A transportation manager is responsible for performing various duties that may be related to the movement of goods and services, the storage and distribution of goods and services, or the supervision of personnel. The main responsibilities of these managers include the following:
- A transportation manager plans, develops and implements transportation projects, programs and strategies.
- This manager is also responsible for making contact with various transport agencies that provide transportation services.
- He also plans how to fund the transportation of goods and services.
- The manager also makes various presentations and attends meetings with clients to get the best deal.
- The transportation manager also has to prepare reports on the progress of the various employees working under him.
- He is also responsible for maintaining good relations with clients as well as employees and employers.
- The transportation manager also has to conduct interviews and hire employees.
- The manager also has to handle the various grievances of the clients as well as employees.
- The manager also has to supervise the various transportation projects.
- He also needs to evaluate the effectiveness of the transportation plans.
There are various levels at which transportation managers can work. The salary and skills for each level vary. For the first level transportation managers, the necessary skills include knowledge of technical engineering and management principles. These managers also need to have leadership and motivation skills. In addition, they need to have good interpersonal and communication skills. The level two transportation managers need to have good supervisory skills as well good planning and organizational skills. The level three managers need to have good organizational and directing skills. They need to have very good communication skills so that they can maintain a good relationship with the employees as well as the employers. In addition, they must have knowledge about various management principles and practices. The level four managers are the ones who need to have knowledge about public administration, engineering, planning, and budgeting. They also need to have good analytical and problem solving skills. The level five managers are the ones who need to have good organizational and communication skills. In addition they need to know about various management principles and also know about how to prepare and control budgets. In addition to these, the transportation managers need to have knowledge of the latest developments taking place in the transportation industry. Also they need to know about the various regulations in the transportation industry.
The level one transportation managers get the highest salary and the level five managers get the lowest salary. However, the salary of transportation managers is considered to be very good. In addition to a good salary, they also get several benefits from the organizations that employ them.
Transportation managers must undergo the required training. This is necessary for enabling them to develop good engineering and management skills which are very important for effective functioning. This training can also be provided by the organizations who hire these managers. In this, most managers have to undergo on the job training. On the other hand, organizations many also require that these managers get training from an outside source.
A transportation manager has various career development prospects. He may even be promoted to a higher position in the organization if he works well. Also these managers may even start their own transportation company or become expert advisers on how to handle transportation.
Career opportunities in the transportation industry are surely on the rise. Opting for a career in this industry is viable as it not only pays well but also provides a good working environment and job satisfaction.
