Transport Planner

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.

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