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Transport Administrator

Transport administrators plan, organise and control the operational activities of road, rail, air and water transport.

The transport administrator's role is becoming increasingly specialised and sophisticated.

Transport administrators need a thorough understanding of the transport industry and knowledge of how the four principal types of transport interact. These are:

Road Transport which comprises passenger (bus, coach, taxi) transport provided by government agencies and private companies; goods transport provided by general carriers such as courier, taxi, truck and heavy haulage services; and the operations of large commercial enterprises that have delivery vehicles such as bakeries and food processors.

Rail Transport which comprises passenger transport in the metropolitan area, as well as passenger and goods transport provided in regional areas and interstate.

Air Transport which comprises passenger and goods transport provided by private, domestic and overseas airlines.

Sea Transport which comprises passenger and goods transport provided by local and overseas shipping companies.

TASKS

Transport administrators may perform the following tasks:

coordinate transport and related staff
devise or approve methods and procedures for operating freight and passenger services, time schedules and routes
review passenger and freight rate structures (where these are not controlled by government agencies and transport associations)
help develop transport operating policies

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good managerial and organisational skills
able to work under pressure
good communication skills

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a transport administrator you usually have to complete a traineeship in Logistics.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

You can also become a transport administrator through a VOC qualification in logistics or purchasing. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a business or commerce degree with a major in logistics, supply chain management or a related field. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required.

A number of universities in Australia offer relevant degrees.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Transport administrators are employed by major airlines, shipping companies, import and export firms, public transport authorities, large road transport firms, freight forwarders, courier services, and bus and coach operators. They may also work in consulting firms concerned with transport logistics or warehousing studies.