Details:
- Salary: £32,000 - 35,000 - Annum
- Job Type: Permanent
- Job Status: Full-Time
- Salary Per: Annum
- Location: Stoke-on-Trent
- Date: 1 day ago
Description:
Our client in the Stoke-on-Trent area are looking for a Transport Planner, responsible for effectively planning, coordinating, and managing the distributions daily vehicle operations across general haulage and consolidation services.
Key Responsibilities
Transport Planning & Operations
Create and manage daily transport plans for HGV fleet, ensuring efficient vehicle and driver utilisation.
Plan cost-effective delivery and collection schedules while maintaining compliance with transport legislation.
Maximise profitability through effective load consolidation across multiple customer requirements.
Utilise local geographical knowledge to optimise routes and improve operational efficiency.
Depart all drivers each morning with complete and accurate route plans and instructions.
Prepare and produce vehicle manifests, load manifests, and associated customer documentation.
Ensure priority loading lists and operational handovers are printed and communicated appropriately.
Monitor transport operations throughout the day and adjust plans as required to meet service commitments.
Driver & Fleet Coordination
Liaise closely with drivers regarding daily schedules, operational challenges, and customer requirements.
Identify recurring route issues through driver feedback and incorporate local knowledge into future planning.
Manage driver availability issues, including:
Driver absences
Non-attendance
Vehicle defects
Vehicle breakdowns
Last-minute operational changes
Source agency driver covers when required.
Re-plan deliveries and collections quickly in response to operational disruptions.
Assist with driver debrief processes and related administrative duties.
Customer Service & Communication
Provide proactive communication to customers regarding:
Delivery progress
Collection status
Estimated times of arrival (ETAs)
Service disruptions
Delivery exceptions
Handle customer concerns, escalations, and service-related enquiries professionally and efficiently.
Respond to incoming messages and queries through Contrado and other communication systems.
Ensure all incoming customer and operational telephone calls are managed promptly and effectively.
Systems & Administration
Utilise Transport Management Systems (TMS), including Haultech and Contrado, to:
Plan routes
Allocate vehicles and drivers
Record operational data
Maintain accurate transport records
Update Contrado and Haultech with relevant notes and operational information.
Ensure redelivery and return jobs are entered accurately, including correct delivery dates and customer information.
Maintain accurate documentation and records in line with company procedures.
Compliance & Performance
Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, including:
Driver Hours Regulations
Tachograph Regulations
Working Time Directive
Vehicle weight restrictions
Road transport compliance requirements
Monitor and support vehicle maintenance scheduling requirements.
Track and analyse key operational KPIs, including:
On-time delivery performance
Vehicle utilisation
Fuel efficiency
Cost per mile
Identify trends and opportunities for operational improvements and cost reduction.
Team Collaboration
Work collaboratively with:
General Haulage Planning Team
Palletline Planning Team
Warehouse Operations
Customer Service Department
Transport Management
Identify periods of excess volume and support effective resource planning through vehicle allocation and subcontractor utilisation when necessary.
Develop skills across both General Haulage and Palletline operations to provide wider team support and operational resilience.
Support colleagues across planning functions during periods of absence, holiday cover, or increased workload