First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material-Moving Machine and
Vehicle Operators
What do first-line supervisors of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators do?
First-line supervisors of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators directly supervise and coordinate activities of
transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators and helpers. They typically do the following:








Enforce safety rules and regulations
Plan work assignments and equipment allocations to meet transportation, operations or production goals
Direct workers in transportation or related services, such as loading or unloading materials or people and pumping, moving, or storing materials
Review orders, production schedules, blueprints, or shipping or receiving notices to decide work sequences and material shipping dates, types,
amounts, or destinations
Inspect or test materials, stock, vehicles, equipment, or facilities to ensure they are safe, free of defects, and match specifications
Talk with customers, supervisors, contractors, or other personnel to exchange information or to resolve problems
Watch field work to ensure proper performance and use of materials
Dispatch personnel and vehicles in response to telephone or radio reports of emergencies
What's the work environment like?
First-line supervisors of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators have a lot of contact with others. Workdays often include
face-to-face discussions, email contacts, and telephone conversations. This occupation sometimes requires taking responsibility for work outcomes
and results. Being able to work well in a group or team is very important in this work. First-line supervisors are often responsible for the health and
safety of others. Accuracy is also very important in this work. Supervisors may experience stress in this job due to time pressure. Most of these
supervisors work full time, including many who work more than 40 hours a week.
Are my interests similar to those of first-line supervisors of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators?
The interests of first-line supervisors of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators typically match jobs that have the following
characteristics:
Enterprising
Usually require starting up and carrying out
projects. Often involve leading people and
making many decisions. Sometimes require risk
taking and often deal with business.
Conventional
Often involve following set procedures and
routines. May include working with data and
details more than with ideas. Usually have a
clear line of authority to follow.
Realistic
Often involve work activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
Usually include working with actual
materials - many times in an outdoor setting.
You'll find additional information about interests in the introduction to these profiles. To learn more about your interests and how they may connect
with careers, try the brief activity at www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip.
What are the most important types of knowledge, skills, and abilities to have in this field?










Managing your time and the time of other people
Selecting and managing the best workers for a job
Managing equipment and materials
Changing what is done based on other people's actions
Bringing people together to solve differences
Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do
Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Understanding people's reactions
Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
How much education do first-line supervisors of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators need?
The amount of education and experience you need partly depends on a specific employer's requirements. If you are planning to work in this
occupation, here are typical expectations:
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-Job Training
None
Learn about North Carolina and out-of-state postsecondary education and training programs by exploring College Navigator at
www.nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator.
What other careers might match my interests, abilities, and work values?










First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Gaming Managers
Nursery and Greenhouse Managers
Technical Directors/Managers
Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
Emergency Management Directors
What is the North Carolina job outlook for first-line supervisors of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators?
The number of first-line supervisors of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators in North Carolina is expected to increase
from 7,620 in 2014 to 8,130 in 2024 (7%). This occupation is expected to average about 300 openings each year during this period.
How much money can I make?
In North Carolina, half of first-line supervisors of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators earn an annual salary above
$51,290 (the median salary) and half earn less. Salaries usually reflect the amount of experience a person has in the occupation. Annual salaries for
this job can range from approximately $37,730 for beginners to $62,160 for those with the most experience.
Where can I find jobs?
Most first-line supervisors of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators in North Carolina work in freight trucking businesses;
delivery service companies; and wholesale grocery product companies. For specific job openings, go to NCWorks Online's Find a Job section at
www.ncworks.gov.
How can I find out more about this occupation?
Many resources exist for learning about occupations. If you would like a brief introduction to this occupation with links to more detailed sources,
MyNextMove at www.mynextmove.org provides a great start. For more detailed information, visit O*Net Online at www.onetonline.org.