Transport Manager Transport Managers are responsible for planning the routes and schedules of drivers involved in road haulage, distribution and logistics. They must ensure that all operations are carried out in accordance with UK and EU laws, vehicle safety regulations, environmental controls on fuel emissions and traffic congestion, driver hours, customs requirements, and food hygiene where applicable. The most economical method of completing the journey must be calculated as there will be budgetary restrictions. Transport Managers often work weekends and shifts to cover 24-hour operations. The working environment varies from offices and depots, to visiting vehicles on the road in all weathers. If you are considering becoming a Road Transport Manager you should have strong organisational skills for planning schedules, journeys and loads, have good numeracy skills for financial management and be able to think logically and analytically. You should also be flexible and able to make decisions quickly, have strong communication skills to deal with various people from drivers to government officials and be computer literate. You will need to be prepared to work in a variety of different locations and conditions and comfortable working in a hands-on, practical situation The essential qualification for a Road Transport Manager is the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) of the Department for Transport (in Northern Ireland , the equivalent is the Department of the Environment). This equates approximately to NVQ level 3. Every site operating a road transport business is required to have at least one person (usually a manager) with this qualification. There are four types of certificate: National or International Road Haulage Operations and National or International Passenger Transport Operations. Applicants for road transport manager positions will be expected to have the relevant certificate. There is no other specific qualification requirement to enter work as a road transport manager. Many people work up to management level from positions such as drivers, clerical assistants, administrators, or warehouse operatives. Some move into this work from management positions in other sectors. You can enter road transport management as a graduate in any subject, or with a specialist degree in Transport Management, Business Studies or Planning with options in Transport. Some people enter with an MSc in Transportation Management. There are many employers of road transport managers. These include logistics and distribution companies, parcel delivery firms such as the Post Office, manufacturers and retail chains, car and van hire companies and contract fleets. |