Transport Planner

162102872

£32,000 - £35,000 Per Annum

Full Time

Permanent

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Driving And Transport

Posted 18 hours ago

Expires In 28 Days

Job 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.