Road transport manager

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, 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

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

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

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:

• The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
• United Kingdom Warehousing Association
• Transport Planning Society

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

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

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

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