27 Transportation Manager Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Transportation Manager interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. What are your short-term career goals, i.e., four to five years from now?
How to Answer
Provide an honest answer and do not hesitate to mention you would be open to eventually moving up the ladder should the opportunity arise, i.e., that growth opportunities will be more than welcome. This will demonstrate you have leadership skills, a willingness to learn beyond your original job scope, and a desire to commit to your employer.
Answer Example
"I see myself working for the same employer, being established and having grown with the organization and contribute to the bottom line. I hope to keep learning and being given the opportunity to prove myself as a valuable team member."
2. Provide an example of a time when your ethics were tested and how you addressed the situation.
How to Answer
Provide an example in a position held in a professional or volunteer capacity, or alternatively in a university setting, e.g., when working on a project with classmates.
Answer Example
"When working for (X company) as a/an (X position title), we had to complete a group project (... what happened in this project when your ethics were tested). As this was dishonest, I (... what you did to remain ethical)."
3. Tell me about your relationship with your colleagues.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your team player skills and ability to collaborate with others in a work environment by providing an example in a past position.
Answer Example
"My relationships with my colleagues are always excellent. I thrive in a team environment and consider myself a team player. For instance, in my last role of (X position title) at (X company), we had to work on numerous collective projects on a weekly basis, such as (...) (X description of collaborative projects and how you contributed to the team's success)."
4. What do you look for in an employer?
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job posting and company website/social media pages before the interview to familiarize yourself with the company. Do your best to answer by including something you saw on the job description or website to show you did your due diligence before the interview and that you are serious about working for this employer specifically.
Answer Example
"I am looking for an employer who values its employees and who will give me the opportunity to grow. I also saw on your job posting that your company is a family environment, which is exactly the type of environment I wish to work in."
5. Tell me about your philosophy toward work.
How to Answer
The interviewer and the employer are looking for commitment towards the company and work to be performed, and respect toward colleagues, members of the team management team and clients.
Answer Example
"I take my work seriously and am committed to performing to be best of my ability. The company's success is my success. I also value respect and as such, am extremely respectful toward all clients and every single individual at the company."
6. What duties are the easiest and most difficult for you to perform?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to determine your boundaries. It is important to demonstrate you can manage anything that comes your way.
Always review the job posting before the interview and keep it closeby at the time of the interview. Provide example of easy and difficult duties on the job posting, and how easily you will be able to manage both. Provide examples of the successful performance of these duties in a previous position, if you have any.
Answer Example
"An example of an easy duty is (X easy duty on the job posting/any other easy duty related to transportation management), because when working as a/an (X position title) for (X company), I (X similar easy duty successfully performed). An example of a difficult duty is (X easy duty on the job posting/any other difficult duty related to transportation management), because when working as a/an (X position title) for (X company), I (X similar difficult duty nevertheless successfully performed)."
7. Provide an example of a time you went above and beyond to successfully complete a project.
How to Answer
Provide an example of a situation in a professional capacity, preferably related to transportation management. Alternatively, provide an example in any other professional or volunteer capacity, or in a university setting - and add that you are positive your skills will be transferable in this role.
Answer Example
"I am particularly proud of the time I (X project you are the most proud of). I went above and beyond because the client's satisfaction mattered to me and my employer, and (X other reasons why you went above and beyond). The client was so satisfied by the high level of commitment and quality of my work that he hired our company for all of his upcoming projects."
8. Tell me about the accomplishment your are the most proud of.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about the accomplishment you are the most proud of, preferably in a professional capacity and related to the position you are applying for. Alternatively, provide any accomplishment in another professional capacity, in a volunteer capacity, or in a university setting.
Answer Example
"The accomplishment I am the most proud of is managing a very large project on a very tight deadline (... further information pertaining to this project, such as the company name, and so on). As a result, I developed strong project and time management skills that will undoubtedly enable me to thrive in this role at your company."
9. How do you evaluate success in your career?
How to Answer
Answer this question by mentioning what constitutes success for you, such as meeting all deadlines, being recognized as a team player by your employer, and so on. Do not mention monetary incentives. The objective is to show the interviewer you wish to grow as a professional, not simply be rewarded monetarily.
Answer Example
"Success is meeting my daily, weekly, monthly and annual goals and being recognized as a hardworking professional by my employer. The company's success is my success. I also value becoming the best in my field."
10. You may be required to lift heavy boxes. In that respect, do you have any physical restrictions?
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job posting before the interview to see whether there are physical requirements. If there are physical requirements, the interviewer is assuming you reviewed the job posting before applying for the position and as such, there will not be any limitations.
If you answer no and physical requirements are clearly mentioned on the job posting, the interviewer may assume you are unprepared, i.e., you did not review the job posting and company before the interview, you applied for this position without reading the job posting because you want any job, and/or you are not serious about working for this particular company.
Answer Example
"I reviewed your job posting before the interview and am aware of the physical requirements. I have absolutely no physical restrictions and can lift heavy boxes if necessary."
11. Tell me about the most challenging work you have had to do in your career.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about past work you have considered the most challenging. If you do not have experience related to the position you applied for, mention challenging work in any position/capacity, which could be relevant in the capacity of Transportation Manager.
Answer Example
"The most challenging work I have done in the past is (X challenging work). It was challenging because I had to complete a large number of duties on very tight deadlines. Because I have such great organizational and time management skills, I successfully completed all of my duties and am positive I will be able to successfully complete any challenging work as a Transportation Manager."
12. How do you ensure you are meeting all deadlines?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your time management and organizational skills.
Answer Example
"I always meet deadlines because I am extremely organized and do not wait at the last minute to get started on projects. I use lists and calendar reminders to ensure I do not forget anything and I review these lists daily."
13. Tell me about your experience with a difficult superior, and how you resolved the situation.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your experience with a difficult superior and how you handled the situation.
Answer Example
"I once worked with a superior who did not provide any timeline for the projects he assigned to me, yet became extremely agitated when I did not deliver within a few hours. As I had no idea he had such timelines in mind, I requested a meeting with him to tell him about my concerns and that I can absolutely adjust to tight deadlines, however I require prior adequate notice so that I can organize my days accordingly and delegate other duties if necessary - and that I cannot anticipate he would want something done right away upon receipt. He told me he did not realize he had provided unclear instructions and promised to be more clear in the future, which he were."
14. Tell me about your ability to handle stress and pressure.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer what you do to handle situations calmly despite the high stress level by providing an example to support your position.
Answer Example
"In stressful situations, I always remain calm and look for ways to be more efficient. For instance, if there is an unexpected deadline, I will determine what can be done to ensure the deadline can be met, I will write down the steps to take to ensure successful completion and will delegate a few tasks if necessary. In brief, I am always ready to adjust my approach because stressful situations are bound to occur in a professional environment."
15. Tell me about yourself and your experience against the position you applied for.
How to Answer
Provide an overview of your professional experience while putting emphasis on your transportation management experience as per the advertised position, proving you indeed have the qualifications required for this position.
Review the job description before your interview and answer this question by selecting some of the main duties on the posting and telling the interviewer you have performed these duties in the past, when and how.
Answer Example
"I pursued a Bachelor's degree in X at (X university) and upon graduation I worked as an Intern for (X company) where I was responsible for (X transportation management related duties). Since this internship, I have also gained considerable transportation management experience working for (X company) where I managed (X management related duties) and for (X company) where I was responsible for (X management related duties). These are some of the reasons I believe I am a perfect fit for your position."
16. How would your current or former employer describe your work ethics?
How to Answer
Employers are looking for commitment, reliability, respect and professionalism, among other things. As such, answer this question by including how committed, reliable, respectful and professional you are, notwithstanding the challenges you may face.
Answer Example
"My supervisor would describe my work ethic as excellent. I am a hard worker who thrives on challenges and who works tireless to get the job done. I am also a committed and reliable professional who remains highly respectful and professional at all times."
17. What motivates you in your career?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your passion for this career, what motivates you to be the best in your field, and what you look forward to the most in this position.
Review the job posting and company website before your interview to familiarize yourself with the company and duties involved, and mention one or many duties that you look the most forward to (related to your motivation), and why. This will show the interviewer that you are passionate about your work and that you also did your due diligence before your interview.
Answer Example
"What motivates me the most is becoming the best in my field, and as a result having the opportunity to make an impact on a greater scale and contribute to the company's long-term success. For instance, with this position, what motivates me the most is the opportunity to (X newly acquired duties that will enable you to help the company be more successful, as per the job posting)."
18. What do you know about our company?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your knowledge of the company you applied for. It is imperative to always conduct your due diligence before an interview by reviewing the job description, company website and social media pages to familiarize yourself with the company and work involved. It is also important to show the interviewer you did not apply to the advertised position simply because you are looking for just any job, but that you wish to work for this company specifically.
Answer Example
"I reviewed the job description and website before this interview and know you are a company specializing in (X services you noticed on the company website). I am particularly excited about (X programs/initiatives) that I saw on your (website/social media pages) as I (X reasons you are excited about these programs/initiatives, such as passion or similar initiatives undertaken in school or volunteer capacity)."
19. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve it?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer your greatest weakness which can nevertheless benefit you in this position.
Answer Example
"I am sometimes overly independent and incredibly meticulous as I am used to completing projects on my own instead of delegating them, to complete them in a quicker fashion. But throughout my career, I have come to realize that I am working as part of a team of professionals who are as capable as I am and whose perspective can be greatly valuable. As such, I do my best to seek my colleagues' input as much as possible as we are all working to benefit the company."
20. What is your greatest strength, and how will it help you as a Transportation Manager?
How to Answer
Answer by telling the interviewer what your greatest strength is, related to the position you applied for. Ensure to mention how this strength will contribute to your success as a Transportation Manager.
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is that I am extremely dedicated. For instance, while employed for (X employer) as a (X position title), I (X further information re: past experience demonstrating your dedication to your work, relevant to the job posting)."
21. How have you or would you handle criticism?
How to Answer
Answer this question by providing examples of your ability to remain calm, collected and professional at all times. Provide an example of a situation in a professional capacity reflecting your ability to handle criticism. If such a situation never happened to you, tell the interviewer how you would hypothetically handle such a situation.
Answer Example
"No example comes to mind. However, I would always remain calm and professional, and would do my best to follow up with the person in question so as to obtain feedback. I always welcome constructive criticism as it enables me to better myself and improve my work."
22. How would you describe your management style?
How to Answer
Tthe interviewer wants to ensure you have good management skills, that you are comfortable with managerial duties and that you have leadership capabilities. Answer this question by providing an example of your management and leadership skills in a recent position as past behavior is a good predictor of future behavior.
Answer Example
"I pride myself on my excellent management and leadership skills, and I would describe my management style as incredibly inclusive and strategic. I truly love managing a team, working toward a common goal, and appreciate brainstorming ideas with others while helping them reach their professional goals. For instance, in my last role at (X company) as (X position title), I regularly had to lead teams of professionals (X further information pertaining to the projects you managed). I successfully managed teams of (X number of professionals you managed at once)."
23. How will working for our company help you reach your professional goals?
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewer what seems particularly great about the company, e.g., their services, initiatives, growth opportunities, and so on.
Make sure to answer by providing evidence that you did your due diligence before the interview (i.e., by mentioning something exciting you saw on the job posting, company website or social media pages), which demonstrates you are serious about working for this employer specifically and are not simply looking for any job. Link this evidence to your professional goals proving this position was made for you and it is one in which you will excel.
For instance, you can point to their growth opportunities. Alternatively, you can point to their seemingly friendly company culture as per some specific programs or initiatives you came across on their website - adding how friendly and how much of a team-player you are and that this is exactly the type of work environment you are looking for.
Answer Example
"I am looking to grow within the organization which isn't possible at my current position, and I know you have exciting opportunities such as (X positions you saw on the company website). I also saw on your website that your company is participating in (X exciting initiative). This is a great initiative contributing to the company morale by strengthening relationships while giving back to the community. I always seek the opportunity to demonstrate my team playing skills and hope to work with colleagues I will consider part of my family."
24. What are your long term career goals?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your career goals in ~seven to ten years from now. Ensure to link your career goals to the company you are applying for to show the interviewer you can be a long-term asset for the company and that you are looking for stability.
Answer Example
"In seven to ten years from now, for instance, I would like to have grown within the same company I started off with, having acquired skills enabling me to establish myself as a treasury expert. I would love to be responsible for more managerial duties and ultimately lead a team of professionals."
25. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Transportation Manager?
How to Answer
Provide an answer as to the reasons that led you to pursue a career in transportation management, and link this answer to the position you are applying for - so as to demonstrate your chosen career field/original career goal is in line with this role.
Answer Example
"I decided to pursue a career in transportation management because I (X reasons for pursuing that career, such as passion for this field or having a parent who worked in this field). I also sincerely feel the position I applied for is a perfect fit as I already possess the personality traits and required experience for this role."
26. Why are you the best candidate for us?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer your strengths including your qualities and educational/professional qualifications and how they will benefit you in this role.
Answer Example
"In addition to my educational qualifications and experience which I believed prepared me for this role, I am a hard-worker, a team player and work tirelessly to get the job done. I thrive on challenges and always remain extremely committed to the success of any project."
27. Tell me about your detail oriented capabilities.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your detail oriented capabilities in a work environment by providing an example in a professional or volunteer capacity, or alternatively in a university setting.
Answer Example
"I believe detail oriented capabilities are essential to successfully perform in any position. I can proudly say I am incredibly meticulous. For instance, when working for (X company) as (X position title), I (X example in a professional capacity preferably similar to the position you applied for, proving you already have the capabilities and experience required for this job)."