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Road transport manager

Alternative titles for this job include

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

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Road transport manager

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in any subject to become a road transport manager.

You might have an advantage if you study:

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

You can also do a postgraduate course.

Graduate scheme

Once you have finished university, you could apply for a place on a graduate transport management trainee scheme. Find out more about getting a place on a graduate scheme.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a Supply Chain Practitioner Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. 

This will give you some of the skills and knowledge you need to work as an assistant transport manager in areas like retail or fast moving consumer goods, for example food and drink.

If you're already working for a passenger transport company, you might be able to do the Passenger Transport Operations Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

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

Direct Application

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

More Information

Career tips

You'll find road transport manager roles in the private and public sector and in many industries such as retail, engineering and passenger transport.

You might find it useful to have:

  • good knowledge of the road network
  • an understanding of transport rules and regulations
  • experience of using specialist transport management software

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You might need to get a Certificate of Professional Competence if you're the operator of a haulage or transport business. This is known as a Driver CPC.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a road transport manager you could:

  • work with suppliers and customers, plan routes and schedule delivery times
  • manage and organise training for supervisors, administrators and drivers
  • manage contracts and make sure targets are met
  • put together performance reports
  • make sure drivers follow regulations and arrange vehicle maintenance, MOTs and tax payments

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in rail, sea or air transport. 

You could also move into transport planning and consultancy.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

V03097 - Advanced Apprenticeship Supply Chain Practitioner

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Academy for Skills and Knowledge, Enterprise Zone, Blackburn

Supply Chain Co-ordinator Morocco Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Uxbridge
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Gateway Awd Skills for Logistics L2

  • Provider: TYNE COAST COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Wallsend

Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Logistics

  • Provider: HARLOW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Stansted
Find courses near you

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