How to write an impressive transportation & logistics cover letter

Applying for a job can be a pretty stressful process. You spend hours crafting the perfect resume, only to feel like it's all for nothing when you don't even get a call back. But the truth is, your resume is only one part of the equation.

The cover letter is just as important, if not more so. After all, it's your chance to make a good first impression and sell yourself to the company. So if you're hoping to land a transportation or logistics position, you should ensure your cover letter is up to par.

Fortunately, we're here to help. So whether you're applying for a truck driver job or a position in management, read on to find out what you need to do to get your foot in the door.

1. Make your transportation & logistics cover letter headline pop

A cover letter headline is a brief, attention-grabbing statement that sums up who you are as a candidate and why the employer should be interested in you. The key is to be specific and highlight your most relevant qualifications.

Here are examples of an effective transportation cover letter headline

A Highly Motivated Candidate With 5 Years of Experience in the Transportation Industry.
A Dedicated and Hardworking Truck Driver With a Perfect Safety Record.

For informal settings, you can make the headline pop by using a play on words or a pun relating to transportation.

Here are examples of some creative headlines

I'm the Driver You're Looking For.
Ready to Take the Wheel and Drive Your Business Forward.

The key is to be creative and think outside the box. A clever and attention-grabbing headline will make your cover letter stand out.

2. Use a proper form of salutation in a transportation & logistics cover letter

Using the wrong form of greeting in a cover letter can make you look disrespectful or unprofessional. So what is the correct form of salutation? Before we answer this question, let's first look into what a potential employer may consider the wrong form of salutation.

The most common mistake is addressing their cover letter "To Whom It May Concern." This may have been acceptable a few decades ago, but in today's day and age, it just comes across as lazy. It shows that you haven't taken the time to research the company or the person you are addressing the letter to.

If you can't find the name of the person you are supposed to be addressing the letter to, it's better to err on the side of other salutations.

Here are some formal salutations for your transportation cover letter

Dear Sir or Madam,
Dear Hiring Manager,

For informal settings, feel free to use the addressee's first name, such as "Dear John."

3. Make your transportation & logistics cover letter introduction memorable

Your cover letter introduction is your chance to make a good first impression. So how do you make sure it's a memorable one?

The key is to be brief, to the point, and, most importantly, relevant. You can start a cover letter in several ways.

Here's an example of an effective opening for your transportation cover letter

I am writing to apply for the truck driver position.

You should follow this statement with a brief description of your relevant experience and skills.

Another way is to compliment the company upfront.

I am impressed by your company's commitment to safety.

This will show that you have researched the company and present you as a candidate interested in more than just getting a job.

Whichever approach you choose, make sure you are concise and to the point. The last thing you want is for your cover letter introduction to lose the reader's attention.

4. Sell yourself in your transportation cover letter's body

The body of your cover letter is where you sell yourself as the best candidate for the job. This is where you expand on your qualifications and experience and show how they match the requirements of the position you are applying for in the transportation industry.

When writing the cover letter's body, keep in mind the following tips:

Use strong and persuasive language
Be specific about your qualifications and how they match the job requirements
Highlight your most relevant experience and accomplishments
Use numbers, data, and examples to support your claims
Mention why you prefer working with the company

Enhance your cover letter's readability by breaking it down into small paragraphs. You can also use bullet points to list your qualifications and experience. And make sure each paragraph flows smoothly into the next one.

5. Craft a powerful closing statement for your transportation & logistics cover letter

Your cover letter closing is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader. It should include a sentence restating your interest in the position and how your qualifications make you the best candidate for the job.

Mention how and when you will follow up with the employer.

Here’s an example of an effective transportation cover letter closing statement

I will call next week to discuss the possibility of scheduling an interview.

Sincerely,

[Applicant’s Name]

The above are just some tips on how to write a cover letter for a transportation or logistics position. We hope they'll unlock your creative juices and help you write a letter to get you the job you're after. If you still don't know where to start, check out these cover letter examples for inspiration.

Published on Dec. 12, 2022

Julia Gergelova

Resume Writer

Julia is a professional writer, translator and graphic designer. She holds degrees in translation and interpretation, and has international work experience from a number of different countries in Europe as well as China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and as a graphic designer contributed to outlets such as The Business of Business. She has a passion for lifelong learning and good coffee.