Question 1

What does a transport supervisor do?

Accepted Answer

A transport supervisor is responsible for overseeing transport operations, managing driver teams, coordinating schedules, ensuring safety compliance and maintaining service quality. They act as the operational link between drivers and management, handling day-to-day logistics while ensuring regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction.

Question 2

What awards cover transport supervisors in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Transport supervisors may be covered by the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 (MA000063) for passenger transport operations, or the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000038) for freight and general transport. The applicable award depends on the type of transport operation. Some supervisors may be classified as award-free if their duties are predominantly managerial.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a transport supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Under the relevant transport awards, supervisors are typically classified at higher levels reflecting their supervisory responsibilities. The classification depends on the scope of duties, team size and operational complexity. See our Road Transport Award rates guide or Passenger Vehicle Award rates guide for current classifications.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a transport supervisor job description?

Accepted Answer

Including indicative pay rates helps attract experienced supervisors. You can reference the applicable award rate for supervisory classifications or indicate above-award remuneration. Many transport supervisors receive salaries rather than hourly rates. Consider including salary ranges like 'From $65,000 + super' or 'Competitive salary based on experience.'

Question 5

What qualifications do transport supervisors need?

Accepted Answer

Transport supervisors should ideally hold a Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics (or working towards it), relevant heavy vehicle licences, and proven supervisory experience in transport operations. Knowledge of Chain of Responsibility (CoR) legislation, fatigue management and WHS requirements is essential. First aid certification is highly desirable. Use HR software to track driver licences and compliance documentation.

Question 6

Do transport supervisors need a heavy vehicle licence?

Accepted Answer

While not always mandatory, holding a heavy vehicle licence (HR, HC or MC) is highly desirable as it provides practical understanding of driver requirements and allows the supervisor to provide relief driving when needed. Many employers prefer supervisors who have worked as drivers and understand operational challenges firsthand.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in a transport supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Look for candidates with at least 2-3 years in transport operations, including prior supervisory or team leadership experience. They should understand transport regulations, scheduling systems, fatigue management and customer service. Experience with fleet management systems and compliance documentation is valuable.

Question 8

What WHS knowledge do transport supervisors need?

Accepted Answer

Transport supervisors must understand workplace health and safety requirements specific to transport operations, including Chain of Responsibility obligations, fatigue management laws, vehicle safety standards, incident reporting procedures and driver health monitoring. A Certificate IV in WHS or transport-specific safety training is beneficial.

Question 9

Should I hire a transport supervisor as permanent or casual?

Accepted Answer

Transport supervisors are typically permanent full-time employees given their operational responsibility, team leadership role and the need for consistency in managing compliance and safety. The position usually requires availability for incident response and may include on-call duties. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to transport supervisors?

Accepted Answer

If covered by a transport award, penalty rates apply for work outside ordinary hours, including weekend and public holiday work. However, many supervisors are salaried with overtime provisions or are classified as award-free depending on their duties and salary level. Use award interpretation software to ensure correct classification.

Question 11

What hours do transport supervisors typically work?

Accepted Answer

Transport supervisors often work extended hours to cover operational periods, which may include early mornings, evenings and weekends depending on the transport service schedule. The role may include on-call responsibilities for incident management. Clearly outline expected hours and on-call requirements in the job description.

Question 12

What should I include in a transport supervisor employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification, employment type (usually permanent full-time), salary or hourly rate, applicable award (if relevant), reporting structure, main duties including supervisory scope, work hours and on-call requirements, licence requirements, vehicle usage provisions and any KPIs. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify documentation.

Question 13

How do I roster a transport supervisor effectively?

Accepted Answer

Transport supervisors typically work set hours aligned with peak operational periods, ensuring coverage when most drivers are working. Consider operational requirements like shift handovers, driver briefings, vehicle checks and administrative time. Using rostering software helps coordinate supervisor coverage with driver schedules and maintain compliance with working hours.

Question 14

Should transport supervisors have on-call responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

Many transport operations require supervisors to be available on-call for incident response, breakdown management or urgent operational issues. If on-call duties are required, clearly specify this in the job description and employment contract, including any on-call allowances payable under the applicable award or employment agreement.

Question 15

How do I manage driver rosters with a transport supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Transport supervisors often create and manage driver rosters, balancing skills, licence classes, fatigue management requirements and customer demands. Using specialist rostering software enables supervisors to efficiently manage complex schedules while ensuring compliance with heavy vehicle fatigue management laws.

Question 16

What breaks are transport supervisors entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under applicable awards, supervisors are entitled to meal breaks and rest breaks based on their hours worked. If salaried and award-free, reasonable breaks should still be provided. Given the nature of the role, supervisors should be able to take breaks while ensuring operational coverage. Use break planning tools to schedule supervisor breaks.

Transport supervisor job description