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A transportation manager works for a company in order to run the logistics of the transportation side of operations. They would manage the staff that assist with the logistics or carry out transportation-related activities such as dispatching, routing, or tracking.
Watch a video and learn what a transportation manager does:
How to Become a Transportation Manager
According to O*Net Online, a little over 40% of all transportation managers have a bachelors degree and over 20% hold at least an associates degree. Though it’s not a prerequisite to get hired, a bachelor’s degree in business is helpful to gain employment if you’re just entering the field or if you are looking to gain your first management position. Transportation managers should be computer savvy as well.
Job Description of a Transportation Manager
Transportation managers ensure cargo, or even people, are transported efficiently and safely. They manage all the work associated with the transportation process – from start to finish. This includes planning all the way through the tracking of the transportation they oversee.
These managers also ensure that their staff comply with safety rules and regulations, union contracts, and even environmental laws. These managers would also find themselves acting as a liaison between departments and would regularly need to report the status of items.
Transportation Manager Career Video Transcript
In the transportation industry, managers are responsible for the movement of people and goods over distances, whether by air, rail, ocean, or highway. They, and their staff, are responsible for launching and tracking the transport vehicles across the globe, and may even manage vehicle storage facilities from airports to truck warehouses. These managers invest much of their time keeping tabs on operations to make sure they comply with all types of policy and procedure, from safety rules to union contracts and government regulations.
Transportation managers are in close communication with those involved in the transportation process as they need to keep up-to-the-minute tabs on the location of goods. Accuracy, time pressure, and dealing with conflict or troubleshooting are normal parts of the job. Having the flexibility to move from being strong leaders who see the big picture, to planning the details, is a hallmark of the job. Entering the field usually requires a bachelor’s degree in a business field. Knowledge of supply chain management or contract negotiation is helpful. Some jobs only require relevant work experience in the business or the type of product they need to move.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Transportation Managers.
National Center for O*NET Development. 11-3071.01. O*NET OnLine.
