Road transport manager

What does a road transport coordinator do? – Tasks and work environment

A road transport coordinator is responsible for leading and coordinating road transportation, with a particular focus on ensuring safety and efficiency in the transport of heavy or long vehicles. The work involves planning routes, coordinating with authorities and transport companies, as well as handling permits and logistics for special transports. Daily tasks often include accompanying transports on the roads, monitoring traffic flows, and acting quickly in unforeseen events. The work environment is varied and can switch between office work and fieldwork, sometimes during inconvenient hours and in changing weather conditions. The role requires good communication skills, stress resilience, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

Salary development over time

The salary for a road transport coordinator has shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 39 000 SEK, which is approximately a 5.1% increase. In 2024, the salary continued to rise to 40 200 SEK, a further increase of 3.1% compared to the previous year. This development reflects an increased demand for qualified personnel in transport management, while requirements for education and specialized knowledge have become more stringent. The general trend is that salaries continue to rise, albeit at a slightly lower pace than before, which can be explained by a more balanced labor market and stable recruitment within the profession.

Road transport coordinator salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 42,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 242 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men earn 40 900 SEK/month, women 38 400 SEK/month (women earn approximately 94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: No detailed statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as a road transport coordinator, a minimum of high school education with a focus on transport, logistics, or societal planning is usually required. Post-secondary courses or certifications in traffic safety and transport management are often sought after. Practical experience from the transport industry is advantageous, and many employers view previous work as a driver or logistics coordinator positively. Some employers offer internal training programs and induction periods for newly hired staff.

• Formal education: High school diploma with transport or logistics profile (3 years)
• Post-secondary courses: Traffic safety, transport management, logistics (6–12 months)
• Certifications: Specific certificates for road transport management or special transports
• Internship: Practical work in the transport industry is recommended
• Prerequisites: Driver's license (often C or CE category), good Swedish language skills

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits offered to road transport coordinators may include company cars, per diems for longer transports, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development through courses and internal training. Overtime pay and night shift allowances are common, especially for work during evenings and weekends. Some employers also offer additional insurance coverage and pension contributions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a road transport coordinator is considered balanced, with moderate opportunities for employment according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts. The number of available jobs in the profession of transport coordinators and dispatchers is relatively high, indicating continued demand. Challenges in the role often involve managing complex logistics, quick adjustments during traffic disruptions, and adhering to changing regulations and safety requirements. The profession's demands for flexibility and availability can be strenuous, especially when working outside regular office hours. Digitalization also introduces new work tasks, where technical knowledge becomes increasingly important.

Tips for aspiring road transport coordinators

To succeed as a road transport coordinator, it is good to combine meticulousness with a problem-solving attitude. Developing strong communication skills facilitates collaboration with drivers, authorities, and colleagues, while stress resilience helps in making quick decisions and handling unforeseen situations. An practical tip is to obtain a higher-category driver's license early and to take initiatives for internships or summer jobs in the transport industry, as work experience is highly valued in recruitment. Flexibility is an important trait, as the work often requires adaptation to varying working hours and unexpected events. Staying updated on laws and regulations within the transport sector is also crucial for acting correctly and efficiently. Finally, the ability to work independently and take responsibility are central qualities appreciated by employers in the industry.

Key facts about Road Transport Coordinators

• Education level: High school diploma with transport/logistics profile recommended
• Work environment: Alternates between office and on-road work
• Work pattern: Shift work and irregular hours are common
• Demand: Moderate job opportunities, 412 available positions nationwide
• Special skills: Traffic safety, transport planning, driver's license with higher category

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a road transport coordinator can advance to more qualified roles within transport management, such as leading a logistics team or specializing in special transports. There are also opportunities to work in training new coordinators or to move into strategic roles within traffic planning at larger companies and authorities. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that demand for road transport coordinators and similar roles is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, suggesting a stable job market. Digitalization and increased environmental requirements may, in the longer term, create a need for further skills development in the field.

Frequently asked questions about Road Transport Coordinators

• What does a road transport coordinator earn?
  - A road transport coordinator has an average salary of 40 200 SEK per month.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries for a road transport coordinator?
  - The lowest salary is 37,400 SEK and the highest is 42,400 SEK per month, depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a road transport coordinator?
  - High school education with a transport or logistics profile, as well as post-secondary courses and relevant certifications, are recommended.
• What does the job market look like for road transport coordinators?
  - Opportunities are moderate, and the job market is considered stable over the next five years.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 40 900 SEK, while women earn 38 400 SEK per month, which means women earn approximately 94% of men's salaries.
• What personal qualities are important for a road transport coordinator?
  - Attention to detail, stress resilience, flexibility, and good communication skills are central qualities.
• What career opportunities are available within the profession?
  - Advancement to managerial roles, specialists, or training managers within transport and logistics is possible.