Transport Operators - Containers

TLP Recruitment; Felixstowe; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Parking

Pension

UK Discounts

Job summary

TLP Recruitment is seeking an experienced Traffic Operator to join a busy container haulage operation in Felixstowe. You will coordinate daily transport planning and resources across the UK, ensuring containers and drivers move efficiently while adapting to last-minute changes.

The role requires strong organisational and communication skills, experience in container movements, and familiarity with TOPS or similar systems, with KPI-focused performance and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in container haulage, transport operations or traffic planning.
• Multi-port and inland terminal experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of container movements and UK port operations.
• Experience allocating work to HGV drivers.
• TOPS or similar system experience advantageous.
• Good understanding of drivers' hours and transport compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily transport planning and resource allocation across UK locations.
• Plan and allocate container movements, optimising fleet and driver utilisation.
• Coordinate collections and deliveries across ports, inland terminals, depots and customer sites.
• Liaise with operators, port supervisors, drivers, customers and freight partners.
• Monitor and adapt schedules to meet changing operational demands.
• Support the Customer Service team with planning queries and updates.
• Resolve delays, port congestion, failed collections and other issues.
• Ensure drivers have correct job details, booking information and documentation.
• Monitor drivers' hours and ensure compliance with transport regulations.
• Maintain accurate job records and update TOPS and other transport systems.
• Use Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for planning and reporting.
• Assist with KPI tracking and identifying efficiency opportunities.
• Monitor waiting time, demurrage, detention and charges.

Skills

container haulage

transport operations

traffic planning

driver allocation

multi-port experience

UK port operations

calm under pressure

Tools

TOPS system

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Traffic Operator - Container Haulage - Felixstowe OR LGW

Free Parking

Pension

UK Discounts

We're looking for an experienced Traffic Operator to join our busy container haulage operation. You'll be responsible for keeping vehicles, drivers and containers moving efficiently across our UK network - while dealing with the inevitable last-minute changes that come with transport!

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily transport planning and resource allocation across UK locations.
• Plan and allocate container movements, optimising fleet and driver utilisation.
• Coordinate collections and deliveries across ports, inland terminals, depots and customer sites.
• Liaise with operators, port supervisors, drivers, customers and freight partners.
• Monitor and adapt schedules to meet changing operational demands.
• Support the Customer Service team with planning queries and customer updates.
• Resolve delays, port congestion, failed collections and other operational issues.
• Ensure drivers have correct job details, booking information and documentation.
• Monitor drivers' hours and ensure compliance with transport regulations.
• Maintain accurate job records and update TOPS and other transport systems.
• Use Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for planning and reporting.
• Assist with KPI tracking and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Monitor waiting time, demurrage, detention and additional haulage charges.

Experience & Skills

• Previous experience in container haulage, transport operations or traffic planning.
• Multi-port and inland terminal experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of container movements and UK port operations.
• Experience allocating work to HGV drivers.
• TOPS or similar system experience advantageous.
• Good understanding of drivers' hours and transport compliance.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure - because in haulage, the plan rarely survives the morning coffee!

The Person

A proactive, organised and commercially aware team player who can manage multiple priorities, communicate confidently with drivers and customers, and make quick decisions when things change.