Transportation Managers
(NOC 0731)
in All ManagementOperations managers in transportation plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of transportation companies like railways, airlines, bus lines, municipal transit systems, shipping lines and trucking companies, under the direction of a general manager or other senior manager. Freight traffic managers in transportation plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate companies or departments responsible for the transportation and movement of goods, under the direction of a general manager or other senior manager. Transportation managers work for transportation, freight forwarding and shipping companies and by transportation departments of companies in retail and manufacturing sectors and utilities.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Management
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Managers in Transportation most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 79% of Managers in Transportation who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $74,255. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$21.70
Minimum$37.50
Median$61.54
MaximumAnnual Pay
$24,762
Minimum$66,651
Median$133,484
MaximumCompared to: All Management
Hourly Pay
$16.70
Minimum$45.17
Median$58.17
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,632
Minimum$55,002
Median$124,014
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Operations managers in transportation plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of transportation companies like railways, airlines, bus lines, municipal transit systems, shipping lines and trucking companies, under the direction of a general manager or other senior manager.
Freight traffic managers in transportation plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate companies or departments responsible for the transportation and movement of goods, under the direction of a general manager or other senior manager.
Transportation managers work for transportation, freight forwarding and shipping companies and by transportation departments of companies in retail and manufacturing sectors and utilities.
Job duties
Operations managers:
- Manage the operations of a transportation company.
- Determine operations policies and standards, including safety procedures for the handling of dangerous goods, and make sure they meet transport regulations.
- Oversee dispatch of vehicles, vessels or aircraft.
- Control the company or departmental budget, including purchases.
- Monitor the performance of company or department, prepare reports for senior management, and plan for changes to schedules and policies.
- Recruit staff and oversee their training.
Freight traffic managers:
- Manage companies or departments that coordinate, arrange and monitor the transportation and movement of goods.
- Arrange for shipping documentation and oversee the scheduling and dispatching of goods and the tracking and tracing of goods in transit.
- Set performance goals, oversee the setting of transportation service rates and monitor revenue.
- Develop plans and procedures for the transportation and storage of goods.
- Negotiate with carriers, warehouse operators and insurance company representatives for services and preferential rates.
- Control the departmental budget.
- Recruit staff and oversee their training.
Sample job titles
- airline flight schedule design manager
- airline manager
- director of transportation
- distribution and warehousing manager
- freight forwarder
- moving company manager
- transportation logistics manager
- urban transit system manager
- water transport manager
Skills
You need good organizational and managerial skills. An ability to work under pressure is important. You must be decisive. You need to work well with others. Effective spoken and written communication skills are important.
Job requirements
Operations managers in transportation:
- A bachelor's degree in business administration or engineering.
- Certification as an operator of a mode of transportation like commercial pilot, vessel master or truck driver, is usually required.
Freight traffic managers in transportation:
- High school is required.
- A college diploma or university degree in business or transportation administration may be required.
Other considerations
There is little or no movement between managers in transportation operations and managers in transportation freight traffic or between transportation managers of land, sea and air transportation operations. Managers in transportation operations usually require several years of experience in transportation operations including supervisory experience. Extensive experience as a supervisor and operator in a particular transport mode like a pilot, train engineer, vessel master or truck driver, may substitute for formal education. Several years of clerical, operational or administrative experience related to freight traffic are required for Managers in transportation freight traffic.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Management
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
Public administration
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Management
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
High school
$64,914 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$57,468 median annual incomeBachelor
$85,356 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$56,032 median annual incomeLess than high school
$41,478 median annual incomeCompared to: All Management
Bachelor
$71,875 median annual incomeHigh school
$42,294 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$50,256 median annual incomeMaster
$93,261 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$44,396 median annual incomeEducation & training
Business Administration and Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. They include courses in management theory, human resources management and behaviour, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Institutions providing this program
Lower Sackville, NS
Halifax, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Business/Commerce
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and non-profit public and private institutions and agencies. They prepare students to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.