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Transportation Manager Resume: Example, Template + How to Write One in Australia

Transportation Manager Resume Guide + Examples Australia
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Securing a Transportation Manager position in Australia’s dynamic logistics landscape requires more than just operational knowledge—you need a resume that demonstrates your ability to optimize transportation networks, manage complex logistics operations, and deliver cost-effective supply chain solutions. Whether you’re struggling to transition from driver or coordinator roles or finding it challenging to showcase your operational impact in measurable terms, crafting the perfect Transportation Manager resume can feel overwhelming.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything necessary to create an outstanding Transportation Manager resume that resonates with Australian employers. From understanding the critical responsibilities that drive efficient logistics operations to presenting your achievements in compelling, results-oriented language, we’ll help you transform your transportation expertise into a powerful career advancement tool.

Transportation Managers are essential orchestrators of supply chain efficiency, responsible for managing fleet operations, optimizing delivery routes, and ensuring compliance with transport regulations while controlling costs and maintaining service quality. With major Australian logistics companies like Toll Group, Linfox, and StarTrack consistently seeking experienced transportation leaders, your resume must highlight your operational expertise, cost management abilities, and proven track record of delivering reliable transportation solutions.

Transportation Manager Resume (Text Version)

Sarah Thompson
Transportation Manager
Mobile: 0403 789 456
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahthompson
Location: Brisbane, QLDPROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven Transportation Manager with 10+ years of experience optimizing logistics operations across freight, distribution, and supply chain management. Proven track record of managing fleets of 150+ vehicles while reducing transportation costs by 25% and improving on-time delivery performance to 98.5%. Expert in route optimization, regulatory compliance, and team leadership with demonstrated ability to implement technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Strong background in budget management, vendor relations, and strategic planning supporting business growth and competitive advantage.

CORE COMPETENCIES
• Fleet Management & Operations • Route Planning & Optimization • Cost Control & Budget Management
• Regulatory Compliance & Safety Management • Team Leadership & Performance Management • Vendor Relations & Contract Negotiation
• Transportation Management Systems (TMS) • Supply Chain Optimization • Customer Service Excellence
• Risk Management & Insurance • Performance Analytics & KPI Management • Strategic Planning & Process Improvement

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Transportation Manager | National Logistics Solutions | February 2020 – Present
Leading transportation operations for regional distribution network serving 500+ clients across Queensland and Northern NSW with annual freight volume of $50M.
• Reduced transportation costs by 28% through strategic route optimization and carrier consolidation while maintaining 98.7% on-time delivery performance
• Managed fleet of 180+ vehicles and supervised team of 35+ drivers, dispatchers, and logistics coordinators achieving 96% safety compliance rating
• Implemented advanced TMS platform resulting in 35% improvement in dispatch efficiency and real-time visibility for 500+ daily shipments
• Negotiated contracts with 15+ third-party carriers achieving $2.3M annual cost savings while expanding service coverage by 40%
• Developed key performance indicators and reporting dashboard providing executive leadership with real-time operational insights
• Led successful implementation of GPS tracking and telematics systems improving fuel efficiency by 18% and reducing maintenance costs by 22%

Senior Transportation Coordinator | Regional Freight Services | June 2017 – January 2020
Coordinated multi-modal transportation operations supporting manufacturing and retail clients across southeastern Australia.
• Managed daily dispatch operations for 120+ vehicles achieving average 97.2% on-time delivery performance and 4.3/5 customer satisfaction rating
• Optimized delivery routes using advanced planning software reducing total mileage by 20% and improving driver productivity by 25%
• Coordinated with warehouse operations and customer service teams ensuring seamless order fulfillment and issue resolution
• Maintained compliance with National Heavy Vehicle Law and Chain of Responsibility requirements achieving zero major violations
• Developed driver training programmes focused on safety and fuel efficiency, reducing accident rates by 30% and fuel consumption by 15%
• Supported tender processes and client negotiations contributing to $8M in new contract acquisitions

Operations Supervisor | Metro Distribution Network | March 2014 – May 2017
Supervised daily transportation and warehouse operations for urban delivery network serving 200+ retail locations.
• Coordinated logistics operations for 80+ delivery vehicles maintaining 95% on-time performance and managing 2,000+ daily deliveries
• Implemented lean processes and continuous improvement initiatives reducing operational costs by 15% and improving efficiency metrics
• Supervised team of 25+ operations staff including drivers, warehouse workers, and administrative personnel
• Managed customer escalations and service issues maintaining strong relationships with key retail partners
• Conducted regular safety audits and training sessions achieving 18-month period without lost-time injuries
• Supported new client onboarding and service implementation ensuring smooth transition and customer satisfaction

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Business (Supply Chain Management) | Queensland University of Technology | 2013
Diploma of Logistics | TAFE Queensland | 2012
Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics (Road Transport) | Australian Institute of Logistics | 2014

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENCES
• Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence | Current
• Dangerous Goods Transport Licence | Current
• Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety | 2022
• Chain of Responsibility Executive Certificate | National Transport Commission | 2021
• Advanced Transportation Management Certificate | Australian Institute of Logistics | 2020

TECHNICAL SKILLS
• Transportation Management Systems: Manhattan TMS, Oracle Transportation, SAP TM
• Route Optimization: Roadnet, OptimoRoute, Route4Me
• Fleet Management: Teletrac Navman, Fleet Complete, Verizon Connect
• Analytics & Reporting: Tableau, Power BI, Advanced Excel
• ERP Systems: SAP, Oracle WMS, Microsoft Dynamics

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
• Member, Logistics Association of Australia | 2014 – Present
• Member, Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management | 2018 – Present
• Member, Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia | 2016 – Present

ACHIEVEMENTS
• Transportation Excellence Award | National Logistics Solutions | 2023
• Safety Leadership Recognition | Regional Freight Services | 2019
• Operational Innovation Award | Metro Distribution Network | 2016

What is The Best Format for a Transportation Manager Resume?

The reverse chronological format is the optimal choice for Transportation Manager resumes in Australia, as it clearly demonstrates your progression through increasingly responsible logistics and transportation roles. This format allows employers to quickly assess your career advancement and understand how you’ve built expertise across different operational contexts and supply chain challenges. Start with your most recent position and work backwards, emphasising growth in fleet size, operational scope, and management responsibility.

For fonts, choose professional options like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use 14-16 point font for your name and contact information, and 10-12 point font for body text. This ensures excellent readability while maximising space for your operational achievements and logistics accomplishments. Maintain consistent 1-inch margins on all sides and include adequate white space between sections to create a clean, professional appearance.

Always submit your resume as a PDF unless the job advertisement specifically requests another format. PDF files preserve your formatting across different devices and systems, ensuring your carefully structured presentation remains intact when reviewed by hiring managers and operations teams.

Your resume should include these essential sections:

Header: Include your full name, mobile number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile URL, and city/state. Avoid including your complete street address for privacy reasons—city and state provide sufficient location information for Australian employers.

Summary: Write a compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of transportation experience, operational achievements, key competencies, and core capabilities relevant to logistics management and supply chain operations.

Experience: Detail your work history with emphasis on management roles, operational outcomes, and responsibilities that demonstrate your ability to optimize transportation operations and deliver cost-effective logistics solutions.

Education: List your formal qualifications, focusing on logistics, supply chain, business, or transport-related studies that support your transportation management expertise.

Other sections: Include certifications, licences, technical skills, and relevant achievements that strengthen your credibility as a transportation professional.

What Experience Should Be on Your Transportation Manager Resume?

Your experience section should demonstrate clear progression from operational roles to management positions, showcasing your development of both logistics expertise and leadership capabilities. Focus on positions that highlight your ability to manage transportation operations, optimize costs, lead teams, and deliver measurable improvements in service quality and operational efficiency. Include specific metrics wherever possible—transportation management is performance-driven, and quantifiable achievements provide compelling evidence of your operational impact and business value creation.

Highlight experience in fleet management, route optimization, cost control, and regulatory compliance. If you’ve implemented new technologies, managed major client relationships, or led operational transformations, these experiences demonstrate the breadth and depth of expertise valued in senior transportation roles. Include any experience with vendor management, safety programmes, performance improvement initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration.

Correct Example:
Transportation Manager | Interstate Logistics Group | March 2019 – Present
• Managed transportation operations for $75M annual freight volume across 200+ vehicles serving Australia-wide distribution network
• Reduced operational costs by 32% through strategic carrier partnerships, route optimization, and fuel management programmes
• Achieved 99.1% on-time delivery performance while maintaining 4.6/5 customer satisfaction rating across 300+ client accounts
• Led team of 45+ transportation professionals including supervisors, dispatchers, and drivers across multiple locations
• Implemented integrated TMS solution providing real-time tracking and automated reporting, improving operational visibility by 60%
• Negotiated multi-year carrier contracts worth $12M annually, securing competitive rates and service level agreements
Incorrect Example:
Transportation Manager | Interstate Logistics Group | March 2019 – Present
• Managed transportation department and daily operations
• Worked with drivers and logistics coordinators
• Handled customer service and delivery issues
• Managed budgets and controlled transportation costs
• Implemented new computer systems and processes
• Worked with suppliers and transport companies

Entry-Level Transportation Manager Resume Samples [Experience]

If you’re transitioning into your first transportation manager role, focus on experiences that demonstrate your operational knowledge, leadership potential, and understanding of logistics processes. Emphasise roles where you’ve coordinated transportation activities, supervised teams, or managed operational projects that show your readiness for management-level responsibility.

Correct Entry-Level Example:
Transportation Supervisor | City Express Delivery | January 2022 – Present
• Supervised daily operations for 60+ delivery vehicles maintaining 96.5% on-time performance across metropolitan Brisbane
• Coordinated dispatch operations and route planning for 1,500+ daily deliveries using advanced scheduling software
• Led team of 12 dispatchers and logistics coordinators, achieving 94% employee satisfaction and 15% productivity improvement
• Implemented driver performance monitoring system resulting in 25% reduction in fuel costs and 20% improvement in delivery efficiency
• Managed customer escalations and service recovery processes maintaining 4.2/5 satisfaction rating
• Supported implementation of new fleet management technology providing real-time tracking for 100+ client accounts
Incorrect Entry-Level Example:
Transportation Supervisor | City Express Delivery | January 2022 – Present
• Supervised drivers and delivery staff
• Organised daily routes and schedules
• Dealt with customer complaints and problems
• Helped implement new tracking systems
• Attended management meetings and training
• Worked with different departments on projects

How to Write the Education Section for your Transportation Manager Resume

Education provides the business foundation and technical knowledge essential for effective transportation management. Your formal qualifications demonstrate your understanding of supply chain principles, logistics operations, and management concepts that underpin successful transportation strategy and operational excellence. Include degrees in logistics, supply chain management, business, or transport-related disciplines that support your management expertise.

For Transportation Manager positions, employers particularly value qualifications that combine operational knowledge with business management and strategic thinking. If you’ve completed specialized training in transportation regulations, safety management, or logistics technology, these demonstrate your commitment to staying current with industry requirements and operational best practices.

Transportation Manager Resume Example [Education]

Education Example:
Master of Supply Chain Management | University of Melbourne | 2018
Bachelor of Business (Logistics) | Griffith University | 2015
Diploma of Transport and Logistics Management | RMIT TAFE | 2014

How to Write the Skills Section for your Transportation Manager Resume

The skills section for Transportation Managers should balance operational competencies with leadership abilities and technology proficiencies. Include 8-12 skills that directly relate to transportation management success, focusing on areas like fleet management, cost optimization, regulatory compliance, and team leadership. Avoid generic management skills that every candidate will include—instead, highlight specific transportation technologies, regulatory knowledge, or operational methodologies that demonstrate your specialized expertise and competitive advantage.

Tailor your skills to match the job advertisement, using identical terminology where possible. Many Australian employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords, so alignment with the job description can significantly improve your chances of progressing to interview stage.

Transportation Manager Resume Skills (Hard Skills)

• Fleet Management and Vehicle Operations
• Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
• Route Planning and Optimization
• Cost Control and Budget Management
• Regulatory Compliance and Safety Management
• Vendor Management and Contract Negotiation
• Performance Analytics and KPI Management
• Supply Chain Coordination
• GPS Tracking and Telematics Systems
• Freight and Logistics Operations

Transportation Manager Resume Skills (Soft Skills)

• Team Leadership and Supervision
• Strategic Planning and Problem-solving
• Communication and Stakeholder Management
• Decision Making Under Pressure
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation
• Customer Service Excellence
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
• Time Management and Prioritisation
• Adaptability and Change Management
• Risk Assessment and Management

How to pick the best Transportation Manager skills:

1. Review the job advertisement carefully and identify specific transportation technologies, regulatory requirements, and leadership capabilities mentioned
2. Match your experience to required competencies, emphasising measurable operational improvements and cost management achievements
3. Include a balance of technical skills (TMS, route optimization) and leadership abilities (team management, strategic planning)
4. Prioritise skills that demonstrate your ability to optimize transportation operations and deliver business value through logistics excellence
5. Consider industry-specific requirements like dangerous goods handling, Chain of Responsibility compliance, or specialized vehicle operations
6. Ensure your skills reflect current transportation practices such as sustainability initiatives, digital tracking, or automated logistics systems

Transportation Manager Resume Examples [Skills]

Skills Examples with Accomplishments:
• Fleet Management: Successfully managed 200+ vehicle fleet achieving 99% availability and reducing maintenance costs by 20%
• Route Optimization: Implemented advanced planning systems reducing total mileage by 25% and improving delivery efficiency by 30%
• Cost Management: Delivered $3.5M annual cost savings through strategic vendor negotiations and operational improvements
• Team Leadership: Led 50+ person transportation team achieving 95% safety compliance and 18% productivity improvement

Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Transportation Manager Resume?

Additional sections can significantly enhance your Transportation Manager resume by demonstrating professional commitment, industry knowledge, and specialized expertise. These sections are particularly valuable in the Australian transportation sector, where regulatory compliance, safety standards, and continuous professional development are essential for career advancement and operational excellence.

Certifications & Licences: Include transportation-specific certifications, safety qualifications, and professional licences. These demonstrate your compliance with industry requirements and commitment to maintaining current knowledge of transportation regulations.

Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like the Logistics Association of Australia, Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management, or Supply Chain and Logistics Association shows industry engagement and professional development commitment.

Awards and Honours: Recognition for operational excellence, safety achievement, or cost management provides powerful validation of your capabilities and professional impact.

Languages on a Resume: Australia’s diverse logistics environment values multilingual capabilities. List languages with proficiency levels, especially if you’ll be coordinating with international suppliers or diverse driver populations.

Projects & Implementations: Include major transportation projects, system implementations, or operational improvements you’ve led that demonstrate your ability to drive significant change and business impact.

Safety Records: Highlight exceptional safety performance, incident reduction achievements, or safety programme implementations that demonstrate your commitment to operational safety and risk management.

Transportation Manager Resume Examples [Other Sections]

Right Example:
Professional Development
• Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety | Safe Work Australia | Current
• Chain of Responsibility Executive Certificate | National Transport Commission | Current
• Advanced Fleet Management Programme | Australian Institute of Logistics | 2023
• Dangerous Goods Transport Licence | Current
Major Projects
• TMS Implementation Project Leader | $2M system rollout serving 500+ daily shipments | 2022
• Fleet Electrification Initiative | 25% reduction in carbon emissions across 50 vehicle pilot programme | 2023

Safety Performance
• 3+ years zero lost-time injuries across 180+ vehicle fleet operations
• 30% reduction in insurance claims through comprehensive driver training programme

Wrong Example:
Extra Qualifications
• Have various transport licences and certificates
• Member of logistics professional groups
• Won some awards for transportation work
• Led some technology and improvement projects

Tip: You can also include relevant interests that demonstrate operational excellence (process improvement, technology innovation), safety consciousness (community safety involvement), or leadership development (team sports, volunteer coordination). Keep personal interests brief and only include them if they add professional value or demonstrate relevant transportation management capabilities.

How to write a Transportation Manager Resume Objective or Resume Summary

Your professional summary is critical real estate that determines whether hiring managers continue reading your resume. For Transportation Manager positions, focus on your years of transportation experience, operational scale managed, and your most impressive efficiency or cost management achievements. This section should immediately communicate your management capabilities and demonstrate your understanding of how transportation excellence drives business success and customer satisfaction.

Key elements to include:

• Years of transportation management experience and operational expertise
• Scale of operations managed (fleet size, freight volume, geographic coverage)
• Your most impressive metrics (cost savings, efficiency improvements, safety performance)
• Core competencies that align with transportation management requirements
• Leadership experience and strategic contributions that add business value

Transportation Manager Resume Summary Examples

Right Example:
Accomplished Transportation Manager with 12+ years of experience optimizing logistics operations and managing fleets of 250+ vehicles across multi-state distribution networks. Proven track record of reducing transportation costs by 30% while maintaining 99%+ on-time delivery performance and achieving exceptional safety standards. Expert in route optimization, regulatory compliance, and team leadership with demonstrated ability to implement technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth.
Wrong Example:
Experienced transportation professional with management background and knowledge of logistics operations. Good at managing drivers and coordinating deliveries. Looking for transportation manager role where I can use my experience and continue developing operational skills. Dedicated to efficient operations and customer service.

For candidates transitioning into their first transportation manager role from supervisory or coordination positions, focus on your operational experience, leadership potential, and understanding of transportation challenges that demonstrate readiness for management responsibility.

Entry-Level Transportation Manager Resume Summary Examples

Right Entry-Level Example:
Results-oriented Transportation Supervisor with 6+ years of progressive experience in logistics coordination and fleet operations management. Successfully supervised 40+ vehicle operations achieving 97% on-time performance while implementing cost reduction initiatives saving $500K annually. Strong foundation in route planning, regulatory compliance, and team leadership with demonstrated ability to optimize transportation operations and support business objectives through efficient logistics solutions.
Wrong Entry-Level Example:
Transportation supervisor with some management experience. Want to become transportation manager and take on more responsibility for logistics operations. Good at organizing deliveries and working with drivers. Ready to learn more about fleet management and transportation strategy.

How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Transportation Manager Resume

LinkedIn alignment with your resume is essential in Australia’s transportation sector, where professional networking and industry connections are fundamental to career advancement and business development. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while leveraging the platform’s unique features to showcase your operational expertise and industry insights. Unlike your resume’s concise format, LinkedIn allows for more detailed explanations of your transportation strategies and operational achievements.

When updating your resume, simultaneously refresh your LinkedIn profile to ensure consistency in employment dates, operational achievements, and professional accomplishments. LinkedIn offers opportunities to expand on your transportation experiences with detailed operational insights, efficiency improvements, and industry commentary that demonstrates your expertise and commitment to logistics excellence.

LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Transportation Managers

Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Transportation Manager | 250+ Fleet Operations | 30% Cost Reduction Expert | Supply Chain Optimization”
• “Logistics Leader | Transportation Operations | Route Optimization | Safety & Compliance Specialist”
• “Transportation Manager | TMS Implementation | Fleet Management | $50M+ Freight Operations”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Transportation Manager at Logistics Company”
• “Experienced Transportation Professional”
• “Fleet Management and Operations Specialist”

LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences

Your LinkedIn summary can be more operational and detailed than your resume summary, incorporating your approach to transportation excellence and logistics innovation. Include insights about transportation trends, operational challenges, or efficiency initiatives that demonstrate thought leadership. In the Australian market, LinkedIn summaries can showcase operational depth while maintaining accessibility for business leaders and logistics professionals.

Use first-person language and include your vision for transportation innovation and operational excellence. LinkedIn’s algorithm favours profiles with regular engagement, so consider mentioning current transportation trends or professional interests that invite conversation from fellow logistics professionals and potential business partners.

Showcasing Transportation Manager Experience on LinkedIn

Expand your resume achievements into LinkedIn’s longer format by providing operational context around your transportation strategies and business outcomes. Share detailed case studies of successful implementations, cost reduction initiatives, or operational improvements that demonstrate your management approach. Upload images of fleet operations, technology implementations, or team achievements (ensuring company policy compliance).

Use LinkedIn’s publications feature to share transportation insights, operational lessons, or industry analysis. This positions you as a thought leader and demonstrates your commitment to advancing transportation knowledge and operational best practices.

LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Transportation Managers

Prioritise LinkedIn skills that align with transportation management requirements: fleet management, logistics coordination, supply chain management, and operational excellence. Actively seek endorsements from team members you’ve managed, clients you’ve served, and vendors you’ve worked with who can validate your operational capabilities and management effectiveness.

Consider completing LinkedIn skill assessments for areas like project management and supply chain management. These verified badges provide third-party validation of your capabilities and appear prominently on your profile.

LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Transportation Managers

Connect with logistics professionals, supply chain leaders, fleet managers, and transportation executives across the Australian transport industry. Join LinkedIn groups focused on Australian logistics, such as “Logistics Association of Australia” or “Australian Supply Chain Professionals.” Engage with content by sharing operational insights, transportation innovations, or efficiency strategies that demonstrate your expertise and industry engagement.

Optimise your profile for Australian transportation employers by including location-specific keywords and mentioning familiarity with Australian transport regulations, Chain of Responsibility requirements, and local logistics challenges. Reference major Australian transport corridors, logistics hubs, or industry initiatives to improve search visibility and demonstrate market knowledge and operational awareness.

Creating a compelling Transportation Manager resume requires operational expertise, leadership excellence, and a clear understanding of how efficient transportation drives business success and competitive advantage. By following this guide’s framework and examples, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a resume that showcases your transportation capabilities and commitment to delivering operational excellence and cost-effective logistics solutions.

Remember to customise your resume for each application, highlighting the specific experiences and achievements that align with the employer’s operational needs, geographic coverage, and transportation challenges. Your resume should tell a compelling story of operational leadership, efficiency improvement, and measurable contribution to business success through transportation excellence.

To complete your application package, develop a targeted cover letter that complements your resume and demonstrates your understanding of the specific transportation opportunities and operational challenges relevant to the role. For additional guidance on transportation career development and professional networking, visit the Logistics Association of Australia for industry insights and professional development resources.