How to hire a terminal manager

How to hire a terminal manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step terminal manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a terminal manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new terminal manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a terminal manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The terminal manager hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A terminal manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, terminal managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents terminal manager salaries for various positions.

   Type of Terminal Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Terminal Manager		$26-47
   Logistics Director	A logistics director spearheads and oversees a company's logistics operations. They are primarily responsible for setting goals and guidelines, managing the budgets and timelines, researching new opportunities, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of operations, and implementing solutions against problem areas... Show more	$33-80
   Transportation Officer	A Transportation Officer is an expert in all transport affairs. Serving in this role, your duties will include ensuring the provision of transportation to inmates for medical appointments and emergency response... Show more	$13-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • DOT
   • OSHA
   • Payroll
   • Facility Maintenance
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Safety Rules
   • Safety Regulations
   • Terminal Operations
   • CDL
   • ISO
   • Human Resources
   • LTL
   • Government Regulations

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage all CDL drivers files, medical re-certifications, and random drug and alcohol testing.
   • Utilize company trucks and outside carriers to achieve proper and JIT deliveries of order goods.
   • Provide route profitability analysis as directed, manage transportation GPS process.
   • Manage all truckload and LTL warehouse operations including consolidation and distribution for several customers.
   • Coordinate logistics process, freight movement, and contractor activities managing inbound/outbound freight, customer service and administration.
   • Manage inventory of inbound ocean containers, coordinate and schedule TL operations, supervise yard hostlers and manage outbound trailer traffic.

   More terminal manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the terminal manager job description is a good way to get more applicants. A terminal manager salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a terminal manager in Michigan may be lower than in Virginia, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level terminal manager. Additionally, a terminal manager with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average terminal manager salary

   $74,237yearly

   $35.69 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level terminal manager salary

   $55,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average terminal manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$87,951	$42
   2	Texas	$85,488	$41
   3	North Carolina	$84,181	$40
   4	New Jersey	$80,436	$39
   5	Kansas	$80,338	$39
   6	New York	$76,855	$37
   7	Pennsylvania	$74,682	$36
   8	Georgia	$72,004	$35
   9	Illinois	$71,044	$34
   10	Colorado	$70,883	$34
   11	Massachusetts	$70,610	$34
   12	Maryland	$70,568	$34
   13	Louisiana	$69,207	$33
   14	Missouri	$69,169	$33
   15	Ohio	$68,902	$33
   16	South Carolina	$68,508	$33
   17	Tennessee	$63,678	$31
   18	Utah	$62,910	$30
   19	Florida	$62,664	$30

   Average terminal manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Hub Group	$98,988	$47.59	9
   2	Yellow	$95,608	$45.97
   3	Crete Carrier	$85,654	$41.18
   4	Delaware River Waterfront	$81,640	$39.25
   5	New Penn Financial, LLC	$80,805	$38.85
   6	Airgas	$79,933	$38.43	10
   7	Nashville International Airport	$78,888	$37.93
   8	National Retail Systems, Inc.	$78,319	$37.65
   9	HMSHost	$78,103	$37.55	3
   10	Holland	$77,635	$37.32
   11	IT TECHNOLOGY	$77,337	$37.18
   12	Oldcastle Infrastructure	$76,853	$36.95	22
   13	Dohrn Transfer	$73,242	$35.21	2
   14	OOCL	$72,511	$34.86
   15	Eagle Systems	$70,805	$34.04
   16	Katmai Careers	$70,774	$34.03
   17	Trinity Technology Group	$69,576	$33.45
   18	YRC Freight	$68,869	$33.11
   19	PGT Trucking	$68,796	$33.08	4
   20	Capstone Logistics	$68,551	$32.96	6

4. Writing a terminal manager job description

   A terminal manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a terminal manager job description:

   Terminal manager job description example

   The Colonial Family has moved forward together since 1921. Our success in diverse markets is attributable to our exceptional people, who work collectively to create opportunities for our customers and our companies. By consistently investing in the development of our people, we ensure our management, operations, and support teams work seamlessly to deliver the best service in their respective industries.
   
   With the growth of all of the Colonial companies, we look for talented, motivated individuals who want to become part of a company with a culture driven by diversity, innovation, and ingenuity.
   Build Your Career, Impact Your Community, Join Our Colonial Family!
   
   The Terminal Manager is responsible for the growth, development, and management of the assigned terminal(s) by promoting strong partnerships with the sales team, operations, drivers, vendors, and customers. The Terminal Manager also plays a vital role in the professional growth and development of their employees.
   
   JOB EXPECTATIONS/DUTIES
   Prepares and executes strategic plans to support growth.
   Trains, motivates, and enables the operations team.
   Administers all aspects of safety programs.
   Oversees fleet maintenance in accordance with company and DOT standards.
   Ensures efficient dispatch, minimizing costs and sales-to-delivery timelines.
   Maintains DOT compliance, IFTA mileage, driver logs, and DVIRS.
   Supervises inventory management functions and site product integrity program.
   Negotiates with vendors with the overall goal of lowering operations costs.
   Other duties as assigned.
   
   QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
   High School Diploma of GED is required.
   A minimum of 5 years of experience in petroleum maintenance management is preferred.
   Must have a strong understanding of DOT rules and regulations as well as the motor carrier environment.
   24/7 reliability and response for operations support is required.
   Previous supervisory experience is preferred.
   A strong HSSE track record, particularly with road safety management, is highly desired.
   Class A or B CDL; hazmat and tanker endorsements is desired.
   
   Physical Requirements:
   
   The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Travel is required as needed for company meetings.
   
   Eligibility Requirements:
   
   Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.
   
   ______________________________________________________________________
   
   Colonial Group, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our organizations.
   
   Other details
   Pay Type Salary

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find terminal managers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your terminal manager job on Zippia to find and recruit terminal manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit terminal managers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new terminal manager

   Once you've decided on a perfect terminal manager candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new terminal manager. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a terminal manager?