logistics
