Transport supervisor job description

Transport supervisors should ideally hold a Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics (or be 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 rostering tools to schedule supervisor breaks.