Transport Supervisor Job Description
Learn what a Transport Supervisor does, the skills and experience needed, progression opportunities and where to find roles across the UK.
Thinking about a career as a Transport Supervisor? This role sits at the heart of logistics operations, ensuring vehicles, drivers, and routes are coordinated efficiently and safely. Here, we’ll cover what a Transport Supervisor does day-to-day, how to become one, what to include on your CV, and related roles you might consider across logistics and supply chain.
What Is a Transport Supervisor?
A Transport Supervisor oversees daily transport operations to make sure goods are moved safely, on time, and cost-effectively. This is typically an entry-to-mid-level role, perfect for professionals looking for their first career in logistics or to build skills in transport. The role typically covers driver allocation, vehicle scheduling, route planning, compliance checks, incident reporting, and communication with warehouse teams, customers, and third-party carriers. You’ll be responsible for maintaining service levels while controlling operating costs and meeting legal obligations.
Day-to-day, you’ll manage driver rotas and briefings, monitor progress against delivery plans, respond to delays or breakdowns, and reroute vehicles to minimise disruption. You’ll ensure predeparture checks (vehicle roadworthiness, load security, and driver documentation) are completed, and that defects are logged and rectified. You’ll also maintain records for audits, including driver hours, tachograph data, and vehicle maintenance.
Transport Supervisors often use transport management systems (TMS), telematics, and GPS tracking to monitor performance and maintain visibility of the fleet. You’ll collaborate closely with warehouse and customer service teams to agree realistic loading schedules and delivery windows, and you’ll communicate proactively with customers about ETAs and exceptions.
Compliance is central to this role. You’ll help ensure drivers adhere to Working Time and Drivers’ Hours regulations, follow health and safety procedures, and meet company policies. Strong people skills are essential as you’ll be coaching drivers, handling queries, conducting debriefs, and supporting a positive safety culture. If you enjoy fast paced problem solving, clear communication, and keeping operations running smoothly, this role will suit you well.
How to Become a Transport Supervisor?
Many Transport Supervisors progress from Transport or Warehouse Coordinator roles, traffic office positions, or experienced driver roles where they have gained exposure to planning and compliance. A degree is not essential, though vocational qualifications in logistics or transport are beneficial. Working toward or holding a Transport Manager CPC is highly regarded and supports long-term progression.
What to Put on a Transport Supervisor CV
Your CV should show that you can control daily transport operations, manage drivers, and maintain compliance. Highlight experience with route planning, driver scheduling, and handling operational issues. Make sure to include system proficiency (e.g., TMS, telematics/GPS, tachograph systems, Excel). Evidence your involvement in compliance, incident management, and customer communication. Soft skills matter too, so it is important to showcase your communication, decision-making, and team leadership skills. Use metrics wherever possible, for example: “reduced empty miles by 10% through improved route planning.”
Similar Jobs to Transport Supervisor
Transport Supervisors develop a versatile skill set that transfers across logistics, fleet, and operations. If you’re exploring alternatives, there are several roles with overlapping responsibilities. Some similar jobs to Transport Supervisor include Transport Planner, Transport Coordinator, or Transport Operators. Each position acts as a career pathway into management and supervisory positions in logistics and transport including Transport or Operations Manager roles.
Other Jobs in Logistics and Supply Chain
Whether you’re looking to find another entry route into digital logistics or exploring your career options, there’s plenty of roles available across the sector for professionals with and without experience. Related roles include Transport Planner, Distribution Manager, Logistics Controller, ACT Team Leader, or Transportation Operator. These roles offer a variety of responsibilities and duties, depending on your experience, offering a strong pathway from Transport Supervisor. With more experience (and often a CPC qualification), progression can lead to Transport Manager, Logistics Manager, or Operations Manager roles. Skills in compliance, route optimisation, and stakeholder communication are in demand across industries such as retail, ecommerce, manufacturing, and third-party logistics (3PL).
Apply for Transport Supervisor Jobs Near You
Transport Supervisor roles are widely available across the UK wherever distribution centres, depots, and hub and bespoke networks operate. Opportunities are common with national retailers, parcel networks, 3PLs, and manufacturing firms with inhouse fleets. Whether you’re looking for shift-based leadership in a 24/7 environment or a dayshift role in a regional operation, there are options to suit different preferences and career goals. Top locations hiring for Transport Supervisor roles include London, Birmingham, Northampton and Bristol.
Transport Supervisor Job Description FAQ
Is a Transport Supervisor a Good Career Choice?
Yes, it offers strong job stability, clear progression into transport or operations management, and the chance to build sought after experience in compliance, people leadership, and continuous improvement. If you like pace, problem-solving, and accountability, it’s an excellent fit.
What Skills Does a Transport Supervisor Need?
Key skills for Transport Supervisors include route planning, driver scheduling, and real-time decision making under pressure. You’ll need strong communication, team leadership, and stakeholder management, plus working knowledge of driver hours, tachographs, health & safety, and vehicle maintenance schedules. Confidence with TMS, telematics, and basic data analysis is a big advantage.
What Are the Biggest Challenges of Being a Transport Supervisor?
Common challenges include responding to lastminute changes (traffic incidents, vehicle defects, driver sickness), balancing cost with service levels, maintaining compliance across shifts, and keeping teams motivated during busy peaks. Success often depends on proactive planning, clear communications, and robust contingency routes.
What Personal Qualities Make a Great Transport Supervisor?
Great Transport Supervisors are calm under pressure, organised, and decisive. They’re fair, consistent people leaders who communicate clearly, listen well, and act quickly on issues. A continuous improvement mindset, including spotting inefficiencies and implementing practical fixes, is essential.
