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How to hire a traffic supervisor

Traffic supervisor hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring traffic supervisors in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a traffic supervisor is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new traffic supervisor to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a traffic supervisor, step by step

To hire a traffic supervisor, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a traffic supervisor:

Here's a step-by-step traffic supervisor hiring guide:

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

    Before you post your traffic supervisor job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a traffic supervisor for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A traffic supervisor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, traffic supervisors 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.

    The following list breaks down different types of traffic supervisors and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Traffic SupervisorDescriptionHourly rate
    Traffic Supervisor$16-31
    Warehouse LeadWarehouse leads are responsible for supply chain management in distribution centers. Their duties and responsibilities include supervising employees and evaluating their performance, meeting safety regulations, and monitoring deliveries and shipments... Show more$12-29
    Distribution CoordinatorA distribution coordinator oversees and coordinates the distribution operations of a warehouse, ensuring products get to their destinations in a timely and accurate manner. They typically set guidelines and objectives, perform assessments and inspections, liaise with internal and external parties, and develop strategies to optimize operations... Show more$13-22
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Safety Rules
    • Traffic Control Devices
    • Freight Carriers
    • Logistics
    • Direct Reports
    • Account Executives
    • AS400
    • Performance Reviews
    • Forwarders
    • Inventory Control
    • LTL
    • Customer Orders
    • Traffic Functions
    • Troubleshoot
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Achieve continuous efficiency gains by leveraging WMS capabilities and implementing sustainable operating procedures.
    • Account for cycle count implementation and process, FIFO, physical inventory, month-end reconciliciation with accounting.
    • Apply knowledge and experience of these facilities to advise DynCorp and USAF on Iraqi controller training and ATC issues.
    • Develop many relationships with regional, national, and export carriers (TL and LTL).
    • Communicate volume requirements with carriers (TL and LTL) and railroads to ensure monthly and year-end financial requirements are met.
    • Lead, train and prepare a team responsible for receiving, shipping, warehousing, MRO stock level review and replenishment.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your traffic supervisor job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A traffic supervisor can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, traffic supervisors' average salary in louisiana is 30% less than in district of columbia.
    • Seniority. Entry-level traffic supervisors 48% less than senior-level traffic supervisors.
    • Certifications. A traffic supervisor with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a traffic supervisor's salary.

    Average traffic supervisor salary

    $47,693yearly

    $22.93 hourly rate

    Entry-level traffic supervisor salary
    $34,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 15, 2025
  4. Writing a traffic supervisor job description

    A job description for a traffic supervisor role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a traffic supervisor job description:

    Traffic supervisor job description example

    II. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
    1. Logistics Management and Customer Service - Oversee and implement traffic control operations for the Terminal.
    2. Permitting and Documentation Management - Ensure the security of the Terminal and appropriate product management.
    3. Administrative - Ensure documentation is complete for all inbound and outbound traffic.
    4. Rail Management - Ensure growth and servicing of rail car division.

    III. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

    A. Logistics Management and Customer Service
    1. Communicate with customers and vendors to ensure the smooth flow of approved traffic into and out of the Terminal, as needed.
    2. Oversee the planning of inbound and outbound loads and prioritizing as needed.
    3. Supervise daily communication between Logistics and CTC Operations on proper, timely, and accurate transfer of product. Assess priorities based on time sensitive requests.
    4. Ensure that customer relations are maintained or exceed expectations. Report deficiencies to the Vice President of Terminal Operations and Business Development and/or Terminal Manager as soon as possible.
    5. Analyze CTC dashboard data and reports to promote Terminal traffic efficiency.
    6. Account for and manage potential carrier demurrage for Terminal Manager to report in Terminal budget.
    7. Monitor quality of Logistics team's daily performance, providing guidance and advice, as necessary.
    8. Develop and maintain excellent service to internal and external customers at all times.
    B. Permitting and Documentation Management
    1. Ensure Logistics team enforces compliance of all administrative policies, procedures, safety rules and government regulations for traffic in and out of the Terminal.
    2. Responsible to driving Logistics responsibilities by constantly evaluating processes, procedures and requirements outlined by customers.
    3. Oversee and manage SDS documentation provided by customers. Collaborate with team to ensure SDS software is up to date.
    4. Periodically audit and update the operational guidelines with relevant customer information and provide to CTC Operations and Logistics team.
    C. Administration
    1. Ensure daily trackage and reconciliation of cargo receipts, documentation, and inventory to ensure accurate and timely billing of customers and payment for services.
    2. Work closely with Financial Accounting regarding inventory reconciliation, CSX, customer demurrage and throuput.
    3. Ensure compliance of entry and delivery of CTC Contractors / Project Materials in consultation with Terminal Manager.
    4. Ensure collaboration between Logistics and Laboratory to guarantee efficient follow of laboratory analysis results.
    5. Maintain all Driver records and files.
    6. Interact and comply to all customer SAP and informational system requirements.
    7. Ensure that Logistics meets all performance standards and performance metrics.

    IV. TRAITS & ATTRIBUTES
    1. Strong business analysis skills, understanding, and usage of statistical algorithms, inventory optimization concepts awareness of tactical planning on the overall supply chain required
    2. Excellent computer skills, especially MS Word and Excel
    3. Able to work well under pressure and with limited oversight


    V. RELATIONSHIP
    The Traffic Supervisor reports to the Terminal Manager and provides daily supervision to the Logistics team.

    VI. EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
    1. Bachelor's degree is preferred.
    2. Minimum 3 to 5 years' experience in a transportation or logistics environment.
    3. Must have excellent organizational and time management skills and be able to work independently and as a team and run multiple projects at one time.
    4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

    VII OUTCOMES
    Living up to these attributes and fulfilling these roles will help to improve the Terminal operations and profitability. The goal is to be a trusted partner who executes his/her responsibilities diligently and reliably, consistent with CBC's culture and identity, thereby allowing the Terminal Manager to focus and spend increased time on their highest priorities and responsibilities.


    Consistent with its duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of recognized hazards, Canal Barge has adopted this policy to safeguard the health and well-being of employees and their families who spend time in its facilities. This policy is intended to comply with all federal, state, and local laws. It is based upon guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and public health authorities, as applicable.

    Before being assigned to work, all new hires for employment with Canal Barge must either (a) be vaccinated for the COVID-19 novel coronavirus; or (b) seek an approved exemption as an accommodation.

    Canal Barge Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

  5. Post your job

    To find the right traffic supervisor for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with traffic supervisors they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit traffic supervisors who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your traffic supervisor job on Zippia to find and recruit traffic supervisor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit traffic supervisors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates 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 traffic supervisor

    Once you've decided on a perfect traffic supervisor 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 equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new traffic supervisor. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  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 traffic supervisor?

Hiring a traffic supervisor comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting traffic supervisors involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of traffic supervisor recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

Traffic supervisors earn a median yearly salary is $47,693 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find traffic supervisors for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $16 and $31.

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