How to Create the Perfect Resume for a Job at Transportation and Shipping

Contact Information

This section should be clear, accurate, and easy to find at the top of your resume.

Include:

• Your full name.
• Phone number (ensure it’s a professional voicemail).
• Professional email address (avoid informal addresses).
• City and State (full address is often not needed for initial applications).
• Optional: Link to a professional networking profile like LinkedIn (if relevant and up-to-date).

Accuracy here is paramount. A hiring manager can’t contact you if your details are wrong.

Summary or Objective Statement

This is your elevator pitch – a brief (2-4 sentences) snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table.

Choose between a summary and an objective based on your experience level:

Summary (Experienced Professionals): Highlight your years of experience, key achievements, and core competencies relevant to transportation.

Example: “Highly experienced CDL Class A driver with 10+ years in long-haul transportation, recognized for exceptional safety record and on-time delivery performance. Proficient in electronic logs (ELDs) and route optimization software.”

Objective (Entry-Level or Career Changers): State your career goals and explain why you’re a good fit despite limited direct experience, focusing on transferable skills and enthusiasm.

Example: “Motivated individual seeking an entry-level logistics coordinator position to apply strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Eager to contribute to efficient supply chain operations and grow within the transportation industry.”

Tailor this statement for *each* job application, incorporating keywords from the job description.

Work Experience

This is arguably the most important section. List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

For each position, include:

• Job Title
• Company Name
• Location (City, State)
• Dates of Employment (Month, Year – Month, Year)

Below these details, use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and, more importantly, your *achievements*.

Focus on quantifiable results whenever possible. Use strong action verbs relevant to the transportation sector.

Instead of “responsible for deliveries,” say “Delivered goods on time,” “Managed delivery routes,” or “Ensured secure loading of freight.”

Examples of impact-focused bullet points:

• Managed daily delivery routes covering 300+ miles, maintaining a 98% on-time performance rate.
• Operated forklifts and pallet jacks to efficiently load and unload shipments, increasing throughput by 15%.
• Maintained a perfect safety record over 5 years of driving, adhering strictly to all traffic and company regulations.
• Coordinated logistics for over 50 daily shipments, optimizing routes to reduce fuel consumption by 10%.
• Troubleshot and resolved minor vehicle mechanical issues on the road, minimizing downtime and repair costs.

If you have experience with specific equipment (e.g., reefers, flatbeds, specific types of forklifts), mention it here or in the skills section.

If you’re applying for a driving role, specify the type of vehicle driven (e.g., tractor-trailer, straight truck, delivery van).

Education and Training

List your educational background, starting with the most recent.

Include:

• Degree or Certification Name
• Name of Institution
• Location of Institution
• Graduation Date (or expected date)

For transportation roles, this section should also highlight any relevant vocational training, apprenticeships, or courses related to logistics, safety, or vehicle maintenance.

Did you complete a professional truck driving program? Did you get certified in warehouse management? List it here.

Skills

This section is critical for showcasing your capabilities.

Divide your skills into categories like technical/hard skills and soft skills. Include specific skills relevant to transportation and shipping:

• Technical/Hard Skills:
  • Driving Licenses (CDL Class A, B, C, endorsements like HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples)
  • Equipment Operation (Forklifts, Pallet Jacks, Cranes, Reach Trucks)
  • Vehicle Maintenance (Basic inspections, minor repairs)
  • Logistics Software (e.g., dispatch systems, route planning software, warehouse management systems – WMS)
  • Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) / HOS Compliance
  • Cargo Securement
  • DOT Regulations Knowledge
  • Inventory Management
  • Shipping Software (e.g., tracking systems, shipping platforms)
• Soft Skills:
  • Safety Awareness
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Communication (with dispatchers, customers)
  • Reliability and Dependability
  • Adaptability (to changing routes, schedules)
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service

Consider presenting some key skills in a table for easy scanning by recruiters and ATS.

Include skills listed in the job description, using the exact phrasing whenever possible to help with ATS scanning.

Licenses and Certifications

Given the regulatory nature of transportation, a dedicated section for licenses and certifications is often crucial.

List all relevant licenses and certifications, including the issuing authority and expiration date if applicable.

Examples:

• CDL Class A, State of [Your State], Issued: [Date], Exp: [Date]
• HAZMAT Endorsement, Exp: [Date]
• Forklift Operator Certification, Issued by [Issuing Body], [Date]
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Certification, [Date]
• TWIC Card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential), Exp: [Date]
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Physical Card), Exp: [Date]
• Any company-specific training certifications (e.g., specific safety programs).

Ensure these are current and valid. This section is particularly important for roles involving driving, handling specific types of freight, or operating heavy machinery.

Research the Company Culture and Values

FedEx, like any large corporation, has its own culture, mission, and values.

Look at their official website to understand what they prioritize.

Do they emphasize safety, customer service, innovation, or community involvement?

Weave these themes into your summary and work experience bullet points where applicable.

For instance, if FedEx highlights safety, emphasize your clean driving record or adherence to safety protocols. Learn more about their operations and history on the FedEx official website.

Analyze the Job Description

This is perhaps the most critical step in tailoring.

Read the job description carefully. Identify the key responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications listed.

Your resume should directly address as many of these points as possible.

Use keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume, especially in the summary, skills, and work experience sections.

For example, if a FedEx driver job description mentions “using handheld scanning technology,” make sure your resume lists “Handheld Scanner Operation” under skills or mentions “Utilized handheld scanners for package tracking and delivery confirmation” in your experience section.

Quantify Achievements Relevant to Their Needs

Think about what matters to a company like FedEx: efficiency, reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Frame your achievements using numbers that speak to these areas. Examples:

• Completed daily routes with a 99.5% accuracy rate in package delivery.
• Managed a fleet of 10 vehicles, ensuring all met safety inspection standards.
• Received commendations from customers for friendly and efficient service on over 100 deliveries.
• Contributed to a team that reduced loading times by 20% through improved procedures.

Mention Specific FedEx Experience (if applicable)

If you have previously worked for FedEx or as a contractor, highlight this prominently.

If not, mention any experience with similar companies or systems that would be transferable.