Transport Operators - Containers

TLP Recruitment; Felixstowe; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Parking

Pension

UK Discounts

Job summary

TLP Recruitment is seeking an experienced Traffic Operator for a busy container haulage operation in Felixstowe (and LGW). You will plan and coordinate container movements, optimise fleet utilisation and liaise with drivers, port staff and customers across the UK.

Strong Excel and TOPS experience are essential, with flexibility to manage last‑minute changes. Applicants should have transport planning experience, knowledge of UK port operations, and the ability to stay calm under pressure in a

Qualifications

• Experience in container haulage or traffic planning.
• Multi-port/inland terminal experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of UK port operations and driver hours.
• Proficient in Excel for planning and reporting.
• Experience allocating work to HGV drivers.
• Familiar with TOPS or similar transport systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and allocate container movements across UK locations.
• Coordinate collections and deliveries across ports, inland terminals, depots and customer sites.
• Liaise with operators, port supervisors, drivers and freight partners.
• Monitor and adapt schedules to meet changing operational demands.
• Support the Customer Service team with planning queries and updates.
• Maintain accurate job records and update TOPS and other transport systems.
• Monitor waiting time, demurrage, detention and additional haulage charges.

Skills

Container haulage experience

Transport operations planning

MS Excel

Driver hours compliance

Organisational skills

Communication skills

TOPS system experience

Tools

TOPS system

Microsoft Office

Job description

Traffic Operator – Container Haulage – Felixstowe OR LGW

Salary Circ £35-£45K DOE

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.
• Strong Microsoft Office/Excel skills.
• 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.