Transporting and delivering goods from manufacturing centers to warehouses to stores takes a lot of work, and managing that process involves the logistics of multiple modes of transportation. As a result, transportation manager jobs focus on management and planning tasks like overseeing a company’s shipping operations, tracking freight, arranging vehicle repairs, and determining budgets for the transportation department. In order to find a job as a transportation manager, you will need an associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or logistics and a variety of skills related to the field.

A transportation manager oversees the dispatching, routing, and tracking of transport vehicles like airplanes, trucks, or railroad cars. These managers collaborate with staff to create and implement transport protocols while keeping in mind the company’s revenue objectives and customer service goals. They also conduct investigations into client or shipper issues and arrange repairs for transportation equipment. Finally, these professionals must also be familiar with and able to comply with all types of policies, including safety rules, union contracts, and government transport regulations.

Becoming a transportation manager requires an understanding of the ins and outs of logistics as well as excellent problem-solving and leadership skills. Many transportation managers get their start in the industry through internships, while others begin with lower-level transport or logistics jobs and work their way up the ranks. Regardless of your career path, you should be proactive in finding transportation manager jobs by reaching out to companies you are interested in and asking whether or not they have open positions in their logistics departments.