Should I be a transportation manager?

Imagine a world without transportation managers...

Organizations rely on transportation managers to take charge of their transportation-related operations so that goods can get into the hands of consumers.

But how do you know if you'll love being a transportation manager? What exactly does the job demand?

Large industrial companies depend on transportation managers to make sure goods reach their destination. A transportation manager:

• Plans and coordinates daily shipments

• Ensures all operations run smoothly from production to the end-user

• Recommends cost-effective ways to ship goods

• Checks and reports on transportation costs

• Conducts equipment safety audits on a regular basis

• Keeps on top of the latest safety regulations

Follow this career path to become a transportation manager:

1. Earn a Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field.

2. Apply for a transportation management internship in the field to gain on-the-job skills.

3. Begin your career as an entry-level transportation manager for at least 2 years before you consider more senior positions.

4. After a few years in a senior position, you can be promoted to a lead transportation manager role.

• Plan, organize, and manage subordinate staff's work according to organizational expectations

• Coordinate transportation-related activities, such as dispatching, routing, and tracking

• Check that employees comply with policies, procedures, safety, environmental, or government regulations

What skills do transportation managers need?

• Leadership

• Fuel management

• Organization

• Flexibility

• Detail-oriented

• Customer service

• Critical thinking

• Truck maintenance

• Problem-solving

• Communication

• Inventory control

• Load planning

Where do transportation managers work?

Transportation managers are found everywhere transportation-related operations are available:

• Manufacturing industries

• Freight companies

• Warehouses

Canada

$73,163 per year

USA

$100,379 per year

• Enjoy performing transportation tasks like dispatching, routing, and tracking.

• Are a creative problem solver.

• Like adheringto policies, procedures, and safety rules.

Look for another career path if you...

• Can't make quick decisions.

• Have trouble adhering to timelines.

• Are shy talking to others.

The following commerce students all have part-time jobs in customer service. They're all considering a career path in transportation management.

Liam: staff coordinator at a trucking company

• Has excellent communication skills

• Completes tasks in a timely fashion

Sharon: sales assistant at a hardware store

• Resolves customer complaints

• Attends company's safety meetings

Kiara: assistant manager at a supermarket

• Trains new staff

• Negotiates and secures contracts with the store's food suppliers

Start your career path!