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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Truck Supervisor

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

LogisticsTransportationSupply ChainManagement

🎯 Role Definition

A Truck Supervisor is a pivotal leadership role within the transportation and logistics sector, responsible for the direct oversight of a team of truck drivers and the operational efficiency of a fleet. This position ensures that all transportation activities are executed safely, on schedule, and in strict compliance with all governmental regulations, including those from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The supervisor acts as the primary point of contact for drivers, addressing concerns, providing guidance, and fostering a culture of safety and professionalism. Success in this role is measured by the fleet's on-time performance, safety record, driver retention, and overall operational cost-effectiveness.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Truck Driver / Lead Driver
  • Dispatcher
  • Logistics Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Transportation Manager
  • Fleet Manager
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Safety Coordinator
  • Dispatch Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Directly supervise, coach, and mentor a team of company drivers and/or owner-operators, conducting regular performance reviews and providing constructive feedback to foster professional growth.
  • Oversee the daily dispatching, routing, and scheduling of trucks to ensure timely and efficient delivery of goods, optimizing routes to minimize fuel consumption and transit times.
  • Enforce strict adherence to all Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and company safety regulations, conducting regular safety meetings and audits.
  • Monitor driver Hours of Service (HOS) logs using Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) to ensure full compliance and prevent violations, addressing any discrepancies immediately.
  • Manage and coordinate the preventative maintenance and repair schedules for the fleet of trucks and trailers to ensure vehicle safety, reliability, and operational readiness.
  • Serve as the first point of contact for drivers on the road, providing support, resolving issues such as breakdowns or delays, and making decisions to keep operations moving smoothly.
  • Investigate and report all accidents, incidents, and injuries, completing all necessary documentation and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Manage driver performance metrics (e.g., fuel efficiency, on-time performance, safety scores) and develop strategies for improvement.
  • Coordinate with the dispatch and customer service teams to communicate updates on shipment status, potential delays, and delivery confirmations.
  • Conduct regular yard checks and equipment inspections to account for all assets and ensure they are in proper working condition.
  • Facilitate the onboarding and training process for new drivers, ensuring they are knowledgeable about company policies, safety procedures, and operational expectations.
  • Approve and manage driver payroll, per diems, and expense reimbursements, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  • Handle driver relations and resolve conflicts, grievances, or disciplinary issues in a fair and consistent manner, documenting all actions taken.
  • Analyze operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for cost savings and process improvements within the fleet.
  • Maintain and update all driver qualification files, ensuring all licenses, medical cards, and certifications are current and valid.
  • Liaise with maintenance vendors and internal shops to authorize and track repairs, controlling costs and minimizing vehicle downtime.
  • Champion a positive and safety-first culture among the driver workforce, leading by example and promoting open communication.
  • Manage the allocation of equipment to ensure the right trucks and trailers are available and assigned for specific loads and routes.
  • Ensure all shipments are accompanied by proper documentation, such as bills of lading, and that drivers understand specific handling requirements.
  • Respond to after-hours calls and emergencies as needed to support 24/7 transportation operations.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc logistics data requests and perform exploratory analysis on fleet performance.
  • Contribute to the development of the organization's fleet operations strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with other departments, such as sales and warehousing, to translate business needs into transportation and driver requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile-style meetings if the logistics team operates within such a framework.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Deep proficiency in using TMS platforms for dispatch, tracking, and reporting.
  • DOT & FMCSA Regulations: Expert-level knowledge of federal and state transportation laws, including Hours of Service (HOS), drug/alcohol testing, and vehicle maintenance standards.
  • ELD Systems: Hands-on experience managing and auditing driver logs through various Electronic Logging Device software.
  • Route Optimization Software: Ability to use mapping and routing tools to plan efficient and cost-effective routes.
  • Fleet Maintenance Principles: Solid understanding of preventative maintenance programs, vehicle mechanics, and repair processes.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in using Excel for data analysis and reporting, Word for documentation, and Outlook for communication.
  • Safety Program Management: Experience in developing and implementing safety protocols and conducting incident investigations.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership and Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of drivers.
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for clear interaction with drivers, management, and other departments.
  • Problem-Solving Under Pressure: A knack for quickly assessing complex situations, making sound decisions, and resolving issues effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Conflict Resolution: Skill in de-escalating tense situations and mediating disputes between drivers or with other staff.
  • Organizational Skills: Excellent time management and organizational abilities to juggle multiple priorities, from driver issues to maintenance schedules.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing logs, reports, and compliance documentation to ensure accuracy and prevent violations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of progressive experience within the transportation, trucking, or logistics industry.

Preferred:

  • At least 1-2 years of experience in a formal or informal leadership capacity, such as a lead driver, driver trainer, or dispatch supervisor role. A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is often preferred but not always required.
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