Transport Planner - Nights

Our client, a haulage company is looking for a Traffic Operator to join their office.

Nights 8pm-6am

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day container transport operations, including planning, scheduling, and execution of deliveries and collections.
• Oversee container movements to and from ports, depots, and customer sites, ensuring optimal vehicle utilisation.
• Lead, manage, and motivate drivers and transport staff, including performance management and training.
• Ensure full compliance with transport legislation, including O-licence requirements, drivers’ hours, Working Time Directive, and tachograph regulations.
• Liaise with ports, shipping lines, container depots, and customers to ensure smooth operations and resolve issues promptly.
• Monitor and control transport costs, identifying opportunities for efficiency savings and improved performance.
• Manage subcontractors where required, ensuring compliance with company and legal standards.
• Ensure all vehicles are maintained in line with legal and company requirements, working closely with maintenance providers.
• Handle operational issues such as delays, damages, incidents, and customer complaints, implementing corrective actions.
• Produce and analyse transport KPIs, reports, and performance data.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the transport function.

Container-Specific Responsibilities

• Strong understanding of container types, weights, VGM requirements, and port booking systems.
• Experience managing demurrage, detention, and quay rent, with a focus on cost control.
• Knowledge of port procedures, turnaround times, and operational constraints.
• Coordination of container collections and returns to minimise delays and additional charges.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong health and safety culture across the transport operation.
• Ensure all risk assessments, driver inductions, and toolbox talks are completed and up to date.
• Investigate accidents and incidents, implementing preventative measures.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as a Transport Manager within container haulage or a container-focused logistics environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK transport legislation and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing drivers and transport teams.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to liaise at all levels.
• IT literate, with experience using transport management systems (TMS)