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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Transportation Supervisor

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply ChainManagementTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

The Transportation Supervisor is the operational backbone of any logistics or supply chain team. This role is a dynamic blend of leadership, strategic planning, and hands-on problem-solving, focused on ensuring the seamless, safe, and cost-effective movement of goods. You are the direct link between our drivers on the road, the planning and dispatch office, and our end customers. A successful Transportation Supervisor doesn't just manage routes and schedules; they build a culture of safety, mentor a high-performing team, and constantly seek out new efficiencies to drive the business forward. You are the person who keeps the wheels turning—literally and figuratively.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lead Driver or Driver Trainer
  • Senior Dispatcher
  • Logistics Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Transportation Manager
  • Logistics Manager
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Fleet Manager
  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Safety and Compliance Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct, supervise, and coordinate the daily activities of the transportation team, including drivers, dispatchers, and administrative staff, to ensure operational goals for pickup and delivery are met.
  • Champion a culture of safety by enforcing all DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and company safety regulations, conducting regular safety meetings, and performing incident/accident investigations to determine root causes.
  • Plan, optimize, and manage driver schedules and delivery routes to maximize efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and ensure on-time performance metrics are consistently achieved.
  • Provide strong leadership and performance management for a team of drivers, including conducting regular check-ins, performance reviews, and corrective action to foster a professional and motivated workforce.
  • Oversee the dispatching of drivers and equipment, ensuring loads are assigned effectively and that any in-transit issues are resolved promptly and with minimal disruption.
  • Manage and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the transportation department, such as on-time delivery rates, cost-per-mile, fuel efficiency, and driver safety records.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for driver concerns, questions, and conflicts, working to resolve issues fairly and professionally while maintaining operational continuity.
  • Coordinate with the fleet maintenance department to schedule preventative maintenance, repairs, and inspections, ensuring vehicle uptime and compliance with all regulations.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including driver qualification files, hours-of-service (HOS) logs, vehicle maintenance history, and shipping documentation.
  • Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS), GPS tracking, and other logistics software to monitor fleet activity, analyze performance, and generate operational reports for senior management.
  • Lead the onboarding and training process for new drivers, ensuring they are fully versed in company policies, safety procedures, and operational expectations.
  • Interface directly with customers and other internal departments (like warehouse and sales) to coordinate transportation needs and resolve any service-related issues or complaints.
  • Manage departmental expenses and assist in budget preparation, actively looking for opportunities to control costs related to labor, fuel, maintenance, and supplies.
  • Conduct regular yard and equipment audits to ensure all assets are accounted for, properly secured, and in good working order.
  • Stay current with evolving transportation industry regulations, technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement within the department.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify trends in delivery times, fuel costs, or driver performance.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader logistics and supply chain strategy by providing insights and recommendations from a transportation perspective.
  • Collaborate with business units, particularly sales and customer service, to translate new customer needs or service requirements into actionable transportation plans.
  • Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies if the logistics team operates within such a framework.
  • Assist in negotiating with and managing relationships with third-party carriers, brokers, or maintenance vendors as needed.
  • Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all key transportation functions to ensure consistency and facilitate training.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • DOT/FMCSA Regulations: Deep, practical knowledge of federal and state transportation laws, including Hours of Service (HOS), driver qualifications, and vehicle compliance.
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proficiency in using TMS software (e.g., Oracle TM, MercuryGate, McLeod) for dispatching, load planning, and reporting.
  • Route Planning & Optimization: Skill in using software (e.g., Roadnet, Paragon) or manual methods to design efficient and cost-effective delivery routes.
  • Fleet Maintenance Principles: A solid understanding of preventative maintenance schedules, basic vehicle mechanics, and repair coordination.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to work with spreadsheets (MS Excel) and reporting tools to track KPIs, analyze trends, and present findings to management.
  • Logistics Documentation: Familiarity with essential paperwork like Bills of Lading (BOL), Proof of Delivery (POD), and customs forms.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Mentoring: The ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a diverse team of drivers and staff, leading by example.
  • Problem-Solving: A knack for thinking on your feet to resolve unexpected issues like vehicle breakdowns, traffic delays, or customer complaints quickly and effectively.
  • Communication: Clear, concise, and professional communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with drivers, management, and customers.
  • Decision Making: Confidence in making timely and sound operational decisions, often under pressure, that balance safety, cost, and service.
  • Conflict Resolution: The ability to mediate disputes and handle difficult conversations with drivers or customers calmly and constructively.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in managing schedules, compliance paperwork, and operational data to prevent errors and ensure accuracy.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of progressive experience within the transportation, logistics, or supply chain industry, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership, dispatch, or senior driver role.

Preferred:

Direct experience supervising a team of CDL drivers in a private fleet or for-hire carrier environment. A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is often highly preferred but not always required.

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