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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vehicle Transport Supervisor

💰 $65,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationManagementAutomotive

🎯 Role Definition

As a Vehicle Transport Supervisor, you will be the operational backbone of our vehicle logistics division. You will directly oversee a dedicated team of transport drivers, manage daily dispatch operations, and ensure the seamless flow of vehicles from origin to destination. This hands-on leadership role requires a proactive problem-solver who can balance route optimization, safety compliance, driver management, and customer satisfaction. You will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, fostering a strong safety culture, and contributing directly to the success and reputation of our transport services.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lead Vehicle Transport Driver / Senior Car Hauler
  • Logistics Coordinator / Dispatcher
  • Fleet Operations Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Terminal Manager / Operations Manager
  • Regional Logistics Manager
  • Director of Transportation

Lateral Moves:

  • Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
  • Safety & Compliance Manager
  • Logistics Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Directly supervise, mentor, and lead a team of vehicle transport drivers, managing performance, providing coaching, and conducting regular performance reviews.
  • Oversee the daily dispatching of drivers and assets, ensuring optimal load planning and route efficiency to meet customer delivery windows and minimize empty miles.
  • Champion a robust safety culture by strictly enforcing all DOT, FMCSA, and company safety regulations, including hours-of-service (HOS) compliance.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for drivers on the road, providing support, resolving issues, and making critical decisions regarding breakdowns, delays, or emergencies.
  • Conduct thorough investigations into all vehicle damage claims, accidents, and service failures, documenting findings and implementing corrective action plans.
  • Manage and approve driver schedules, time-off requests, and weekly timesheets to ensure proper staffing levels and accurate payroll processing.
  • Monitor driver performance using telematics and transportation management systems (TMS) to track location, speed, and delivery status.
  • Ensure all drivers are properly trained in safe vehicle loading, securing, and unloading procedures specific to a variety of vehicle types.
  • Maintain constant communication with customers, providing status updates on shipments and proactively addressing any potential delays or service disruptions.
  • Coordinate with the maintenance department to schedule preventative maintenance and repairs for the tractor-trailer fleet, minimizing downtime.
  • Perform regular yard checks and equipment inspections to ensure all transport assets are accounted for and in safe, working condition.
  • Skillfully resolve conflicts and address grievances within the driver team in a professional and timely manner, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Oversee the accurate completion and submission of all required transport documentation, including bills of lading (BOLs), inspection reports, and driver logs.

Secondary Functions

  • Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time performance, cost-per-mile, and driver productivity to identify trends and areas for operational improvement.
  • Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding process for new vehicle transport drivers to ensure a high-quality team.
  • Collaborate with the sales and account management teams to understand new customer requirements and ensure operational feasibility.
  • Develop and deliver regular training sessions and safety meetings for drivers on topics ranging from new regulations to defensive driving techniques.
  • Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new transportation technology, such as TMS software, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and in-cab cameras.
  • Support budget management by monitoring operational costs, including fuel, driver pay, and maintenance expenses, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
  • Prepare and present regular operational performance reports to senior management, highlighting successes, challenges, and proposed solutions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • DOT & FMCSA Regulations: In-depth knowledge of federal transportation laws, including Hours of Service (HOS), drug/alcohol testing, and vehicle inspection requirements.
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proficiency in using TMS software (e.g., CarsArrive, TMW, McLeod) for dispatching, load planning, and tracking.
  • Load Planning & Optimization: Expertise in planning multi-stop loads and optimizing routes for efficiency and profitability.
  • Vehicle Securement: Strong understanding of proper techniques and equipment used for securing a wide range of vehicles onto car haulers.
  • Fleet Management: Experience with fleet maintenance cycles, telematics data analysis (e.g., Geotab, Samsara), and asset utilization.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in Excel, Word, and Outlook for reporting, communication, and data management.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of drivers.
  • Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Capacity to quickly assess complex situations, make sound decisions under pressure, and implement effective solutions.
  • Exceptional Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for interacting with drivers, customers, and management.
  • Conflict Resolution: Skill in de-escalating tense situations and mediating disputes to a positive outcome.
  • Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where priorities can shift rapidly.
  • Customer-Centric Mindset: A strong commitment to providing excellent service and maintaining positive customer relationships.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Transportation Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of experience in the transportation or logistics industry, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory or lead capacity.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in the automotive transport / car hauling sector is highly preferred.
  • Possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a significant asset but not always required.
  • Demonstrated experience managing a team of 15+ drivers.
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