The Role of a Transport Manager – Road Haulage/Passenger Transport

Road transport managers coordinate freight, distribution and passenger transport operations, including routing and scheduling. They make sure that goods and passengers reach their destinations safely, in a cost effective and legal manner.

The duties of the Transport manager may include:

  • Working with suppliers and customers,
  • Planning routes and scheduling delivery times
  • Managing a team of supordinates including drivers, supervisors and planners
  • Staff training
  • Producing key performance indicator (KPI) reports
  • Arranging vehicle maintenance, MOTs and tax payments
  • Organising vehicle replacement
  • Managing contracts
You would also make sure that all operations are carried out in line with local and EU laws and regulations. These govern vehicle safety, controls on fuel emissions, driver hours, customs requirements, and the transportation of food, livestock and hazardous goods.

Wages: Wages can vary from the position of:

  • Trainee Manager
  • Experience Manager
  • Senior Manager
Training: At least one staff member (usually a manager) in every road transport business is legally required to have the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).Therefore, you would normally train for this qualification once you start work.

Required Skills & Knowledge:

  • Strong organisational skills
  • Ability to manage budgets
  • A logical and proactive approach
  • The ability to react quickly and logically
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to deal with people at all levels
  • Trainee Manager
  • Experience Manager
  • Senior Manager

Working in Road Haulage

Road haulage is an integral part of local and main land European business. Goods to be brought, sold and consumed are transported around the country by the network of roads.

Goods are transported using a range of vehicles ranging from transit vans to articulated vehicles with a GVW (gross vehicle weight) of around 44 tonnes (Some heavy haulage vehicles are substantially higher).

The road haulage or freight industry is a great industry for ex service personnel as there are a high number of transferrable skills ex service personnel can bring into the industry – discipline, crisis management, working to tight deadlines, personal and team management skills etc.

The roles available in road haulage are varied:

  • Strong organisational skills
  • Ability to manage budgets
  • A logical and proactive approach
  • The ability to react quickly and logically
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to deal with people at all levels
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Ability to manage budgets
  • A logical and proactive approach
  • The ability to react quickly and logically
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to deal with people at all levels
Another niche industry which lends itself well to ex service personnel is Driver CPC training. There is a huge demand for Driver CPC trainers currently in light of the new European legislation. As road haulage vehicles become more economic it becomes more cost effective to transport goods by road. It is estimated by 2017 the haulage industry will require a further 843,600 workers across the industry in Europe.

If you are looking to pursue a career in road haulage, freight transport and transport management then SSM Group Training will be able to offer advice, guidance and training so you can achieve your career aspirations.

We are on the phone to offer information and advice. Call us on 00356 21231015 or send us an email on info@ssmgroup.org