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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Tanker Supervisor

💰 Competitive, based on industry standards and experience

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationFleet ManagementOil & GasOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Tanker Supervisor serves as the frontline leader and operational backbone of our transportation department. This individual is directly responsible for the day-to-day management, coordination, and leadership of a dedicated team of tanker drivers. The role is pivotal in ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient transport and delivery of bulk products (such as petroleum, chemicals, or other liquids) to our customers. A successful Tanker Supervisor combines strong leadership with deep operational knowledge, acting as a coach, problem-solver, and compliance expert. They are the crucial link ensuring that our fleet operates at peak performance, our drivers are supported and engaged, and our commitment to safety and customer service is upheld at every stage of the delivery process.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lead Tanker Driver / Driver Trainer
  • Transportation Dispatcher / Coordinator
  • Terminal Operator

Advancement To:

  • Terminal Manager / Operations Manager
  • Logistics Manager / Transportation Manager
  • Regional Fleet Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Safety & Compliance Supervisor
  • Fleet Maintenance Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Directly supervise, coach, and manage a team of tanker drivers, overseeing their daily performance, route assignments, and adherence to schedules.
  • Champion a world-class safety culture by actively promoting, enforcing, and training on all DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and company-specific safety policies and procedures.
  • Conduct regular safety meetings, driver observations (ride-alongs), and performance reviews to provide constructive feedback and foster professional development.
  • Manage driver scheduling, including daily work assignments, shift coverage, and time-off requests, to ensure optimal fleet utilization and customer service levels.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for drivers, addressing their concerns, resolving conflicts, and providing support for operational and personal issues.
  • Investigate and document all incidents, accidents, and service failures, implementing corrective actions and preventative measures to mitigate future occurrences.
  • Collaborate closely with the dispatch team to optimize routing and scheduling, ensuring on-time deliveries and efficient use of assets.
  • Monitor driver compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations using Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) and other systems, addressing violations promptly.
  • Oversee the proper handling, loading, and unloading of hazardous materials (Hazmat), ensuring all drivers are properly certified and follow strict protocols.
  • Ensure all transportation assets, including tractors and tankers, are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition by coordinating with the maintenance department on repairs and preventative maintenance schedules.
  • Conduct pre- and post-trip inspection audits to ensure vehicle and equipment readiness and compliance with federal and state regulations.
  • Manage and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time performance, fuel efficiency, safety incidents, and driver turnover.
  • Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding process for new tanker drivers, ensuring a high standard of talent.
  • Administer disciplinary action when necessary, following company policies and maintaining thorough documentation.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records related to driver qualifications, training, certifications (e.g., CDL, Hazmat, Tanker endorsements), and medical cards.
  • Act as a liaison between drivers, customers, and internal departments (e.g., sales, customer service, maintenance) to resolve delivery issues and ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Respond to and manage after-hours calls and emergencies, providing decisive leadership and coordination to resolve situations effectively.
  • Monitor and manage transportation-related costs, including fuel, overtime, and maintenance, to ensure operations remain within budget.
  • Utilize transportation management systems (TMS), GPS tracking, and other technologies to monitor fleet movements, optimize performance, and ensure real-time visibility.
  • Lead and coordinate the response to spills or other environmental incidents, ensuring adherence to emergency response plans and regulatory reporting requirements.
  • Conduct regular site visits and audits at customer locations to ensure safe and efficient delivery procedures are being followed.
  • Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and driver satisfaction.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc reporting requests related to delivery times, fuel consumption, driver performance, and other operational metrics.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader transportation and logistics strategy and roadmap development.
  • Collaborate with safety and compliance departments to translate regulatory changes into actionable operational requirements.
  • Participate in planning meetings and cross-functional teams to represent the interests and challenges of the transportation department.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • In-depth knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
  • Proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) for dispatching, routing, and fleet monitoring.
  • Expertise in hazardous materials (Hazmat) handling, placarding, and emergency response procedures (CFR 49).
  • Experience with Electronic Logging Device (ELD) platforms and compliance management.
  • Strong understanding of vehicle maintenance principles and preventative maintenance programs for heavy-duty trucks and tankers.
  • Skill in incident and accident investigation, including root cause analysis and reporting.
  • Familiarity with fuel inventory management and reconciliation processes at terminal and customer sites.
  • Competency in using GPS tracking and fleet telematics software to monitor driver behavior and asset location.
  • Ability to read and interpret maps, routing software outputs, and delivery schedules.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) for reporting, communication, and data analysis.
  • Possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements is often required or highly preferred.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Leadership and Team Management
  • Clear and Concise Communication (Verbal and Written)
  • Strong Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Abilities
  • High Level of Attention to Detail and Accuracy
  • Conflict Resolution and Interpersonal Skills
  • Ability to Perform Under Pressure in a Fast-Paced Environment
  • Proactive and Self-Motivated
  • Unwavering Commitment to Safety and Compliance
  • Strong Organizational and Time Management Skills

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration or Management
  • Transportation Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of experience in bulk liquid transportation, fuel delivery, or a related trucking/logistics field, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership, supervisory, or lead driver capacity.

Preferred:

Direct experience supervising a fleet of tanker drivers (petroleum, chemical, etc.). Experience managing in a unionized environment is a significant plus. Demonstrated experience in driver training, safety program management, and regulatory compliance is highly desirable.

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