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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 a road transport manager

You can get into this job through:

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

University

Transport manager roles are open to all graduates. A foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in the following subjects may give you an advantage:

  • 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 apply for a place on a graduate transport management trainee scheme.

You'll find transport manager roles in both the private and public sector and in many industries, from retail to engineering and passenger transport.

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

You could also start out by doing a supply chain practitioner advanced apprenticeship. This will give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to work as assistant transport manager in areas like fast moving consumer goods, for example food and drink, or retail.

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, 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

Career tips

Having a good knowledge of the road network and an understanding of transport rules and regulations will give you an advantage.

Experience of using specialist transport management software can also help.

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

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 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

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • work with suppliers and customers, plan routes and schedule delivery times
  • manage a team of supervisors, administration staff and drivers
  • make sure the operation meets its targets
  • co-ordinate staff training
  • make sure drivers follow company and industry regulations
  • put together performance reports for directors
  • arrange vehicle maintenance, MOTs and tax payments
  • organise vehicle replacements
  • manage contracts and develop new business

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 other types of transport like rail, sea or air.

You could also move into transport planning and consultancy.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Supply Chain Practitioner Apprentice

  • Wage: £17,000.00 Annually
  • Location: London

Operations Higher Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £16,500.00 Annually
  • Location:
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Logistics

  • Provider: The Manchester College
  • Start date: 13 September 2021
  • Location: Manchester

Level 3 in Logistics

  • Provider: EASTLEIGH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Eastleigh
Find courses near you

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