A director of transportation is responsible for overseeing the overall operations of a company’s transportation network. The position is a high-ranking one and requires substantial management experience. Regardless of the industry, directors of transportation are expected to manage teams of employees and implement logistics plans with efficiency and effectiveness. They also work closely with other departments to ensure that the transportation operation is a vital component of the company’s business model.

The most common way to land a job as a transportation director is to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in logistics, management or a related field. Applicants are advised to pursue professional certifications as well, as these can enhance their job prospects. Typical employer qualifications include at least five years of relevant workplace experience.

Directors of transportation typically report to upper management and are expected to be familiar with the latest trends in the transportation industry. For instance, as driverless trucks become increasingly prevalent in the transport industry, transportation directors need to be aware of their implications.

The best directors of transportation have exceptional mechanical and supervisory skills. They are also astute in answering media requests for interviews when school bus accidents occur, allaying parental fears and reassuring the community that safety is the administration’s number one priority. In addition, they have the ability to create and monitor time and expense project budgets for their area of responsibility. They are also responsible for the hiring and firing of transportation department staff.