Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Truck Driver Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

As a Truck Driver Supervisor, you are the cornerstone of our transportation operations. You will be a hands-on leader, mentor, and problem-solver, directly responsible for the daily performance, safety, and professional development of our dedicated team of commercial drivers. This role is critical for ensuring our fleet operates efficiently, compliantly, and meets the high service standards our customers expect. You will be the primary link between our drivers on the road and our central operations, making your leadership essential to our success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Experienced Commercial Truck Driver (CDL Driver)
Lead Driver / Driver Trainer
Dispatcher or Load Planner

Advancement To:

Transportation Manager
Fleet Manager
Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Safety Supervisor
Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Directly supervise, coach, and mentor a team of local and over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers, fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, and high performance.
Develop, manage, and optimize driver schedules and routes to ensure maximum efficiency, on-time deliveries, and strict compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
Champion and enforce all company, Department of Transportation (DOT), and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety regulations through regular training, safety meetings, and ride-alongs.
Conduct thorough investigations and reporting for all accidents, injuries, and safety violations, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Manage driver performance through regular check-ins, formal performance reviews, and providing constructive, real-time feedback to drive continuous improvement.
Implement progressive disciplinary actions when necessary, ensuring fairness, consistency, and proper documentation in accordance with company policy.
Act as the first point of contact for drivers, addressing their concerns, resolving conflicts, and providing support for operational and personal issues.
Coordinate with the dispatch team to manage daily load assignments, troubleshoot delays, and communicate updates to all relevant stakeholders.
Collaborate with the maintenance department to schedule preventative maintenance, vehicle inspections, and necessary repairs to minimize downtime and ensure fleet roadworthiness.
Oversee and audit driver logs, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, and trip reports to ensure 100% compliance and accuracy.
Manage the onboarding and training process for new drivers, ensuring they are fully equipped with the knowledge of company policies, safety procedures, and operational standards.
Monitor and manage key performance indicators (KPIs), including on-time performance, fuel efficiency, idle time, and safety scores, to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Approve driver timecards, manage requests for time off, and assist in resolving payroll discrepancies to ensure drivers are compensated accurately and on time.
Maintain constant communication with drivers throughout their shifts, providing updates on weather, traffic, and routing changes.
Facilitate effective pre-trip and post-trip inspection procedures, ensuring all drivers are diligent in reporting vehicle defects.
Handle and de-escalate service issues, working directly with drivers and customer service teams to find swift and effective resolutions.
Manage the allocation and tracking of company assets, including tractors, trailers, and on-board technology.
Lead daily team huddles or shift-start meetings to communicate daily goals, safety topics, and pertinent company updates.
Foster a positive and respectful work environment that promotes driver retention and positions the company as an employer of choice.
Participate in the driver recruitment and selection process, including conducting interviews and road tests.

Secondary Functions

Analyze and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time performance, fuel efficiency, safety incidents, and driver utilization.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational processes by providing data-driven insights and frontline feedback to senior management.
Serve as the primary point of contact between drivers, dispatch, customer service, and maintenance to resolve issues and ensure seamless operations.
Actively participate in daily operational meetings, safety committee meetings, and strategic planning sessions to align team activities with broader company goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep understanding of DOT, FMCSA, and HOS (Hours of Service) regulations.
Proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and fleet management software.
Experience managing and interpreting data from Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs).
Strong knowledge of route planning, load optimization, and dispatching principles.
Competency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) for reporting and communication.
Familiarity with vehicle maintenance schedules and requirements.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Leadership and Team-Building abilities.
Clear, concise, and empathetic communication skills (both written and verbal).
Advanced Problem-Solving and critical thinking under pressure.
Strong Conflict Resolution and negotiation capabilities.
Excellent Time Management and organizational skills to handle multiple priorities.
High degree of Adaptability in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment.
Ability to Mentor and develop talent within the driving team.

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of experience in the transportation/logistics industry, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership, supervisory, or training role.

Preferred:

A valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is highly preferred.
Direct experience as a commercial truck driver.
Proven track record of improving safety metrics and driver performance.
Experience working in a union environment (if applicable).