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Transportation Manager

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What Do Transportation Manager Do?

Occupation Description Plan, direct, or coordinate the transportation operations within an organization or the activities of organizations that provide transportation services.

A Day in the Life of a Transportation Manager

  • Direct central load control centers to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of transportation services.
  • Evaluate transportation vehicles or auxiliary equipment for purchase by considering factors such as fuel economy or aerodynamics.
  • Set operations policies and standards, including determining safety procedures for the handling of dangerous goods.
  • Direct staff performing repairs and maintenance to equipment, vehicles, or facilities.
  • Direct activities related to dispatching, routing, or tracking transportation vehicles, such as aircraft or railroad cars.
  • Supervise clerks assigning tariff classifications or preparing billing.

Qualities of a Transportation Manager

Transportation Managers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Types of Transportation Manager

  • Wharfmaster
  • Boat Dispatcher
  • Bus Transportation Manager
  • Airline Dispatcher
  • Chief Pilot

Transportation Manager Employment Estimates

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 115,500 jobs in the United States for Transportation Manager. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,800 new jobs for Transportation Manager by 2026. There will be an estimated 9,700 positions for Transportation Manager per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Transportation Manager are Utah, Nevada, and South Carolina. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or District of Columbia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Transportation Manager

Transportation Managers make between $56,050 and $158,370 a year.

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Transportation Managers who work in District of Columbia, Delaware, or New York, make the highest salaries.

How much do Transportation Managers make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $88,330
Alaska $95,160
Arizona $84,730
Arkansas $110,300
California $107,550
Colorado $118,580
Connecticut $116,730
Delaware $132,320
District of Columbia $141,040
Florida $93,720
Georgia $108,990
Hawaii $91,630
Idaho $78,130
Illinois $98,210
Indiana $95,120
Iowa $84,960
Kansas $103,660
Kentucky $90,500
Louisiana $86,750
Maine $79,140
Maryland $106,270
Massachusetts $109,840
Michigan $109,240
Minnesota $102,500
Mississippi $87,910
Missouri $98,730
Montana $89,920
Nebraska $98,250
Nevada $94,750
New Hampshire $115,970
New Jersey $124,130
New Mexico $92,540
New York $120,350
North Carolina $107,080
North Dakota $97,720
Ohio $99,570
Oklahoma $80,210
Oregon $89,070
Pennsylvania $112,170
Rhode Island $127,240
South Carolina $94,240
South Dakota $95,330
Tennessee $85,760
Texas $105,320
Utah $82,110
Vermont $91,850
Virginia $105,600
Washington $116,690
West Virginia $83,080
Wisconsin $98,520
Wyoming $91,070

Tools & Technologies Used by Transportation Managers

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Transportation Managers:

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Access
  • Word processing software
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Project
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Graphics software
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • IBM Power Systems software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • WorkForce Software EmpCenter Time and Attendance
  • Integrated Decision Support Netwise Enterprise
  • ALK Technologies PC*Miler

Becoming a Transportation Manager

What education or degrees do I need to become a Transportation Manager?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Transportation Manager?

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Who Employs Transportation Managers?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Are you already one of the many Transportation Manager in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Mike Moore via public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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