This guide will take your cover letter from generic template to interview magnet. We’ll reveal exactly how to start with maximum impact, prove your worth through fleet efficiency metrics and safety performance, and finish with confidence. Plus, you’ll discover insider tips on what Australian employers are really looking for, complete with real examples that actually work. Whether you’re stepping up from transport coordinator to transportation manager or bringing your logistics leadership expertise to a new industry, we’ve got you covered.
Transportation Manager Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
[email protected]
0428 567 891
linkedin.com/in/jamespatterson-transport
Brisbane, QLD
12 October 2025
Mr David Chen
General Manager Operations
Linfox Australia
Level 5, 850 Lorimer Street
Port Melbourne, VIC 3207Dear Mr Chen,
When I discovered that Linfox is seeking a Transportation Manager to oversee fleet operations across Queensland region while managing drivers and coordinators and optimizing delivery efficiency for major retail and FMCG clients, I recognized this was precisely the opportunity I’ve been working toward. As Transportation Manager at Toll Group, I managed fleet of 85 vehicles and team of 120+ drivers and coordinators delivering 12,000+ loads monthly achieving 98.4% on-time delivery rate, reduced transportation costs by $1.8 million annually through route optimization, fuel management programmes, and vehicle utilization improvements while maintaining service quality, achieved zero lost-time injuries across 24-month period and improved safety performance by 67% through comprehensive driver training, vehicle maintenance protocols, and safety culture initiatives, and implemented transport management system delivering real-time visibility, automated scheduling, and performance analytics that improved operational efficiency by 34%.
Over the past eight years working throughout Brisbane’s logistics sector, I’ve repeatedly delivered results matching your needs. I’ve managed comprehensive fleet operations including vehicle maintenance, compliance requirements, driver rostering, and route planning ensuring reliable service delivery while optimizing costs and maintaining safety standards. I’ve led operations teams providing clear direction, performance management, and skills development that improved productivity by 28% and reduced staff turnover from 35% to 14%. I’ve ensured regulatory compliance across all operations including Chain of Responsibility obligations under NHVR Heavy Vehicle National Law, work health and safety requirements, and customer-specific standards achieving zero non-compliances across multiple audits. I’ve implemented continuous improvement initiatives including lean methodologies, KPI frameworks, and technology solutions delivering measurable gains in efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.
What really attracts me to Linfox is your reputation as Australia’s leading logistics provider and your commitment to innovation, safety excellence, and sustainable transport solutions. I hold Diploma of Logistics from TAFE Queensland, Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics, and completed leadership development programmes through Australian Logistics Academy. I’m proficient with transport management systems including CargoWise and TMW, experienced with fleet management platforms and GPS tracking solutions, and knowledgeable about Chain of Responsibility legislation, fatigue management requirements, and dangerous goods regulations. One achievement I’m particularly proud of is leading fleet modernization project replacing 40 aging vehicles with Euro 6 compliant trucks and implementing telematics solution monitoring driver behavior, fuel consumption, and vehicle health, which reduced fuel costs by 18%, decreased maintenance expenses by 22%, improved safety scores by 43%, and reduced carbon emissions by 2,400 tonnes annually earning company sustainability award.
I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my proven ability to manage transportation operations while delivering safety excellence and cost optimization can contribute to Linfox’s operational performance and customer service standards. Thank you for reviewing my application, and I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Kind regards,
James Patterson
[email protected]
0428 567 891
linkedin.com/in/jamespatterson-transport
How to Format a Transportation Manager Cover Letter
- Length: Maximum 1 page (3–5 paragraphs)
- Font: Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman (10–12pt)
- Spacing: Single or 1.15 line spacing
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- File format: PDF
What to Include in a Transportation Manager Cover Letter (Australia)
Your Transportation Manager cover letter needs to follow an operations-focused structure that showcases both logistics expertise and leadership capability:
- Contact Details
- Salutation (Dear Hiring Manager or name)
- Opening paragraph – your hook and intent
- Middle – why you’re the best fit (skills + experience)
- Closing – call to action + sign off
Right vs Wrong Example
Entry-Level Transportation Manager Cover Letter Tips
- Emphasize progressive logistics experience from driver to dispatcher to coordinator to supervisor showing career growth
- Showcase operational achievements including process improvements, cost savings, or safety initiatives delivered
- Demonstrate leadership potential through team coordination, project involvement, or supervisory responsibilities
Entry-Level Cover Letter Sample for Transportation Manager
Top Mistakes to Avoid in a Transportation Manager Cover Letter
- Not mentioning fleet size managed, team numbers, or operational scope delivered
- Being vague about safety performance, on-time delivery rates, or cost savings achieved
- Neglecting to mention compliance knowledge, Chain of Responsibility, or regulatory requirements
How to Tailor Your Cover Letter to a Job Ad
- Align with their transport type (road freight, distribution, courier, refrigerated, dangerous goods, bulk)
- Address specific requirements they mention (fleet size, TMS systems, compliance, regional coverage)
- Reflect their industry context (retail distribution, FMCG, mining, construction, e-commerce)
How to Sign Off Your Transportation Manager Cover Letter
- Use “Kind regards” or “Sincerely”
- Include full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn (optional)
Cover Letter Signature Example
How to Submit a Cover Letter in Australia
- Always attach as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise)
- Label file professionally (e.g. JamesPatterson_CoverLetter.pdf)
- If submitting via logistics company portals or Seek, include a brief intro
Final Tips for Writing a Great Transportation Manager Cover Letter
- Lead with specific operational metrics (on-time delivery rates, fleet size, cost savings, safety performance)
- Balance operational expertise with leadership capability demonstrating both logistics knowledge and people management
- Show safety commitment through zero harm culture, compliance record, or incident reduction initiatives
- Emphasize continuous improvement through technology adoption, process optimization, or efficiency programmes
More Resources for Job Seekers
Ready to nail your entire application? Check out our Transportation Manager Resume Examples for the perfect complement to your cover letter. Prepare for success with our Common Interview Questions for logistics and transport roles, and explore our Selection Criteria Templates for government transport positions.
Remember, your cover letter should work alongside your resume to tell a compelling story about why you’re the Transportation Manager they need. Concentrate on specific operational achievements that demonstrate both logistics expertise and leadership capability, express genuine enthusiasm for their organization and operational excellence mission, and always emphasize how you’ll deliver safe, efficient, cost-effective transport operations from day one. With Australia’s transportation and logistics sector continuing to evolve through e-commerce growth, supply chain disruptions, and increased regulatory scrutiny around Chain of Responsibility, organizations are seeking Transportation Managers who can balance operational efficiency with safety compliance and cost management with service quality. Stay current with transport regulations and industry trends through organizations like National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Australian Logistics Council, and state transport safety authorities, maintain professional competency through continuing education addressing Chain of Responsibility obligations, fatigue management, and dangerous goods regulations, connect with transport professionals through industry associations and logistics networks, pursue additional qualifications including Advanced Diploma of Logistics, Cert IV in Work Health and Safety, or specialized credentials in areas like dangerous goods, refrigerated transport, or heavy vehicle operations, and develop your transportation management capabilities to ensure your application reflects current employer expectations and demonstrates readiness to lead transport operations, manage diverse teams, and deliver the reliable, safe, efficient logistics services that keep Australia’s supply chains moving in this essential, operationally demanding profession that connects businesses with customers across the nation.
