| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Logistics and Warehousing |
| Level | Mid level |
| Reports to | Transport Manager |
| Direct reports | Truck Driver, Loader |
| Experience | 3 to 6 years in transport or dispatch operations |
Transport Supervisor job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Transport Supervisor
Department: Logistics and Warehousing
Reports to: Transport Manager
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Transport Supervisor runs transport operations on the ground at a plant, warehouse or depot. They dispatch vehicles at the gate, supervise loading, manage drivers, and keep documents such as the lorry receipt and proof of delivery in order. They are the point person who turns the transport plan into vehicles leaving on time, correctly loaded and papered. A good Transport Supervisor keeps the gate moving, prevents overloading and document errors, handles drivers firmly, and quickly sorts out whatever stops a vehicle from leaving.
Key responsibilities
- Dispatch vehicles at the gate against the day's plan and record every departure accurately.
- Supervise loading so vehicles are correctly and safely loaded within capacity.
- Check vehicle documents, driver licences and load papers before a vehicle leaves.
- Prepare and verify lorry receipts, delivery challans and proof of delivery on return.
- Manage drivers on duty, conduct and rest, and handle first-level issues at the gate.
- Coordinate with the warehouse and dispatch team on vehicle placement and priorities.
- Prevent overloading and document errors that cause detention or penalties on the road.
- Track vehicle turnaround at the gate and reduce waiting and detention time.
- Report breakdowns and delays to the Transport Manager and arrange replacements.
- Maintain the gate register and hand over pending vehicles clearly at shift end.
Requirements
- Graduate or diploma in any discipline
- Knowledge of transport documents and load safety
- Experience at a plant or warehouse gate is an advantage
- 3 to 6 years in transport or dispatch operations
KRAs and KPIs for a Transport Supervisor
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| On-time dispatch | Vehicles dispatched from the gate on time above 97 percent |
| Loading safety | Zero overloading or unsafe loading incidents at the gate |
| Document accuracy | Lorry receipts and delivery documents correct with zero road detentions from errors |
| Gate turnaround | Vehicle turnaround time at the gate within the agreed minutes |
| Driver management | Driver conduct and rest managed with no avoidable trip delays |
| Records | Gate register and proof of delivery complete with no missing entries |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: Transport management system, Gate register, E-way bill portal, MS Excel, Weighbridge.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Transport Manager, Fleet Manager, Logistics Manager
Interview questions for a Transport Supervisor
- How do you keep the gate moving when many vehicles arrive for loading at once?
- What do you check before you allow a loaded vehicle to leave the gate?
- How do you prevent overloading when a driver or transporter pushes for it?
- A vehicle returns without proper proof of delivery. How do you handle it?
- How do you reduce vehicle turnaround time at a busy gate?
- How do you deal with a driver who is repeatedly late or argumentative?
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What does a Transport Supervisor do?
A Transport Supervisor runs transport operations at the gate of a plant, warehouse or depot. They dispatch vehicles against the plan, supervise loading, check documents and licences, and manage drivers. They prepare lorry receipts and proof of delivery, prevent overloading and document errors, reduce gate turnaround, and keep the gate register accurate through the shift.
What is the difference between a Transport Supervisor and a Transport Manager?
A Transport Supervisor works on the ground at the gate: dispatching vehicles, supervising loading and managing drivers in real time. A Transport Manager plans vehicle scheduling, routes, transporter contracts and cost across the operation. The supervisor executes the daily dispatch; the manager plans, negotiates and answers for transport performance.
What qualifications does a Transport Supervisor need?
A graduate degree or diploma is usually enough, along with knowledge of transport documents and load safety. Employers value gate or dispatch experience, firm driver handling, and accurate record keeping. Understanding e-way bills, lorry receipts and load limits helps a candidate keep dispatches moving without penalties or detention on the road.