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Road transport manager

Road transport managers make sure goods and passengers reach their destinations safely, on time and in the most cost-effective way.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become a Road transport manager

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • logistics
  • supply chain management
  • transport management
  • business management

You can also do a postgraduate course if you have a relevant degree.

After you finish your studies, you can then apply for a place on a management trainee scheme with a transport company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a passenger transport operations manager higher apprenticeship if you're working for a passenger transport company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a higher or a degree apprenticeship

More information

Work

You could develop your transport skills as a driver, team leader or administrator. With training and experience you could then apply for a road transport manager's job.

Direct application

You can apply directly for jobs. You'll be expected to have experience and qualifications in road transport.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and United Kingdom Warehousing Association for professional recognition and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a transport manager from:

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • business management skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • leadership skills
  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • you will be expected to use a computer confidently as part of this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You may need to get a Certificate of Professional Competence - a Driver CPC - if you're the operator of a haulage or transport business.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • working with suppliers and customers, planning routes and scheduling delivery times
  • managing a team of supervisors, administration staff and drivers
  • making sure the operation meets its targets
  • coordinating staff training
  • putting together performance reports for directors
  • arranging vehicle maintenance, MOTs and tax payments
  • organising vehicle replacements
  • managing contracts and developing new business

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in other types of transport, like rail, sea or air.

You could also move into transport planning and consultancy.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Road transport manager right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE (QCF)

  • Provider: HAVERING COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 21 January 2019
  • Location: Hornchurch

Logistics and Transport Award Level 2

  • Provider: MANCHESTER COLLEGE (THE)
  • Start date: 04 September 2019
  • Location:
Find courses near you

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