Transport manager

How to become a transport manager

As this is a managerial position, an undergraduate degree is usually required. For some positions you'll also need to have a masters degree, or chartered status with a relevant body. However, experience is often very important too, so entrants with other qualifications may be considered.

Although this role may have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card to work on a construction site.

University

Some employers will expect you to have an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, to join as a transport manager. Relevant subjects include:

• Engineering
• Logistics
• Business management
• Town planning
• Environmental studies
• Civil engineering.

Many graduates go on to do a postgraduate qualification in transport planning approved by the Transport Planning Society.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a university course
• Funding advice

Work

If you have experience within the transport management sector, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience as a transport manager. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced transport manager and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a transport manager. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience
• Find an apprenticeship near you

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a transport manager include: 

• Knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• Maths knowledge
• Knowledge of engineering, science and technology
• Design skills and knowledge
• Analytical thinking skills
• Ability to work well with others
• Complex problem-solving skills
• Good attention to detail.

Qualifications

What does a transport manager do?

As a transport manager you are responsible for helping to ensure that all goods and passengers reach their destinations safely.

The role of a transport manager involves the following duties:  

• Making sure vehicles are properly maintained
• Inspecting vehicles
• Arranging repairs and routine maintenance
• Ensuring that all drivers and operators have the correct, up to date qualifications
• Reducing the risk of vehicle overloading
• Maintaining and completing accurate records
• Keeping schedules and organising team members.

How much could you earn as a transport manager?

The expected salary for a transport manager varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained transport managers can earn £20,000 - £25,000
• Trained transport managers with some experience can earn £30,000 - £35,000
• Senior transport managers can earn in the region of £35,000 - £60,000.* 

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest transport manager vacancies: 

• Indeed
• Totaljobs

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As an experienced transport manager, you could become a self-employed consultant or start your own haulage company.