UK transport managers working in freight forwarding are responsible for the scheduling and safe running of a fleet of vehicles.
The career path of a Transport Manager
Entry into UK road transport manager jobs is through an apprenticeship or junior management scheme, both of which require candidates to possess at least five GCSEs, including English and maths. Alternatively prospective road transport managers can enter into this profession with higher level qualifications, such as HNDs, foundation degrees, bachelors degrees or masters degrees in subjects such as logistics and business studies. It may also possible to move into road transport manager positions following working in administration, driving or warehousing roles in road haulage businesses.
Newly appointed UK road transport managers can study for NVQs in road passenger transport or road freight. It may be mandatory for new recruits to work towards gaining a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), since all sites operating a road transport business are required to hire at least one employee with this qualification.
Who are the main employers?
The main employers of road transport managers are large freight transport operators. Employment openings can be found throughout the UK, although road freight companies are found in large numbers in the South East and North West of England. While some firms choose to recruit their road transport managers internally, others choose to publicise their vacancies through recruitment agencies.
Starting salaries for UK road transport managers are between £15,000 and £20,000 a year. Additional money is paid to those working shifts. There are opportunities for staff in large multinational companies to work overseas.