Transport management

Transport managers are concerned with the movement of people or freight and the different transport methods. Their responsibilities involve:

• Managing a budget
• Ensuring cost efficiency and driver productivity is optimised by utilising the fleet in the most cost effective and efficient manner
• Organising routes
• Co-ordinating vans and couriers
• Liaising with staff in the warehouse in order to ensure operational effectiveness
• Scheduling vehicles for maintenance
• Ensuring the company’s statutory obligations are met in relation to health and safety, custom requirements, drivers’ hours regulations and environmental controls on fuel emissions.

Employers typically include organisations in the logistics and distribution sectors, manufacturers, retail and FMCG chains, contract fleets, passenger transport companies, freight transport companies, consultancies and courier services.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities in transport exist in:

• Operations and fleet management
• Health and safety
• Environmental
• Customer services
• Planning
• Industrial design.

Who would it suit?

Transport managers need a comprehensive understanding of the local and international air freight, road freight and ocean career market. Key skills include strong planning and organisational ability, the ability to work effectively to tight deadlines, problem solving and negotiation skills.

While specific transport degrees do exist, a degree in any discipline is generally acceptable for entry to the graduate programmes. Many organisations will encourage transport professionals to gain the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).