Transport Planner

<p class="text-muted mb-3">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.</p>

<h5 class="fw-bold text-success mt-4 mb-3">Key Responsibilities</h5>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Transport Planning & Operations</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Create and manage daily transport plans for HGV fleet, ensuring efficient vehicle and driver utilisation.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Plan cost-effective delivery and collection schedules while maintaining compliance with transport legislation.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Maximise profitability through effective load consolidation across multiple customer</p>

<h5 class="fw-bold text-success mt-4 mb-3">requirements.</h5>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Utilise local geographical knowledge to optimise routes and improve operational efficiency.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Depart all drivers each morning with complete and accurate route plans and instructions.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Prepare and produce vehicle manifests, load manifests, and associated customer documentation.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Ensure priority loading lists and operational handovers are printed and communicated appropriately.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Monitor transport operations throughout the day and adjust plans as required to meet service commitments.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Driver & Fleet Coordination</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Liaise closely with drivers regarding daily schedules, operational challenges, and customer</p>

<h5 class="fw-bold text-success mt-4 mb-3">requirements.</h5>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Identify recurring route issues through driver feedback and incorporate local knowledge into future planning.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Manage driver availability issues, including: </p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Driver absences</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Non-attendance</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Vehicle defects</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Vehicle breakdowns</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Last-minute operational changes</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Source agency driver covers when required.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Re-plan deliveries and collections quickly in response to operational disruptions.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Assist with driver debrief processes and related administrative duties.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Customer Service & Communication</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Provide proactive communication to customers regarding: </p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Delivery progress</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Collection status</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Estimated times of arrival (ETAs)</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Service disruptions</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Delivery exceptions</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Handle customer concerns, escalations, and service-related enquiries professionally and efficiently.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Respond to incoming messages and queries through Contrado and other communication systems.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Ensure all incoming customer and operational telephone calls are managed promptly and effectively.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Systems & Administration</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Utilise Transport Management Systems (TMS), including Haultech and Contrado, to: </p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Plan routes</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Allocate vehicles and drivers</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Record operational data</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Maintain accurate transport records</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Update Contrado and Haultech with relevant notes and operational information.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Ensure redelivery and return jobs are entered accurately, including correct delivery dates and customer information.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Maintain accurate documentation and records in line with company procedures.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Compliance & Performance</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, including: </p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Driver Hours Regulations</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Tachograph Regulations</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Working Time Directive</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Vehicle weight restrictions</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Road transport compliance</p>

<h5 class="fw-bold text-success mt-4 mb-3">requirements</h5>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Monitor and support vehicle maintenance scheduling</p>

<h5 class="fw-bold text-success mt-4 mb-3">requirements.</h5>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Track and analyse key operational KPIs, including: </p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">On-time delivery performance</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Vehicle utilisation</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Fuel efficiency</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Cost per mile</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Identify trends and opportunities for operational improvements and cost reduction.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Team Collaboration</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Work collaboratively with: </p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">General Haulage Planning Team</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Palletline Planning Team</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Warehouse Operations</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Customer Service Department</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Transport Management</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Identify periods of excess volume and support effective resource planning through vehicle allocation and subcontractor utilisation when necessary.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Develop skills across both General Haulage and Palletline operations to provide wider team support and operational resilience.</p>

<p class="text-muted mb-3">Support colleagues across planning functions during periods of absence, holiday cover, or increased workload</p>